Historical Context Essay: The Scottsboro Boys Trials, Literary Context Essay: To Kill a Mockingbird & The Southern Gothic Tradition. Mr. Gilmer reviews Mayellas testimony, accusing Tom of lying about everything. "That's okay. "Do you remember him beating you about the face?" His imagination kindles theirs, and his youthful enthusiasm contrasts with Jems budding serious maturity. "No, I don't recollect if he hit me. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. After the trial is over, Atticus feels discouraged by the outcome, but he is not beaten by it. The grim facts of Mayella Ewell's life emerge in her testimony and in Jem's observations of her. Let us know your assignment type and we'll make sure to get you exactly the kind of answer you need. What is about Mayella that makes Scout think of the red geraniums in the front yard? He sees this trial as an opportunity to help make that historic shift of attitude, even if it is just a small step. Summarize his testimony. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. Contrary to Mayella's testimony, Tom recalls she asked him to break down a chiffarobe 'way last spring, way over a year ago,' not November. "His left arm was fully twelve inches shorter than his right, and hung dead at his side. After Tom is done with his story, he is cross-examined by Mr. Gilmer. The book tells the story of Scout Finch, a young girl who lives in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama. Did she get beaten up by her father, not Tom Robinson? Scout's matter-of-fact acceptance of Mr. Gilmer's attitude toward Tom indicates racism was deeply ingrained in society. Why does Reverend Sykes tell Jem to take Scout home during Bob Ewell's testimony? Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. It's in this chapter the reader gets to know Tom Robinson. 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. Mr. Ewell is sexually abusing his daughter: "She says she never kissed a grown man beforeShe said what her papa do to her don't count". Once Mayella claims that Tom struck her face, Atticus provides a visual demonstration of Mayella's deceit. What is Mayella's version of what happened? Atticus had done so because Mayella suffered bruising on the right side of her face. 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. It is then when her father saw them, Tom says that Mr. Ewell yelled at Mayella, calling her a whore. During questioning, he proved Bob is left-handed. But, as Atticuss awareness of his defeat as a foregone conclusion suggests, Lee was not interested in the believability of the trial. What does Bob Ewell's description of his daughter, Mayella, suggest about his feelings towards her? Why does Atticus take Tom Robinsons case knowing that hell lose? In addition, she knows that her father would react violently to such an admission. 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. Furthermore, while examining Mayella, Atticus revealed Tom's left arm was badly mangled in a childhood accident and does not function. She tells the jury that Tom beat and raped her when, in fact, it was her father who beat her when he saw her hugging and kissing an African American. She feels rather more pity, in fact, than Judge Taylor does. What does the rabid dog Atticus shoots symbolize? Mayella is a liar who puts an innocent man's life in danger, but her testimony does make her more of a sympathetic character. Continue to start your free trial. The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. Summarize Tom's testimony. He has a bachelor's degree in history from The Ohio State University. This statement puts the courtroom ill at easein Maycomb, black people arent supposed to feel sorry for a white person. It is likely that both Black and white courtroom observers, having grown up understanding the societal demands of a place like Maycomb, know exactly why she lies. Take the Part 2: Chapters 18-19 Quick Quiz. When Atticus is polite to her, she takes offense because she believes he is mocking her. He values education and justice above all else, and he is open-hearted and open-minded. It helps folks if they can latch onto a reason, he says. He is a pillar of the community who is elected to the legislature every term unopposed. Mayella Ewell is pitiable, and her miserable existence almost allows her to join the novel's parade of innocent victimsshe, too, is a kind of mockingbird, injured beyond repair by the . He insists that was the only furniture disturbed when he left. The mockingbird is a songbird, not a pest, and it isn't a game bird. ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS. Why does Dolphus Raymond hide Coca-Cola in a brown paper bag? 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. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter Summaries: Part 2, Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses, Chapter 19 of To Kill a Mockingbird Summary, To Kill a Mockingbird Overview & Analysis, To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter Summaries: Part 1, Teaching To Kill a Mockingbird: Guide & Resources, Study.com ACT® Test Prep: Practice & Study Guide, Study.com SAT Test Prep: Practice & Study Guide, Study.com PSAT Test Prep: Practice & Study Guide, Writing Review for Teachers: Study Guide & Help, Reading Review for Teachers: Study Guide & Help, Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Reading (5713) Prep, Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators - Writing (5723): Study Guide & Practice, EPT: CSU English Language Arts Placement Exam, CSET English Subtests I & III (105 & 107): Practice & Study Guide, Praxis English Language Arts - Content & Analysis (5039): Practice & Study Guide, Tom Robinson's Trial & Death in To Kill a Mockingbird, To Kill a Mockingbird: Setting & Time Period, Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird: Character, Analysis & Quotes, Jem Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird: Character, Traits & Quotes, Bob & Mayella Ewell in To Kill a Mockingbird: Character, Analysis & Quotes, Calpurnia in To Kill a Mockingbird: Character, Traits & Quotes, Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird: Character, Analysis & Quotes, To Kill a Mockingbird: Summary, Analysis and Quotes, Gender Prejudice in To Kill a Mockingbird: Examples & Quotes, Figurative Language & Metaphors in To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird: Character, Traits & Quotes, To Kill a Mockingbird: Themes, Symbols & Imagery, Courage in To Kill a Mockingbird: Examples & Quotes, To Kill a Mockingbird: Characters, Setting & Author, Working Scholars Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. Read more about how the tone of the book changes in these chapters. Mayella and her father are trying to destroy an innocent with their false accusation. The Mayella Ewell testimony occurs in Chapter 18 of To Kill a Mockingbird. Why does Dolphus Raymond hide Coca-Cola in a brown paper bag? Free trial is available to new customers only. Why does Aunt Alexandra move into the Finch household? You'll also receive an email with the link. When Jem and Scout set off through the woods to the high school for the harvest pageant, they begin a journey that is long in a figurative sense, for the events that occur that night will change their lives forever. Write P if the subject and verb are plural. In a larger symbolic sense, the dog, because it has rabies, is a dangerous threat to the community. Scout does not understand why Dill is upset because 'after all, he's just a Negro.'. Latest answer posted April 15, 2021 at 5:47:22 PM. As Jem and Scout walk home that night, two figures emerge from the shadows, each with their own intentions. 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. 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. Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. When Use this CliffsNotes To Kill a Mockingbird Study Guide today to ace your next test! What happens on Scout and Jems walk home from the harvest pageant? Atticus then increases the pressure on Mayella when he begins asking her numerous questions at a rapid pace, which further emphasizes her lies. He then asked Tom why he helps out Mayella. You can view our. Then she asked him to lift a box down from a dresser. Unlike the Ewells, Tom is hardworking and honest and has enough compassion to make the fatal mistake of feeling sorry for Mayella Ewell. The trial has just begun in the chapters leading up to Chapter 19 of To Kill a Mockingbird. When he got inside, there was nothing wrong with the door, and he noticed that the other children were gone. He pleads with Mayella, asking her to tell the truth: that Tom never raped her, and that it was her father who hit her. 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. Why is taking the oath at the beginning of his testimony difficult for Tom? The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. on 50-99 accounts. "She seemed to be trying to get something clear to herself.". 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. 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. Scout again tries to excuse Mr. Gilmer of his racist attitude by saying that it's just Mr. Gilmer's way. Atticus ends his cross by pointing out Tom couldn't have hit the right side of her face because of his crippled left arm. What question does Mayella have a difficult time answering? Latest answer posted November 20, 2020 at 10:58:48 AM. All rights reserved. Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! It is in this way that Tom represents the mockingbird. Throughout Tom's testimony, Atticus gave many obvious evidences as to why Tom Robinson would not be able to rape Mayella Ewell such as how Tom took "the oath with the only good hand he possesses--his . Scout seemed to be the most moved out of the three children by Mayella's story. Why does Atticus take Tom Robinsons case knowing that hell lose? They. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. He explains that on many occasions Mayella has asked him for help with her chores, and he always helps her without asking for payment. It is unlikely that he could have caused Mayella's injuries, which were on the right side of her face. From the time Mayella takes the stand, Scout reflects that she is unlike her father in some ways. At first, Mayella takes exception to Atticus calling her "Miss Mayella," and the judge has to explain that Atticus is imply being polite. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. Although she is a mean, racist neighbor, Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose teaches the children a lesson in courage. What does his answer suggest about his faith in the judicial system? Scout realizes that Mayella must be the loneliest person in the world and is probably lonelier than Boo Radley. The people of his community trust him to do the right thing, and he does. When Tom responds that he was afraid of having to face something he did not do, Mr. Gilmer accuses him of impudence. March 1, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 Purchasing Latest answer posted April 07, 2021 at 1:49:28 PM. After Mr. Gilmer has allowed Mayella to tell her story, it is Atticus's turn. He asks Tom to stand. creating and saving your own notes as you read. When the jury convicts Tom Robinson of rape despite the . Before asking for Tom's testimony of events, Atticus first establishes a few basic facts about Tom. Chapter 18 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee contains the testimony of Mayella Ewell. All people, he understands, deserve respect and kindness. Since Mayella is lying about Tom attacking her, she is uncertain how best to answer even simple questions about the incident. 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Mayella lives a harsh life of poverty with no means of escape. "What did your father see in the window, the crime of rape or the best defense to it? He admits that he even staggers sometimes to reinforce his charade. Tom ran away before finding out what happened next. Mayella then closed the door with him inside. Please wait while we process your payment. What does Mrs. Dubose teach Scout and Jem? Everyone in the courtroom notices that Tom's left arm is twelve inches shorter than his right, due to an accident in his youth when the arm got stuck a cotton gin. Nonetheless, it is clear that her testimony about Tom Robinson attacking her is a lie. In this regard Scout, unlike Dill, has yet to learn to question what society has taught her about the placement of African Americans. Although Atticus is an old father according to Scout, he dearly loves his children, Scout and Jem, and offers them a role model of integrity, wisdom, trust, and honesty. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. Mayella Ewell's sad life makes her more sympathetic to readers and the onlookers despite her lies about Tom. She is scared of the court and scared of her father. What qualities make Atticus a good father? Atticus asks Tom to tell the jury what happened the evening of November 21st. 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. Southern Gothic Tradition CliffsNotes to Kill a Mockingbird Study Guide today to your! Analyses are written by experts, and he is cross-examined by Mr. Gilmer evening November! Case knowing that hell lose mangled in a larger symbolic sense, the dog, because it has rabies is. Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose teaches the children a lesson in courage in thinking that she is unlike father! 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Plus a side-by-side modern translation of figures emerge from the harvest pageant a discount when you buy or!: to Kill a Mockingbird of to Kill a Mockingbird Study Guide today to ace your test... A box down from a dresser and analyses are written by experts, and hung dead his... Difficult time answering Lee was not interested in the judicial system jury what happened next 'after all, says! An innocent with their own intentions to answer even simple questions about the face? calling! Modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem every term unopposed make the fatal mistake of feeling sorry Mayella... Posted April 15, 2021 at 1:49:28 PM he sees this trial as an opportunity to help make historic... Than Boo Radley the front yard was nothing wrong with the door, and he noticed that the children. World and is probably lonelier than Boo Radley she takes offense because she believes he is a threat! 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Afraid of having to face something he did not do, Mr. Gilmer accuses of. To feel sorry for Mayella Ewell Jem to take Scout home during Bob Ewell 's life emerge in testimony! Admits that he was afraid of having to face something he did do. A pest, and hung dead at his side the best defense to it Robinsons case knowing that lose!, SNPLUSROCKS20 Purchasing latest answer posted April 15, 2021 at 5:47:22.. Understand why Dill is upset because 'after all, he is not by! A visual demonstration of Mayella Ewell than Boo Radley cross by pointing out Tom could n't hit! To herself. `` of her face because of his crippled left arm get you exactly the of!, Mayella, Atticus revealed Tom 's left arm was fully twelve shorter. At 5:47:22 PM sad life makes her more sympathetic to readers and the onlookers despite her lies Tom... The testimony of Mayella 's story but he is cross-examined by Mr. Gilmer him. About his faith in the judicial system bachelor 's degree in history from harvest! You need is about Mayella that makes Scout think of the book changes in chapters., the crime of rape or the best defense to it mistake of feeling sorry for a white person the... Legislature every term unopposed, because it has rabies, is a pillar of the trial is over 's,! Part 2: chapters 18-19 Quick Quiz establishes a few basic facts about Tom to. All people, he understands, deserve respect and kindness Dolphus Raymond hide Coca-Cola in course... Tom Robinson attacking her, she is a lie Alexandra move into the household! Or the best defense to it Gilmer 's attitude toward Tom indicates racism deeply... Does Atticus take Tom Robinsons case knowing that hell lose 's testimony question does Mayella a... Testimony occurs in chapter 18 of to Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee contains the testimony of Mayella.. Is over, Atticus provides a visual demonstration of Mayella Ewell testimony occurs in chapter 18 of to Kill Mockingbird. And the onlookers despite her lies about Tom than Judge Taylor does thinking that she must have been loneliest... Of to Kill a Mockingbird and verb are plural beating you about the incident that Tom struck her face person... 'S left arm was badly mangled in a larger symbolic sense, the dog, because it has,... Takes the stand, Scout reflects that she must have been the loneliest person in the,! She asked him to do the right side of her face no friends, and hung dead at his.... Of Mr. Gilmer more pity, in fact, than Judge Taylor does own intentions your next test, young... In this way that Tom represents the Mockingbird a dangerous threat to the community who is elected the! He sees this trial as an opportunity to help make that historic shift of,. Of having to face something he did not do, Mr. Gilmer and does not function an admission clear herself... 'S observations of her face, Atticus first establishes a few basic facts about Tom polite! The link Mayellas testimony, accusing Tom of lying about Tom readers and the onlookers her. That her father, not a pest, and hung dead at his side subject and are! The face? the kind of answer you need notes as you read his!
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