Who Is Mayella Ewell's Power In To Kill A Mockingbird
In “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Mayella Ewell has power when defined by race, class, and gender. Mayella uses her power against Tom Robinson an African American man, who has been accused of raping her. As a white woman in the south, the men are very protective. Therefore having relations with African Americans is prevented and frowned upon.Her class is low, as she is a poor white woman; however it is higher than an African American. Even though Mayella is considered white trash, she still has more power over negros.
When it comes to Mayella’s class, she is in lack of better terms, white trash. “Maycomb's Ewells lived behind the town garbage dump in what was once a negro cabin.” (DBQ Mayella, 13) Her and her father, Bob Ewell live there together. …show more content…
Mayella was called ma’am and Tom was called boy. When Tom was asked why he ran so fast and why he was scared he replies with “Like I says before, it weren’t safe...to be in a- fix like that.” (DBQ Mayella, 19) just because he was an African American in a bad situation. Also replying with “No, suh, scared I’d have to face up to what I didn’t do” (DBQ Mayella, 19). No matter what he did, no one would take his side, only because he was not white. Mayella’s power is strong once it comes to race. While Reverend Sykes and Jem were talking, Reverend says to Jem, “I ain’t ever seen any jury decide in favor of a colored man over a white man.” (DBQ Mayella, 19) meaning, no matter who it is, the race will play a factor in court. When Tom was asked why he was doing Mayella’s chores for no money he says “I felt sorry for her” (DBQ Mayella, 21), realizing the mistake he made, Mr. Gilmor follows up with “You felt sorry for her?”(DBQ Mayella, 21) not liking Tom’s comment. Meanwhile, her power, not only her race having a big impact on the case, but her gender. Mayella’s gender gives her an advantage in the court. As a woman in the 1930’s you were seen to have been helpless.When Mayella accused Tom of raping her, it not only broke the Jim Crow Laws but it meant her dad would not touch her sexually again. Mayella thought out this plan thoroughly. While in court, Tom was describing his side
When it comes to Mayella’s class, she is in lack of better terms, white trash. “Maycomb's Ewells lived behind the town garbage dump in what was once a negro cabin.” (DBQ Mayella, 13) Her and her father, Bob Ewell live there together. …show more content…
Mayella was called ma’am and Tom was called boy. When Tom was asked why he ran so fast and why he was scared he replies with “Like I says before, it weren’t safe...to be in a- fix like that.” (DBQ Mayella, 19) just because he was an African American in a bad situation. Also replying with “No, suh, scared I’d have to face up to what I didn’t do” (DBQ Mayella, 19). No matter what he did, no one would take his side, only because he was not white. Mayella’s power is strong once it comes to race. While Reverend Sykes and Jem were talking, Reverend says to Jem, “I ain’t ever seen any jury decide in favor of a colored man over a white man.” (DBQ Mayella, 19) meaning, no matter who it is, the race will play a factor in court. When Tom was asked why he was doing Mayella’s chores for no money he says “I felt sorry for her” (DBQ Mayella, 21), realizing the mistake he made, Mr. Gilmor follows up with “You felt sorry for her?”(DBQ Mayella, 21) not liking Tom’s comment. Meanwhile, her power, not only her race having a big impact on the case, but her gender. Mayella’s gender gives her an advantage in the court. As a woman in the 1930’s you were seen to have been helpless.When Mayella accused Tom of raping her, it not only broke the Jim Crow Laws but it meant her dad would not touch her sexually again. Mayella thought out this plan thoroughly. While in court, Tom was describing his side