What does your study of this character reveal about the composer’s purpose?

Robert Ewell

At the beginning of the text when the Ewell family is first introduced, at Scout and Jem's school, the Ewell's are expected to be pitied on as they are portrayed as less fortunate and poor, however eventually Harper Lee uncovers the truth about the Ewell's, especially Robert Ewell, as we view his true thoughts and his real character in the story. After these ideas are revealed, we are expected to understand why the community of Maycomb, witness the Ewell family as the 'disgrace of Maycomb for three generations' through Robert Ewell's harsh, ignorant and arrogant actions towards the people of the African American community as well as the people in Maycomb County.