How to analyse language
Harper Lee introduces humour into the trial scene when Bob Ewell is being questioned by both Atticus and his own lawyer and he fails to understand the true meaning of the word ambidextrousThe ability to use the left hand as well as the right hand.:
Mr Gilmer asked him one more question. “About your writing with your left hand, are you ambidextrous, Mr. Ewell?” “I most positively am not, I can use one hand good as the other. One hand good as the other,” he added, glaring at the defence table.
Question
How does the language in this quotation tell us something about Bob Ewell as well as provide some humour?
Here Bob Ewell’s lack of intelligence clearly shows. He has no idea that the word ambidextrous actually means he can use both his left and right hand equally well.
The reader finds this amusing. Mr Ewell has already been portrayed as an aggressive, cruel man to both members of his family and to Tom Robinson. An opportunity to laugh at him therefore is welcomed.
Further humour comes from the fact that Bob Ewell glares at Atticus’ table in the mistaken belief that he has put Atticus in his place. The reader and members of the court room of course know better.
The fact that Bob Ewell repeats that he can use one hand as well as the other after claiming he is not ambidextrous serves to heighten the humour further.