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Who are the Ewells and why do they get special privileges?

According to Atticus, the Ewells have been the disgrace of Maycomb for three generations. The father, Bob Ewell, is the most despicable individual in the entire county and is a notorious alcoholic. The Ewells live like animals, and no one in the family has a job. Bob is a widower who spends all of his money from relief checks on alcohol and lets his children run wild. Atticus explains to Scout that the Ewell family has special privileges because common citizens have essentially become blind to some of their activities. Two special privileges given to the Ewells include not requiring the children to attend school, and allowing Bob to hunt and trap out of season. Atticus tells Scout that although it's against the law, people allow Bob to hunt and trap because he spends all his money on green whiskey. He says that Bob's children would not eat if he weren't allowed to hunt and trap. The citizens also do not punish the Ewells for not attending school. Atticus tells Scout that it would be "silly to force people like the Ewells into a new environment" (Lee 40). Simply put, the Ewells do not value education and will remain truant no matter what, which is why they are excused.

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