Discuss the Representation of Marginalized Groups in to...

Throughout the novel, we see that the characters are divided into certain distinct groups, which represent the major groups in general society. We also see the social divide between these groups, and while some groups are well represented in society, others are marginalised (i.e. they have barley or no social standing in society). The first example of these groups is the Ewells. The Ewells represent the poor white society in our community. At the start of the novel, our first impression of the Ewells is a negative one. We are described the unhygienic nature of the Ewells when a â€Å"cootie† erupts out of Burris Ewell’s hair. Our impression of the Ewells is worsened when we learn that the Ewell’s only arrive for one day of the school, and†¦show more content†¦Its windows were merely open spaces in the walls, which in the summer were covered with greasy strips of cheese cloth to keep out the varmints that feasted on Maycombs refuse.† This description of the iron and the shape of house make the house seem more like a cabin and it tells us a little bit about the Ewells. Through this example we deduce that the Ewells care very little if not at all about the appearance of their home and its appearance. Lee also adds â€Å"What passed for a fence was bits of tree limbs, broomstic ks and tool shafts, all tipped with rusty hammer heads, shovels, axes and grubbing hoes, held on with pieces of barbed wire.† This description of the raggedy fence makes us think that the fence is built from items you would find in a dump which other people have thrown away. All these descriptions make it obvious that Lee wants us to respond in a very negative manner towards the Ewells and their way of life. I feel that the Ewells represent the dregs of society which were somehow not stripped from existence. But, in contrast to the Ewells, we see the poor black â€Å"settlement†. The cabins owned by the poor blacks were â€Å"neat and snug with pale blue smoke rising from the chimneys and doorways glowing amber from the fries inside. There were delicious smells about: chicken, bacon frying crisp as twilight air. Jem and I