There are several approaches that can be taken here given
the assignment as posted which seems somewhat ambiguous. For one thing, writing about
something can involve mere description; on the other hand, writing about something can
also imply that an analysis should be included.
If there
should be an analysis, perhaps you can take the approach of examining the motivations
that lie beneath the actions. First, a perusal of the chapters involved with the
narration of the incident will be helpful for your understanding as well as for
supporting details. Also, a close reading of the dialogues of those involved will also
provide some insight into your analysis.
The most obvious
conclusion that a reader can reach regarding Bob Ewell's testimony is that he does not
wish to have any of the members of the white community believe that his daughter or he
are what was termed then as a "n--- lover." For, although he is a drunkard and an
abusive and neglectful parent and at the very bottom of his society, Ewell does not wish
to fall into the above-mentioned category; since as a white man in the Jim Crow South,
he is still above the good Tom Robinson. And, it is because he does not want to be
perceived as condoning his daughter's actions, he legally attacks Robinson and
physically abuses his daughter for possibly bringing this unspeakable "shame" onto their
family.
Of course, Mayella changes her attitude toward her
involvement with Tom Robinson out of fear of her father. Nonetheless, even though Bob
Ewell is clearly a reprobate, Mayella's conduct is even more reprehensible as she has
been the initiator of the action as well as the recipient of the charity and kindness of
the harmless Tom Robinson.
If you choose, then, to examine
the motivations of the characters, your paragraph will essentially be a character
analysis. So, be sure to support your points by citing the words of the major
characters involved. Good luck!
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