Mayella's Behavior In To Kill A Mockingbird
Throughout her testimony, Mayella seemed scared of all of people watching her, Atticus and Judge Taylor. Although the previous is true, Mayella was scared of one person in particular, her father. To no suprise Bob Ewell beats his children and he possibly sexually assaults Mayella. Bob’s behavior is a reflection of his chronic alcohol problem. Part of the reason the Ewells are so poor is because Bob spends the families earnining and welfare on alcohol. Mayella’s behavior is certainly impacted by what she sees and experiences at home. When Bob wasn’t home, Mayella seduced Tom Robinson and kissed him because of the all the evil things her father has done and the pathetic life she has lived. During Tom Robinson’s testimony he says, “She reached
up an’ kissed my ‘side of th’ face. She says she never kissed a grown man before an’ she might as well kiss a nigger. She says what her papa do to her don’t count.” (Chapter 19, Page 260) From Robinson’s account of Mayella, it seems that Bob abuses his daughter quite often. Physical evidence can easily show Bob’s abusive behavior towards Mayella. Heck Tate, the town sheriff, testified and described Mayella’s injuries. Heck noticed something about the injuries and stated it in court. “ It was her right eye, I said. …. Mr. Finch I remember now she was bunged up on that side of the face.” (Chapter 17 Page 225) The significance of this is that Bob is left handed which corresponds to Mayella’s right side being more banged up. Also Tom’s left arm is crippled so the only person who could’ve beaten her up is her father. Nearing the trials end, Atticus states some final remarks that reinforce Bob’s abusive actions. “What did her father do? We don’t know, but there is circumstantial evidence to indicate that Mayella Ewell was beaten savagely by someone who led almost exclusively with his left hand.” (Chapter 20 Page 272) Atticus leaves his audience to the conclusion that Bob Ewell was clearly responsible for Mayella’s injuries. A young woman who is beaten up and possibly sexually assaulted by her own father should definitley qualify as a sympathetic character.
up an’ kissed my ‘side of th’ face. She says she never kissed a grown man before an’ she might as well kiss a nigger. She says what her papa do to her don’t count.” (Chapter 19, Page 260) From Robinson’s account of Mayella, it seems that Bob abuses his daughter quite often. Physical evidence can easily show Bob’s abusive behavior towards Mayella. Heck Tate, the town sheriff, testified and described Mayella’s injuries. Heck noticed something about the injuries and stated it in court. “ It was her right eye, I said. …. Mr. Finch I remember now she was bunged up on that side of the face.” (Chapter 17 Page 225) The significance of this is that Bob is left handed which corresponds to Mayella’s right side being more banged up. Also Tom’s left arm is crippled so the only person who could’ve beaten her up is her father. Nearing the trials end, Atticus states some final remarks that reinforce Bob’s abusive actions. “What did her father do? We don’t know, but there is circumstantial evidence to indicate that Mayella Ewell was beaten savagely by someone who led almost exclusively with his left hand.” (Chapter 20 Page 272) Atticus leaves his audience to the conclusion that Bob Ewell was clearly responsible for Mayella’s injuries. A young woman who is beaten up and possibly sexually assaulted by her own father should definitley qualify as a sympathetic character.