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. 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.
Why is mayella afraid of Atticus when she first takes the stand why does she think Atticus is mocking her what does this suggest about the Ewells status in Maycomb What does it suggest about how the residents of Maycomb have treated them?
Because Mayella is devalued as a woman and person by her father and also
by the community, she feels that Atticus is making fun of her. In fact, as readers, we know that Atticus respects everyone, and he is trying to show her some decency.
Why is mayella afraid of Atticus in the courtroom?
Mayella claims to be scared of Atticus, and she is right to be scared of him, as
Atticus has the power to
expose her as a poor white woman who has attempted to seduce a black man. If Atticus is successful, the truth will set off a chain reaction that can only create more problems for Mayella.
How does mayella feel about the trial?
Mayella appears
to be scared to death during her entire testimony
, including during the friendly questioning by the prosecutor, Horace Gilmer. She begins crying at his first question, and Judge Taylor has to constantly remind her that she’s “a big girl” and has nothing to fear.
What did mayella say in court?
Mayella: Said I was nineteen, said it to the judge yonder.
So you did, so you did, ma’am. You’ll have to bear with me, Miss Mayella, I’m getting along and can’t remember as well as I used to.
Why does mayella first cry?
What might be the reason for Mayella’s crying in the court?
She is trying to gain sympathy from the jury
. She sees things are not going well for her and she wants them to feel sorry for her.
What does mayella reveal about herself?
after tom stands mayella becomes uncertain about the testimony. This shows that he is a good lawyer because he points off the flaws in people testimony. … mayella reveals that she
is a coward
because the whole purpose of the speech is to try and convince the jury she wa raped even though her testimony fails to do so.
What does Mayella think Atticus is trying to do to her?
Mayella Ewell believes that Atticus is
“sassing” her when he calls her “ma’am”
and “Miss Mayella.” Mayella tells Judge Taylor that Atticus is mocking her when he has actually addressed her in terms of politeness. The judge informs Mayella that Mr. Finch is not making fun of her.
What is Atticus trying to get Mayella to admit?
Atticus pleads with Mayella to admit
that there was no rape, that her father beat her
. … The prosecution rests, and Atticus calls only one witness—Tom Robinson.
Who does Atticus suggest beat up Mayella?
Mr. Ewell
is not shaken from his story, but Atticus carefully plants the seed that Mr. Ewell himself could’ve beaten Mayella.
Is mayella a victim or villain?
Mayella Ewell is portrayed as a complex character who is more of a victim than she is
a villain
in To Kill a Mockingbird. Mayella’s unfortunate home life, extreme loneliness, and nonexistent support system make her a sympathetic character.
Is Bob Ewell mayella’s dad?
Mayella is the
eldest daughter of Bob Ewell
, and thus ends up having to take care of her siblings because her father is a strong alcoholic.
Why is dill crying when Tom is on the stand?
The sensitive Dill cries in the courtroom because
Mr. Gilmer, the attorney for the prosecution
, questions Tom in a such a cruel and devious manner that it clearly indicates his racial bias. When Tom Robinson is on the stand, Atticus asks him questions in the same manner in which he speaks to the Ewells or anyone else.
What evidence is there that mayella is lying?
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Mayella Ewell is the victim of a savage beating. She tells Sheriff Tate that Tom Robinson, an African American man, is the one responsible. During the trial,
Mayella’s testimony
, combined with other evidence, proves that she is lying, and more importantly, that Tom Robinson is innocent.
Why does mayella say Tom attacked her?
The basic idea is that she says that
Tom Robinson raped her by force
. She says that she was hanging out on her porch when he walked by. She called to him and told him to come break up a “chiffarobe” for her — she would give him a nickel if he did. When she went into the house to get the nickel, he grabbed her.
What does mayella want Tom to chop?
Mayella says Tom is asked to chop
a chiffarobe
and that is when he rapes her. Atticus shows through her testimony that she has no social skills, has an unhappy homelife, and has no friends.
