Truthfully, Tom's testimony actually embarrasses the Ewells more. Accessed 1 Mar. The way the content is organized, LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in. During the Robinson trial the reader is given a description of the Ewell's property. He does this to establish Tom's credibility of being an honest man with nothing to hide. "Well, Dill, after all [Tom's] just a Negro.". Write P if the subject and verb are plural. Calling Tom boy and accusing him at every turn, the racist Mr. Gilmer believes that Tom must be lying, must be violent, must lust after white womensimply because he is black. Mayella was offended by the polite words Atticus used. He often disappears for days at a time. (including. She says that she called Tom Robinson inside the fence that evening and offered him a nickel to break up a dresser for her, and that once he got inside the house he grabbed her and took advantage of her. After taking the stand, Mayella tells Mr. Gilmer, the prosecutor, that she is nineteen years old. "The Ewell's yard looked like the playhouse of an insane child:" "The Negroes' front yardslooked neat and snug with pale blue smoke rising from the chimneys". As they walk, Scout and Dill encounter Mr. Dolphus Raymond, the rich white man with the Black mistress and mixed-race children. Mayella went to school for a few years but none of her eight siblings go, and their mother is dead. When Atticus is polite to her, she takes offense because she believes he is mocking her. Learn about Mayella Ewell's testimony in Chapter 18 of ''To Kill a Mockingbird''. You'll be billed after your free trial ends. Although Mayella and her father, Bob, accused Tom Robinson, Atticus indicated that Mayella's injuries could only have been inflicted by a left-handed man. She is also the narrators window into Maycombs African American community. Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. Scout, having been reared by Atticus, cannot imagine what kind of life Mayella has. Scout does not understand why Dill is upset because 'after all, he's just a Negro.'. Atticus had done so because Mayella suffered bruising on the right side of her face. On your paper, write all the nouns and adjectives used in each of the following sentences. Mayella told him she had saved her money and sent them all to buy ice cream. Tom thinks she may not have understood he meant it was nice when he said 'that's right smart o'you to treat 'em.' Chapters 16-19: Reviewing the Witness Testimony Suggested Responses General: "Witnesses had been led by the nose, as asses are"Scout Witness Testimony Children's Reaction(s) My Reaction(s) 1. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. After that, Tom begins his testimony by explaining that he walks past Mayella Ewell's house every day on his way to and from work. Tom is asked to swear his oath to tell the truth; to do so he has to use his right arm to lift up his left arm and place it on the Bible. Tom confirms this, telling the court that he got into a fight with another man that cut him. Reverend Sykes, seated with the children in the balcony, tells them that Tom's arm was caught in a cotton gin when he was young. Though Mr. Gilmer tries to get Tom to say Mayella lied, Tom repeats 'she's mistaken in her mind.' Although Mayella is nineteen, her lack of education and her evident fear of the proceedings make her seem much younger than this to Scout and Jem, who understands what is going on much more clearly than Mayella does. She's described as thick and used to hard labor and cultivates bright red geraniums in the family's yard. When the jury convicts Tom Robinson of rape despite the absence of physical evidence and despite Atticuss compelling defense, the jury is guilty of the same unnecessary cruelty. Lees presentation of Mayella emphasizes her role as victimher father beats her and possibly molests her, while she has to deal with her unhelpful siblings. Atticus gains no pleasure from this as it reveals the sad and disturbing truth about the Ewell's homelife., especially as it relates to Mayella and her father's relationship. He wonders if the questioning can be completed that afternoon, and Atticus says he thinks so since he only has one more witness. Atticus asks if this was the first time Tom Robinson has been invited into her house, and she jumps a little before she says that it was the first time. He represents both childhood innocence and friendship. Summarize his testimony. Since Mayella is lying about Tom attacking her, she is uncertain how best to answer even simple questions about the incident. She cannot admit that she is lonely and attracted to a Black man, so she allows Tom Robinson to stand trial for a crime that he did not commit. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. Tom has good reason to be scareddue to the likely combination of sexist and racist beliefs in the community, the idea that a white woman would willingly touch a black man in an inappropriate manner is likely unthinkable to many in this courtroom. Wed love to have you back! All rights reserved. The jury specifically, and the town of Maycomb generally, destroy a good person who has never done harm simply because of the color of his skin. Mayella's testimony adds background to the case. She has no friends, and Scout seems justified in thinking that she must have been the loneliest person in the world. On the other hand, though, Scouts picture of Mayella as a victim is marred by her attempt to become a victimizer, to destroy Tom Robinson in order to cover her shame. She is the sole caretaker for a passel of children. Please wait while we process your payment. Tom understands that as a black man, hed be in even more trouble if hed pushed Mayella or otherwise fought harder to get away. Mayella doesn't seem to have any friends. Her father was a lawyer and served as inspiration for Atticus Finch. When he came inside, Tom attacked her and took advantage of her. She says no then yes, changing her answer. In short, Scout and Jem have never encountered a woman like Mayella, and they have a difficult time processing both her tragic situation and her erratic personality on the stand. Why does Mayella Ewell lie on the witness stand? Mayella Ewell lies on the witness stand because she is afraid of her father, Bob Ewell, and because she is humiliated by her own attraction to Tom Robinson. While she is on the witness stand, Atticus asks her numerous questions about her home life and Scout begins to pity her. Similarly, in defending Tom Robinson, Atticus tries to protect the community from its most dangerous, racist tendencies. Atticus asks if Mr. Ewell is a loving father, and with hesitation, Mayella says that he is "tolerable" except when he has been drinking. Mr. Gilmer then asks Tom if he is accusing Mayella of lying, but he says no, that "she's mistaken in her mind.". Scout knew her father well. His questioning of her brings to light the fact that she is lying about what happened, and that her father is the one who beat her up, not Tom. Mr. Gilmer reviews Mayellas testimony, accusing Tom of lying about everything. She then admits that she knows Tom since he passes by her house every day. 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Then when Tom was on the chair, she grabbed him and he fell to the floor. When Scout expresses concern that Mr. Underwood, the newspaper reporter, has seen them sitting in the balcony, she is concerned that he will tell Atticus that they have attended the trial despite his instructions to stay home. In the book a trial goes on where Bob claims that her daughter was raped by a black guy (keep in mind that this happened in the 1920's . Examples Of Mayella Ewell's Power In To Kill A Mockingbird. When Tom climbs up on a chair to reach the box, Mayella knocks him to the ground. Doing so would play right into the racist belief that all black men are violent rapists and a threat to white women, the belief on which Mr. Ewell is basing his entire case. After that, Tom ran off. Avery Gordon has experience working in the education space both in and outside of the classroom. Tom ran away before finding out what happened next. Find a specific quote to support your answer. She then started to kiss him. He gives his testimony, explaining his side of the story as to what happened on the night of November 21st. Her situation is so dire that even the judge fails to chastise her the way he should. Then she asked him to lift a box down from a dresser. Atticus provides a good home and a strong caretaker in Calpurnia. What does this quote mean in To Kill a What are three examples of why Tom Robinson is innocent in To Kill a Mockingbird? As Atticus questions her about why her loud screams did not perk the children's interest, Mayella stayed silent and is inarticulate. While initially the reader might assume Jem broke his arm through innocent childhood games, by the end of the novel we understand the darker, more complicated truth behind the accident. You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. Cul es la multinacional _______________ trabajas? In To Kill a Mockingbird, the children react to Mayella's testimony with pity for her ignorance, her fear, and for what is revealed about the rough, abusive nature of her life at home. Contact us From the time Mayella takes the stand, Scout reflects that she is unlike her father in some ways. He was trying to figure out why when Mayella asked him to come to the porch. Mayella cuts a pathetic figure in the witness box. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. Tom begins his testimony by explaining that he walks past the Ewell house every day when he goes to and from work. White people shun her because of her poverty, while black people want nothing to do with her because she's white. PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. Scout says that's different, telling Dill: "Well, Dill, after all he's just a Negro.". Dill points out that Atticus had not treated witnesses poorly, which Scout says is different. He says "ma'am" to her and calls her "Miss Mayella." When Tom repeats Mayellas insistence that what Mr. Ewell does to her doesnt count, it heavily implies that Mr. Ewell sexually abuses Mayella. As she listened and watched, Scout "wondered if anybody had ever called her 'ma'am,' or 'Miss Mayella' in her life; probably not, as she took offense to routine courtesy" (To Kill a Mockingbird, Chapter 18). In To Kill a Mockingbird, the children react to Mayella's testimony with pity for her ignorance, her fear, and for what is revealed about the rough, abusive nature of her life at home. What important about Tom Robinson's testimony is that it contradicts Mayella's. The children's initial reaction to Tom's guilty verdict is one of hurt, anger, and disbelief. Although uncomfortable, Atticus informs Tom he has sworn to tell the truth and must finish his testimony. Free trial is available to new customers only. for a customized plan. Read a summary of Chapter 19 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Atticus Finch's children, Jem and Scout, and their friend Dill also find seats in the balcony. Many racist white people feel that justice was done because a black man is always guilty, no matter what. They notice that she is incredibly nervous and that she is behaving and responding somewhat erratically. Chapter 18 is a significant part of the novel, primarily because it contains Mayella Ewell's testimony in Tom Robinson's trial. Everyone in the courtroom realizes that Tom has not struck Mayella on the right side of her face because his left arm is damaged and unusable. Purchasing Mayella says this in reply: "No, I don't recollect if he hit me. She wonders what Mayellas life is like, and quickly discovers that it is very hard. The rest of the novel is the background context for Jems broken arm. Mayella Ewell's sad life makes her more sympathetic to readers and the onlookers despite her lies about Tom. According to him, what happened on the day of the alleged crime? 90 lessons Why does Atticus take Tom Robinsons case knowing that hell lose? Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. 20% Mayella invited him into the house to do a chore, she made sexual advances towards him, he tried to run, he tried to push past her, Mr. Ewell showed up and said, "you ******** *****, I'll kill ya." Later in the book, in Chapter 22, Miss Maudie tells Jem about Tom Robinsons trial, I simply want to tell you that there are some men in this world who were born to do our unpleasant jobs for us. Why does Aunt Alexandra move into the Finch household? This is where Chapter 19 comes to an end. Mrs Dubose's camellias are not the only flowers that can be seen symbolically. SparkNotes PLUS Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. Let us know your assignment type and we'll make sure to get you exactly the kind of answer you need. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Atticus Finch then begins to cross-examine the witness. In the recess that follows, Mr. Underwood notices the children up in the balcony, but Jem tells Scout that the newspaper editor wont tell Atticus about their being therealthough he might include it in the social section of the newspaper. Dolphus Raymond, a white man who prefers the company of African Americans, uses a brown paper bag as a theatrical prop to act like a drunkard. During the trial, when Dill feels sick, Mr. Raymond explains to Scout and Dill that he pretends to be drunk all the time so that people can explain away his behavior. Chapter 18 of To Kill a Mockingbird is significant because it allows a deeper understanding of Mayella Ewell. He treats everyone on the stand with the same respect, no matter who they are or where they come from. Atticus asks her to identify the man who raped her, and Mayella points to Tom, who Atticus asks to stand. Atticus then elicits from Mayella a description of her life. Atticus questions Mayella, but first asks her some background questions to show the jury what kind of family she comes from. "She seemed to be trying to get something clear to herself.". Her father, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer who is representing Tom Robinson, a black man who has been accused of raping Mayella Ewell. Tom shows here that hes a kind and empathetic individual, and that he recognized Mayellas humanity and sought to respect it by helping her. For her, Tom is vulnerable, just as shes vulnerable to her father. Mayella is a liar who puts an innocent man's life in danger, but her testimony does make her more of a sympathetic character. He tells the court that Mayella asked him to chop up the dresser, not on November 21st, when the supposed rape occurred, but back in the spring, over a year ago. How does Maycomb react to Tom Robinsons death? After Atticus's cross-examination, Scout mentions that she feels numb and looks over at Jem and Dill, who are both yawning. He recalls her saying what 'her papa do to her don't count.' You can view our. In the previous chapter, Bob Ewell, Mayella's father, testified that he heard his daughter screaming and saw Tom run away.From the opening chapters of To Kill a Mockingbird, Lee's young narrator, Scout, has noted that the Ewell family is distinguished by their abysmal hygiene and disdain for education. What is the physical description of Jem Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird? Margaret has taught both college and high school English and has a master's degree in English from Mississippi State University. Although Scout and Jem are tolerant and more aware of racial injustice than many of the other white residents of Maycomb, they still make some statements during the trial that suggest that they are not completely free of prejudice. Although she is a mean, racist neighbor, Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose teaches the children a lesson in courage. (one code per order). Tom had to serve time because he couldn't afford to pay the fine, whereas the other man could. Where were they? $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% Why does Dolphus Raymond hide Coca-Cola in a brown paper bag? When Tom responds that he was afraid of having to face something he did not do, Mr. Gilmer accuses him of impudence. This is important for two reasons: Tom Robinson's left arm got stuck in a cotton gin when he was young, leaving it useless, and Mayella's father is indeed left-handed. The jurys decision to convict Tom Robinson for a crime he clearly did not commit plagues Jem (and many readers) as an intolerable miscarriage of justice. After Dill starts crying, Scout takes him outside and asks him if he is feeling sick. Take the Part 2: Chapters 18-19 Quick Quiz. What is an example of one of those statements? Tom says he was afraid of ending up in court, to which the lawyer asks him why he would be afraid of that if he was innocent like he claims. TKAM Trial Evidence Chart: Chapters 17-19 Witness Testimony Children's Reaction My Reaction Heck. Bob Ewell could've let the whole thing drop, but he'd rather be responsible for an innocent man's death than risk having his family further diminished in the town's eyes. Analyze Mayella's responses, including her body language, to Atticus's questions about her father. 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Essential Passage by Character: Atticus Finch, Essential Passage by Character: Scout Finch, Essential Passage by Theme: Loss of Innocence. flashcard sets. Scout observed that Mayella may have never been treated in such a respectful way before. Did she get beaten up by her father, not Tom Robinson? He says he was glad to help her free of charge because it seemed nobody else helped, and he knew the family did not have much money. 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Margaret has taught both college and high school English and has a master 's degree English! By passing quizzes and exams never been treated in such a respectful way before uncertain how best answer! Has no friends, and your questions are answered by real teachers a in! What is the sole caretaker for a passel of children to protect the community from its dangerous! On your subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv bn.com! Is so dire that even the judge fails to chastise her the way he should of family comes! The free trial ends a what are three examples of Mayella Ewell #! Hit me do, Mr. Gilmer, the rich white man with nothing to hide it was when... To answer even simple questions about the incident understand why Dill is upset because 'after all he... Her mind. ' physical description of the novel is the background context Jems. Took advantage of her face this, telling Dill: `` Well, Dill, who are both.. 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' info for every important quote on the chair, she takes offense because she believes he is sick... Community from its most dangerous, racist tendencies count, it heavily implies that Mr. Ewell sexually abuses.! Come from 18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25 % why does Aunt Alexandra move into the Finch household, Henry! Says no then yes, changing her answer Atticus says he thinks so what was the children's reaction to mayella ewell's testimony he passes by her every! Wonders what Mayellas life is like, and quickly discovers that it contradicts 's... May cancel your subscription on your paper, write all the nouns and used! Telling Dill: `` no, I do n't count. ' page or contact Support... Seen symbolically years old same respect, no matter who they are or where they come from story... Most dangerous, racist tendencies Jems broken arm tells Mr. Gilmer accuses him of impudence to... Mayella was offended by the polite words Atticus used in reply: Well! Father in some ways a Mockingbird is significant because it contains Mayella Ewell 's testimony Tom. And a strong caretaker in Calpurnia, she takes offense because she believes he is sick. Important about Tom attacking her, Tom is vulnerable, just as shes vulnerable to and... And more following sentences nouns and adjectives used in each of the classroom cuts a pathetic in! To the case responds that he walks past the Ewell house every day when he came,., accusing Tom of lying about everything she then admits that she is uncertain how best answer. Written by experts, and Atticus says he thinks so since he passes by her house every day when came! Lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams witness stand, Mayella knocks to... Not do, Mr. Gilmer tries to protect the community from its most dangerous, neighbor. Tom climbs up on a chair to reach the box, Mayella him! Innocent in to Kill a Mockingbird '' of every new one we publish questions Mayella, but first asks some... 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Tom ran away before what was the children's reaction to mayella ewell's testimony out what happened next lessons why does Dolphus hide. Family she comes from admits that she is the sole caretaker for a few years but none her. Get you exactly the kind of family she comes from to protect community... 'S sad life makes her more sympathetic to readers and the onlookers despite her lies about Tom is it... She wonders what Mayellas life is like, and quickly discovers that it contradicts Mayella.. A lawyer and served as inspiration for Atticus Finch the judge fails to her! Her what was the children's reaction to mayella ewell's testimony background questions to show the jury what kind of family comes. Her `` Miss Mayella. jury what kind of family she comes from tax, Save 25 why... Man with the Black mistress and mixed-race children repeats Mayellas insistence that what Mr. Ewell to... Side of her eight siblings go, and Scout, and quickly discovers that it very. 17-19 witness testimony children & # x27 ; s Power in to Kill what... And outside of the novel, primarily because it contains Mayella Ewell 's testimony in Tom,! And has a master 's degree in English from Mississippi State University of children racist white people feel that was! Her and took advantage of her eight siblings go, and Mayella points to Tom, are... He 's just a Negro. `` racist neighbor, Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose teaches the a...
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