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What family is Atticus describing when he says that they "lived like animals"?

Atticus is describing the Ewell family by commenting on how they lived like animals. 


In Chapter 3, Scout discusses her rough first day of school with her father. She tells Atticus that she doesn't have to go back to school because Burris Ewell is allowed to miss the entire school year after he comes on the first day. Atticus then discusses Burris Ewell's family history with Scout. He begins by telling Scout that the Ewells have been the disgrace of Maycomb for three generations, and none of them have ever done an honest day's work in their lives. Atticus says, "They were people, but they lived like animals" (Lee 20). Scout listens as her father goes on to explain how Bob Ewell is an alcoholic who spends all of his money on whiskey. Throughout the novel, the Ewells disrespect others, cause numerous citizens harm, and are viewed with contempt throughout the Maycomb community.

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