The Law and the Ewells in To Kill a Mockingbird: An Exploration
The Law and the Ewells in To Kill a Mockingbird: An Exploration
When discussing the fictional world of To Kill a Mockingbird, a question often arises: what laws are the Ewells allowed to break in the social and legal context of Maycomb? This article aims to explore this intricate issue through the lens of To Kill a Mockingbird and the character of Atticus Finch.
Introduction to the Ewells
The Ewells are a family in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, and their legal circumstances are a central theme of the story. Readers often wonder which laws they get a pass on, especially given their low social standing. Simply put, the Ewells' behavior is not condoned but rather overlooked or tolerated due to the socioeconomic conditions they face.
Atticus Finch and the Ewells
Atticus Finch, the protagonist and a principled lawyer, explains to Scout that the Ewells are allowed to break certain laws because they break others. This is a key plot point that highlights the societal and legal complexities of Maycomb. Atticus further clarifies that the law against hunting is a rule for hunting for sport, not for survival. Charles Ewell Sr., a member of the Ewell family, is depicted as an unemployed and survivalist who hunts to feed his family due to his refusal to get a job.
Community and Legal Discrepancies
The question of the Ewells' allowable legal transgressions is closely tied to the community's biases and the legal system's limitations. In Maycomb, it is understood that the Ewells fall outside the typical legal scrutiny. This situation reflects the broader systemic issues of the time, where certain communities face disparity in enforcement and legal consequences.
Legal and Social Implications
Atticus points out that the legal system in Maycomb bends the rules for the Ewells because of their behavior. This bending of laws is not an endorsement of their actions but rather a reflection of the social and legal realities. The Ewells' disregard for societal norms and laws, particularly regarding employment and education, is a focus of the narrative, emphasizing the systemic inequalities and legal discrepancies.
Bringing In Contemporary Context
It is important to consider these issues in the context of contemporary society. While the Ewells are a fictional family, the themes of socioeconomic disparity, legal inequalities, and social prejudice are relevant today. Understanding the legal and social implications of such situations can help us navigate and reform current policies to address similar issues.
The novel To Kill a Mockingbird, through its portrayal of the Ewells, provides valuable insights into the functioning of legal and social systems. By examining these complex dynamics, we can better understand the challenges faced by marginalized communities and work towards more equitable solutions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ewells in To Kill a Mockingbird are allowed to break certain laws in the narrative of Maycomb due to their low social status and the systemic biases inherent in the judicial and social systems of the time. This exploration of the legal and social implications in To Kill a Mockingbird not only enriches our understanding of the novel but also highlights the ongoing relevance of these issues in contemporary society.