Describe the Ewell place. Why do you think there are geraniums in the yard? Baily


In chapter 17, Scout gives a description of the Ewell family yard.
The yard is full of trash and random items scattered all around the fence inclosed yard.
Scout says that there was “the remains of a Model-T Ford, a discarded dentist chair, an ancient icebox,
plus lesser items” (194). The Ewell family is very poor, which is most likely the reason why their yard is
such a mess. Although Lee describes in great detail, the mess that their yard is, she also makes a point
to emphasize a corner of the yard, that has very well taken care of, very pretty, red geraniums, that
Miss Maudie planted. These geraniums help to make the yard look a little nicer but are also used as a
symbol for the Ewell family, and maybe even all of Maycom. And that is that although something may
look all bad, there is still good in it. For example, Atticus explains to Scout that although he had plans
to kill him, he believes that he is still a person.There are many things wrong with the town of Maycomb,
but if you look closer at it, it’s clear that there is still goodness. 
What are some more examples of good in bad in Maycom? 
Is there any symbolism in what they had in the yard? 

Why else might have Lee described their yard? 

Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 25, 2019 at 9:24 AM

    I think that Harper Lee shows the good in bad things in Maycomb many times throughout the novel. For example, when the reader is first introduced to Mrs. Dubose, Lee leads them on to believe that she is just a mean neighbor. It isn’t until Mrs. Dubose dies that we see that she had her own problems, and that she isn’t just a mean person. This is also showed in the way Boo Radley’s character progresses from being a monster to being someone who is capable of kind things, which is showed in the way he puts a blanket around scout when she is cold.

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