The Mayella Ewell testimony occurs in Chapter 18 of To Kill a Mockingbird. This climactic night unites the novels two major plot lines: the mystery of Boo Radley and the second tragic outcome of the trialanother senseless death. (including. Erica has taught college English writing and literature courses and has a master's degree in children's literature. Scout says that's different, telling Dill: "Well, Dill, after all he's just a Negro.". You'll also receive an email with the link. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Scout also notices that Mayella acts especially nervous on the stand, first twisting a handkerchief into a "sweaty rope" and then trying to get her story straight: Mayella was silent. She was supposed to chop up an old chiffarobe but she was not feeling very strong so she asked Tom to do it for her. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. Why no one called a doctor and whether or not Mr. Ewell is left- or right-handed. He sees this trial as an opportunity to help make that historic shift of attitude, even if it is just a small step. She then admits that she knows Tom since he passes by her house every day. Atticus appears to have found his exchange with the young woman distasteful. When asked if he is the father of Mayella Ewell, he replies: "Well, if I ain't I can't do anything about it now" to his own lawyer, which indicates he is not educated enough to know that he should be more formal in court. Tom Robinson has been convicted for a previous crime. Mayella told him she had saved her money and sent them all to buy ice cream. Mayella, who testifies next, is a reasonably cleanby the Ewells standardsand obviously terrified nineteen-year-old girl. Mayella lived in a time when Class, race, and gender were a big controversy. Why does Atticus take Tom Robinsons case knowing that hell lose? He then asks her if she has ever asked Tom for help before, and she gives a non-answer. Mayella lies about the incident involving Tom Robinson because it is socially unacceptable for a white woman in Maycomb to admit that she is attracted to a Black man. He asks Tom to stand. Atticus asks if Mr. Ewell is a loving father, and with hesitation, Mayella says that he is "tolerable" except when he has been drinking. We can have little real sympathy for Mayella Ewellwhatever her sufferings, she inflicts worse cruelty on others. Part of the childrens pity for her derives from her suspicious attitude to Atticus, whose words and actions are relatively clear to them, but opaque to her. "I wondered if anybody had ever called her 'ma'am,' or 'Miss Mayella' in her life; probably not, as she took offense to routine courtesy. First, Bob Ewell violently attacks Jem and Scout, but then Boo Radley appears and saves the children. Mayella declares that her father has never harmed her. She is also the narrators window into Maycombs African American community. The people of his community trust him to do the right thing, and he does. Jem breaks his arm in the struggle. Scout seemed to be the most moved out of the three children by Mayella's story. Atticus provides a good home and a strong caretaker in Calpurnia. His imagination kindles theirs, and his youthful enthusiasm contrasts with Jems budding serious maturity. In Chapter 19, Tom Robinson gives his testimony after being called to the stand by his lawyer, Atticus Finch. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. 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. At that point, Mr. Ewell appeared at the window and started shouting at Mayella. Atticus insists Tom share what Bob said. Why does Dolphus Raymond hide Coca-Cola in a brown paper bag? Many racist white people feel that justice was done because a black man is always guilty, no matter what. Purchasing Why is taking the oath at the beginning of his testimony difficult for Tom? Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. Atticus concludes his questions by asking why he ran. Some white people are ashamed and sincerely saddened by the injustice done by the jury. In Atticuss cross-examination, Mayella reveals that her life consists of seven unhelpful siblings, a drunken father, and no friends. Then when Tom was on the chair, she grabbed him and he fell to the floor. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! They are beginning to see the world as it truly is. The fact that Tom is black doesnt factor into Deass assessment of him; rather, he is particularly conscientious about scrutinizing Tom only in respect to his individual character. Atticus accepts the case out of personal integrity and a firm belief that the racist ways of the deep South will slowly but surely change over time. First, Mayella Ewell testifies. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. Latest answer posted December 18, 2020 at 11:09:54 AM. His left arm was mangled and useless since he got it caught in a cotton gin when he was a child. 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. Mayella Violet Ewell's Testimony: On November 21st, Mayella explained that she was sitting on the front porch doing nothing. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. Mr. Gilmer questions why Tom ran, if he had done nothing wrong. Mayella is a liar who puts an innocent man's life in danger, but her testimony does make her more of a sympathetic character. Tom confirms this, telling the court that he got into a fight with another man that cut him. Discount, Discount Code Scout believes Tom when he insists he never would. During Perots fifth year with IBM, he sold his years quota of computers before the end of January. Atticus asks her to identify the man who raped her, and Mayella points to Tom, who Atticus asks to stand. After Mr. Gilmer has allowed Mayella to tell her story, it is Atticus's turn. Atticus asks if Mr. Ewell is a loving father, and with hesitation, Mayella says that he is "tolerable" except when he has been drinking. In Chapter 18, Mayella Ewell gives her version of events. Ace your assignments with our guide to To Kill a Mockingbird! Let us know your assignment type and we'll make sure to get you exactly the kind of answer you need. Eventually, she does say that Tom hit her in the face. There are two main events in Chapter 18. Why didn't they come running? However, she insists that he never lays a hand on her or beats her. The phrase "it's a sin to kill a mockingbird" refers to intentionally and pointlessly destroying something that does no harm. | What does this quote mean in To Kill a What are three examples of why Tom Robinson is innocent in To Kill a Mockingbird? Atticus begins by asking Tom to confirm that he has been arrested once before. As clear as it is that Tom is innocent, it is equally clear that Tom is doomed to die. Mayella told Tom that she gave them money to go buy ice cream. In the following sentences, underline each adjective phrase and adverb phrase. Who interrupts the court proceedings to speak on Tom's defense? Similarly, in defending Tom Robinson, Atticus tries to protect the community from its most dangerous, racist tendencies. Tom must admit he might be strong enough to choke a woman. Struggling with distance learning? 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 has accused Tom Robinson of beating her up and raping her. Want 100 or more? Mayella Ewell is pitiable, and her miserable existence almost allows her to join the novels parade of innocent victimsshe, too, is a kind of mockingbird, injured beyond repair by the forces of ugliness, poverty, and hatred that surround her. PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. "His left arm was fully twelve inches shorter than his right, and hung dead at his side." Based on his description, what sort of person do you think he is? Before the incident with the dog, Scout and Jem saw their father as old, reserved, and not particularly powerful. The small sample of his cross-examination that Scout and the reader do hear is enough. (one code per order). She admits to having no friends. As they walk, Scout and Dill encounter Mr. Dolphus Raymond, the rich white man with the Black mistress and mixed-race children. As Jem reads aloud to her every day for a montha punishment for destroying her camellia bushes after she harshly criticizes Atticusshe weans herself from her morphine addiction by refusing her medicine for longer and longer each day. Mayella was no different. Mr. Ewell says, "I seen that black ****** yonder ruttin' on my Mayella!". She claims that she invited Tom inside to help her chop up an old dresser to use for kindling. Then, Tom saw Bob Ewell in the window yelling at Mayella. Mayella mistakes Atticus Finch's courtesy for derision, a fact that indicates she is unused to kindness in any form. People didn't respect her because of her class, and you can tell Mayella is not used to being respected because in court Atticus calls Mayella "ma'am and miss" (DBQ Mayella, 15) and Mayella gets mad. Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! Mayella does not confess that her father, Bob Ewell, was actually the person who beat her up. However, when he then raised his right arm to give the oath, the left arm slipped off. 20% Mayella doesn't seem to have any friends. His injury would preclude him from striking anyone with his left hand. Her father shouted at Mayella, calling her a whore and threatening to kill her. Nonetheless, it is clear that her testimony about Tom Robinson attacking her is a lie. What qualities make Atticus a good father? In the early chapters of the book, Jem and Scout find several small items, ranging from sticks of gum to a pocket watch, left by Boo Radley in the knothole of a tree on the Radley property. When he asked where they were, Mayella replied she spent a year saving seven nickels so she could send them to get ice cream. What does Bob Ewell's description of his daughter, Mayella, suggest about his feelings towards her? She thinks Mayella may be as sad as 'what Jem called a mixed child' since white people look down on her, and black people will not go near her because she's white. While in the house retrieving the nickel, she claimed Tom entered the house and jumped on her. | Aunt Alexandra also believes that Scout needs to be taught to be a perfect Southern lady who knows how to wear a dress, serve tea, and converse with other women. In other words Mayella had little power in her class. Create an account to start this course today. "In Maycomb County, it was easy to tell when someone bathed regularlyMayella looked as if she tried to keep clean". You'll be billed after your free trial ends. She testifies. It is then when her father saw them, Tom says that Mr. Ewell yelled at Mayella, calling her a whore. On the evening in question, he recounts, she asked him to come inside the house and fix a door. Example: S{\color{#c34632}S}S This book of poems is one of my favorite possessions. Tom replies that he was scared, and 'if you was a nigger like me, you'd be scared, too.' ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS. 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. "That's okay. He explained that he was scared of being arrested for a crime he didn't commit. She said she would pay him a nickle. He tells her that he is bothered by how hateful Mr. Gilmer is acting towards Tom. Study Resources. "His left arm was fully twelve inches shorter than his right, and hung dead at his side. Tom then gives his version of what happened on November 21st. When What important about Tom Robinson's testimony is that it contradicts Mayella's. After the trial is over, Atticus feels discouraged by the outcome, but he is not beaten by it. M.A. If she were hit straight on, it would have come from someone's left hand. According to Tom, he was going home from work as he always did when Mayella asked him to come inside the house to help her. She is the sole caretaker for a passel of children. The family is so poor that they use strips of tire rubber as shoes on the rare occasions that the weather is cold enough to require shoes. Atticus then attempts to get her to admit that her father was the person who beat her up. Sometimes it can end up there. It is at this point that Scout realizes how "poor and ignorant" Mayella really is. She is hesitant to answer but nods affirmatively when Atticus asks about whether or not the father gets "riled" when he drinks. He says Mayella kissed him, saying she had never kissed a grown man and 'might as well kiss a nigger.' She takes the children to her church one Sunday, and, because of this, Scout and Jem can sit in the colored balcony during Tom Robinsons trial. Who was the second witness to testify? She's described as thick and used to hard labor and cultivates bright red geraniums in the family's yard. It's in this chapter the reader gets to know Tom Robinson. Killing a mockingbird serves no purpose, and therefore is an act of unnecessary cruelty. Scout notes Tom may have been the only person who was ever kind to Mayella. Mayella claimed that Tom Robinson was responsible for her injuries, according to the Heck Tate testimony. Tom said he was scared that he would wind up in court, which is exactly what happened. Tom Robinson takes the stand in chapter 19. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1699 titles we cover. How does Maycomb react to Tom Robinsons death? "Do you remember him beating you about the face?" She has lacked kind treatment in her life to such an extent that when Atticus calls her Miss Mayella, she accuses him of making fun of her. Please wait while we process your payment. Truthfully, Tom's testimony actually embarrasses the Ewells more. Scout associates this with the red geraniums she tries to grow to bring a bit of beauty into her life. They have sat through the entire trial, and they know that Atticus has established Tom's. Set in the Great Depression during the 1930s, To Killing a Mockingbird focuses on Scout's experience growing up in a racially divided town that's been hit hard by the economic crisis. The Ewell family receives assistance from the government, but Mayella's father typically uses this money to buy alcohol. When Atticus is polite to her, she takes offense because she believes he is mocking her. Despite his reclusive nature, Boo engages the Finch children in a more generous and kind way than many of the other adults that they encounter. She has been beaten, though not badly enough to need a doctor. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. Create your account. The next thing she remembers, she says, is her father's yelling and the sheriff's arrival. Do not include articles. Avery Gordon has experience working in the education space both in and outside of the classroom. Why don't you tell the truth, child, didn't Bob Ewell beat you up?" That's when Mayella's father saw them. After all, their father is always kind and respectful, and they have always seen people react to him positively based on this reputation. Mayella then asked Tom to step up on a chair to grab a box for her that was on top of a dresser. Complete your free account to request a guide. Wed love to have you back! She found Mayella to be ignorant, and she knew that she was poor. Mayella doesn't seem to have any friends. The prosecutor points out that the defendant was once arrested for disorderly conduct and gets Tom to admit that he has the strength, even with one hand, to choke the breath out of a woman and sling her to the floor. eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. Second, Atticus Finch has Tom Robinson stand so that everyone can see his left arm. At the end of the chapter Dill is upset, and Scout has to take him outside to comfort him. What on earth was her life like? Dill insists that does not matter, and that it is not right for anyone to be treated that way. He visits Maycomb every summer, and as it becomes clearer that his own family is erratic and insecure, readers understand that the Finches and his Aunt Stephanie are, in fact, his true family. Atticus confronts Mayella with the obvious truth that her father actually beat her up. As Jem and Scout walk home that night, two figures emerge from the shadows, each with their own intentions. What does the rabid dog Atticus shoots symbolize? Where were they? 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. Dill and Jem yawned when Mayella finished testifying. When Atticus calls Mayella "ma'am," she accuses him of making fun of her. He represents both childhood innocence and friendship. He often disappears for days at a time. As they walk, Scout and Dill encounter Mr. Dolphus Raymond, the rich white man with the Black mistress and mixed-race children. Mayella Ewell's red geraniums also carry an important meaning. Mr. Gilmer then moves on to focus on Tom's strength. (one code per order). When Mr. Deas stands up for Tom, it shows Scout that theres another person in town whos not racist and whos willing to courageously stand up for whats right, even if he knows hell get thrown out. Find a specific quote to support your answer. This chapter is also important to Scout's growth, or lack thereof, as a character, as she offers insights via internal monologue throughout Tom's testimony. Then Atticus asks if she remembers if Tom hit her face, because in her previous answer she just claimed he choked her. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. Atticus then examines her testimony and asks why she didnt put up a better fight, why her screams didnt bring the other children running, and, most important, how Tom Robinson managed the crime: how he bruised the right side of her face with his useless left hand, which was torn apart by a cotton gin when he was a boy. "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." The children's reactions to heck tate's testimony scout found out that it wasboring, and jem was happy thinking that the Eyes-witness weren't gonna be able to back up their testimonies. Heck Tate also specifically describes Boo Radley as a mockingbird, in that he is a harmless person who is the victim of pointless cruelty. 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. What happens on Scout and Jems walk home from the harvest pageant? Once more testimony is offered, Scout understands that Mayella's life is quite different from her own. SparkNotes PLUS Margaret has taught both college and high school English and has a master's degree in English from Mississippi State University. What details about her home life are particularly sad? From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. In To Kill a Mockingbird , author Harper Lee uses memorable characters to explore Civil Rights and racism in the segregated southern United . What is about Mayella that makes Scout think of the red geraniums in the front yard? Make sure to get her to admit that her life does Atticus Tom. Beating you about the face man and 'might as Well kiss a nigger. in Maycomb County, it have... Second, Atticus feels discouraged by the outcome, but Mayella 's story we 'll make sure to get to... First, Bob Ewell violently attacks Jem and Scout, but Mayella 's life quite. 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