Determination In To Kill A Mockingbird

Determination is a word defined as “firmness of purpose; resoluteness” (Dictionary.com). In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, determination soaks into the mindset of a select few characters in a town named Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930s. The few characters with the asset of being determined are Bob Ewell, an enemy of many, Tom Robinson, a hardworking man, and Atticus Finch, a greatly appreciated person who sticks to his beliefs.

For instance, determination in Bob Ewell is involved in a variety of situations throughout the story. Bob Ewell is determined to be victorious in the case between his daughter, Mayella, and Tom Robinson. He is there for her to guide her through it alongside their lawyer, Mr. Gilmer. It is thought to be that Tom Robinson rapes Mayella Ewell one day. Bob Ewell arrives to the scene and sees Tom raping Mayella which leads to where Tom panics and runs off into the distance. With the case starting, Atticus begins to get under the skin of Bob Ewell, throwing a variety of questions his way, which leads to Ewell, without hesitation, declaring one hand is as “good as the other” (Lee 178). This quote indicates that Bob wants to be successful in any way possible in order to prove his point and win the trial. Atticus questions Bob on what his dominant hand is, and he answers directly with confidence, knowing he may be in some trouble. With the continuous fight from Bob, he furthers his determination and willingness to do anything in order to win when he