Does Mayella Ewell deserve sympathy?
Does Mayella Ewell deserve sympathy?
Despite her horrible act of falsely accusing Tom Robinson of rape, Mayella Ewell does deserve some compassion. Mayella has lost her mother and must act as housekeeper and parent to her siblings with little or no help.
Why does Atticus say pity mayella?
In chapter 20, Atticus Finch says he pities Mayella Ewell because she is a victim of “cruel poverty and ignorance.” Although Atticus feels sorry that Mayella grew up in a poor home and is an ignorant individual, he cannot pity her because she is White.
Who does scout compare mayella to why does she feel sorry for her?
In Chapter 19, as Tom Robinson is giving his testimony, Scout thinks that Mayella “must have been the loneliest person in the world” (Lee, Ch 9). Scout compares Mayella Ewell to Boo Radley because Boo has been secluded from society and in a way so is Mayella.
What evidence is there that mayella is lying?
During the trial, Mayella’s testimony, combined with other evidence, proves that she is lying, and more importantly, that Tom Robinson is innocent. At the trial, Mayella testifies under oath that Tom Robinson attempted to strangle her with both hands and punched her in the face.
Why did Tom do favors for mayella?
Tom was at the Ewell’s house because Mayella asked him over to help her do chores. Tom Robinson is on trial for raping Mayella Ewell. He was seen at her house, and she was attacked. He beat her up and Tom ran, and Mayella accused Tom of rape to cover up the fact that she instigated the whole thing.
What is wrong with Tom Robinson?
Tom has a physical handicap from a cotton gin. His left arm is 12 inches shorter than his right and he cannot use his left arm! (Could he physically commit the crime?)
Why can’t Tom Robinson use his left arm?
Tom Robinson’s arm was caught in a cotton gin as a child. As a result, his left arm is twelve inches shorter than his right arm, he cannot use his left arm, and his left arm ends in a small, shriveled hand.
Who does mayella say she is afraid of?
Atticus
What does Tom Robinson struggle with on stand?
In Chapter 19, Tom Robinson takes the witness stand and describes his background and interactions with Mayella Ewell. Atticus begins by questioning Tom as to why he was convicted of disorderly conduct. Tom explains that he got into a fight with a man and went to jail because he couldn’t pay the fine.
How did mayella identify Tom?
Mr. Ewell is not shaken from his story, but Atticus carefully plants the seed that Mr. Atticus asks Tom to stand up so that Mayella may identify him; as he does, Scout notices that Tom’s left arm is withered and useless — he could not have committed the crime in the way it was described.