Why did Bob attack Scout and Jem in To Kill a Mockingbird - 46k?

Answer 1

My English teacher said that Bob ewell attacked them because was going to rape Scout.

I know, I know! Weird right? But, we had this 40 minute discussion in class, and even though it is very uncomfortable to talk about, I may agree with him.

The following items symbolize something:

Moon- femininity, pureness; it was clearly stated that the moon was blocked that night, so it was very dark

Tree- Wisdom; Scout trips over it on her way to the school, so it foreshadows something bad is going to happen

Ham Costume- the womb of a pregnant woman, birth, innocence; the knife is to rip away this innocence that Scout has by raping her

Knife- a symbol of power; it is used to take away Scout's innocence

Clothing (Overalls)- acceptance, childhood; aunt alexandra gives these to her after she runs back home, so she either accepts scout for who she is, or she wants her to go back to being a kid and forget about this traumatic experience

Other interesting clues are that Bob NEVER STABBED JEM...Yeah he broke his arm, but he never STABBED him. He put the knife through the ham costume to rip it open, and rape Scout. If he wanted to kill them, he could have stabbed jem easily, and tackled Scout and stabbed her legs, which were bare. He only broke em's arm because he was tying to stop him from getting to Scout. Also, raping Scout and taking away her innocence and childhood would do the same amount of damage to Atticus as it would to Scout.

Yeah, my english teacher could be a total pervert and just made this insane crackpot theory while actully on crack. But hey, it could be a possibility!

Answer 2

Bob Ewell attacked Scout and Jem in To Kill a Mockingbird in retaliation for the trial in which Tom Robinson was convicted. Bob held a grudge against Atticus Finch for defending Tom, and he sought revenge by targeting Atticus's children. His attack was fueled by anger, prejudice, and a desire to maintain his perceived superiority.

Answer 3

Bob Ewell attacks Scout and Jem because he wants to get back at Atticus. Atticus defended Tom Robinson and made Bob look bad; so Bob was getting back at the people against him from the trial.