In Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus describes the Ewells as "the disgrace of Maycomb for three generations" (30). Bob Ewell, in particular, is the current patriarch of his clan and maintains this infamous disgrace by the way he speaks, behaves, and lives. Bob Ewell doesn't have any self-respect when it comes to working a steady job, taking care of his family properly, or following most laws, but it doesn't mean he has no pride. When Atticus cross-examines him in chapter 17, he proves that Bob Ewell is a liar and possibly a child abuser. Also, Ewell looks foolish and low-class when compared to Atticus's education, wit, and manners. As a result, Ewell feels shamed and personally attacked; therefore, he seeks revenge because he has no other power or common sense to fall back on. Thus, in chapter 23 , Bob Ewell spits in Atticus's face and challenges...
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him to a fight, which Atticus declines.
Atticus explains to his son why Mr. Ewell seeks retribution the way he does as follows:
Jem, see if you can stand in Bob Ewell's shoes a minute. I destroyed his last shred of credibility at that trial, if he had any to begin with. The man had to have some kind of comeback, his kind always does. So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that's something I'll gladly take. He had to take it out on somebody and I'd rather it be me than that houseful of children out there (218).
Atticus's explanation of Bob Ewell's character shows that he is not surprised by the way Ewell acts out after the trial. Nonetheless, Atticus does not expect Bob to take his revengeful feelings any further than simple actions like spitting in his face, hollering at Helen Robinson, or creeping into Judge Taylor's backyard. That is why Atticus is surprised when Ewell aggressively attacks his kids with a knife months after the trial. Needless to say, Bob Ewell is a self-centered low-life whose ignorant and hateful ways make him the perfect antagonist for Lee's story.