Who does Atticus think caused Bob Ewell’s death? This question remains a topic of much debate among readers of Harper Lee’s classic novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Throughout the story, Atticus Finch, the protagonist and a lawyer in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, exhibits a strong sense of justice and moral integrity. His beliefs and actions in the case of Bob Ewell’s death raise intriguing questions about the true nature of justice and the role of guilt in the American South during the 1930s.
In the novel, Bob Ewell, a brutal and despicable character, is found dead under mysterious circumstances. The townspeople are quick to assume that Tom Robinson, a black man who has been falsely accused of raping Ewell’s daughter, is responsible for the murder. However, Atticus Finch, who is representing Tom in court, is not so convinced. As a lawyer and a father, Atticus is well aware of the racial prejudices that permeate Maycomb society and the potential consequences of a wrongful conviction.
Atticus Finch’s skepticism about Tom Robinson’s guilt is evident in his investigation of Bob Ewell’s death. He meticulously examines the crime scene and questions the townspeople’s accounts of the events leading up to Ewell’s demise. While Atticus does not explicitly state who he believes caused Bob Ewell’s death, his actions and inactions suggest that he suspects a different culprit.
One piece of evidence that supports Atticus’s suspicion is the fact that he does not immediately involve the police in the investigation. This decision is particularly notable considering the urgency with which the townspeople demand justice for Ewell’s death. By delaying the involvement of law enforcement, Atticus may be attempting to uncover the truth behind the murder without the influence of racial prejudices and mob mentality.
Additionally, Atticus’s conversation with his son, Scout, provides further insight into his thoughts on the case. When Scout asks Atticus who he thinks killed Bob Ewell, Atticus responds, “I don’t know, but I think it was an accident.” This statement implies that Atticus may believe Bob Ewell’s death was not premeditated and that the real killer may have acted out of desperation or fear.
In the end, the novel leaves readers with a sense of ambiguity regarding who caused Bob Ewell’s death. Atticus Finch’s moral compass and dedication to justice prevent him from making a definitive conclusion. This ambiguity serves to highlight the complexities of human nature and the challenges of seeking the truth in a society rife with prejudice and injustice.
Who does Atticus think caused Bob Ewell’s death? While the novel does not provide a definitive answer, it encourages readers to question the assumptions and biases that often cloud our understanding of events. Through Atticus Finch’s unwavering commitment to justice, Harper Lee reminds us of the importance of seeking the truth and considering all possibilities, even when the path is fraught with difficulty.
