To Kill A Mockingbird Adversity Analysis

In the Face of Adversity Everybody has difficulties in their life. Some may seem small and others almost impossible to control. It all depends on how you handle them. In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, the idea is presented that individual's reactions in the face of adversity shapes an identity. Precisely, Mayella Ewell, Dolphus Raymond, and Jem Finch each had a contrasting level of accomplishment. Since Mayella was born into the Ewell family, she is assumed to live to the same standards of her family. As a young girl and growing up to become an adult, Mayella faces certain adversities in her life which shape her character. Raised by her father, she grows to become the woman of the family, forced to do all the housework and take care of the children. Her father abused her emotionally and physically, but she had no friends or family to run to for help. Loneliness consumed her so much that she attempted to seduce a married Negro man. Since she was a Ewell, no one had ever shown her any respect. Hence, she became hostile and offended when anyone tried to show her kindness. By way of contrast, her neat geraniums suggest that she is, in fact, different from her family and unable to escape her heritage. …show more content…
Residents in Maycomb cannot understand why he lives a certain way. He becomes deceitful and tricks them into believing there is a reason why he acts the way he does. When in fact, he simply lives how he wants to live. Dolphus Raymond only wants to live a simple life, however, because of what other people say about him, he decides to become misleading and surrenders to others opinions. Mr. Raymond states, “Dolphus Raymond’s in the clutches of whiskey--that’s why he won’t change his ways. He can’t help himself, that’s why he lives the way he does”(Lee,