Analyzing the Themes Through Characters in the Novel To Kill a Mocking Bird (Essay Sample)

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To Kill a Mocking Bird
Issues of racism, injustice, and social class have been examined by many authors for the past several years. To kill a Mocking Bird represents one of such books that explore racism, happiness, injustice, social class among other social issues that have affected humans for decades. Different characters in the novel have been used to depict significant positions and classes, thereby helping readers to understand the intended message, theme, and plot of the novel. For instance, the author explores the issue of racism and class through several characters in the novel such as Tom Robinson, the Ewell family, among other minor characters in the novel. This article analyzes Ewell family with regards to class issues as represented in the novel.
Different characters in the novel are classified according to their income, and this brings the difference between upper and lower class. Majority whites qualify to be termed as the upper class since they afford basics and live a luxury life. However, some whites still struggle with life and therefore ranked as lower class. For example, the Ewell family is categorized in the group of low-class people in the community regardless of their skin color (Lee 19). They represent the only white commonly labeled as "poor white trash."
The family is comprised of whites, although they fall in a similar class that the blacks have occupied. The financial status of this family has contributed greatly to their ranking, and Bob Ewell is the cause of this happening (Lee 27). Children of this family are not raised according to the standards of the other normal whites. For instance, they are not well educated, and they cause more trouble more than any other whites.
Financial statuses of people in the novel define their social class. The Ewells struggle to afford the basic needs that the whites manage to pay for, and this is why they are labeled as poor white trash in the community that is full of poor blacks. The drinking habit of Bob Ewell has worsened the condition and living standards of this family. Mayella is the only member of the family who can achieve the expected lifestyle. However, she is completely held by the young ones because they depend on her every day (Lee 37). Moreover, she cannot afford to escape since the norms and trad