Bob Ewell perfectly fits the redneck stereotype. He corresponds to the social stereotype of not being educated and being of the working class. He also fits the cultural stereotype of rednecks by demonstrating blatant and base bigotry as well as uncouth comportment (when he is called to testimony). Ewell is also an alcoholic and displays violent tendencies.
This matches the redneck (poor white Southerner) formula to near exactitude.
Even his name (Bob) and daughter's name (Mayella) seem to fit this image.
Bob Ewell is intended to represent a particular role of prejudice and racism in Southern society. Though it serves as a symbol, his character can be considered more than a mere stereotype... as it says something critical about his society. Societies are complex.
He was arrested and imprisoned upon being caught marrying Christian couples and otherwise aiding Christians who were at the time being persecuted by Claudius in Rome.
