Trial Details
This witness weakens the prosecution’s case by admitting no doctor was ever called for Mayella.
Heck Tate
Tom Robinson repeatedly helped Mayella with chores because he felt this emotion toward her.
pity or sympathy
The jury is expected to believe Mayella over Tom primarily because of this social force.
racism/prejudice
What injury does Atticus point out on Mayella Ewell’s face?
Bruises mostly on the right side of her face.
Mayella becomes angry when Atticus politely calls her “ma’am” because she mistakes his respect for this.
mockery or attitude
Tom running away from the Ewell house ironically makes him appear guilty even though it actually reveals this.
fear of racist accusations
What important step was never taken after Mayella claimed she was attacked?
No doctor was called to examine her
This character unexpectedly defends Tom Robinson’s character during the trial, causing Judge Taylor to remove him.
Link Deas
Atticus’s calm treatment of Mayella demonstrates this recurring moral principle he tries to teach Scout.
empathy/respecting others
Atticus has Bob Ewell write his name in court mainly to reveal this important detail.
Bob Ewell is left handed
Tom’s statement that he “felt right sorry” for Mayella shocks the courtroom because it violates this Southern social expectation.
racial hierarchy
Dill begins crying during the trial because he is disturbed by this aspect of the prosecutor’s treatment of Tom.
cruelty/dehumanization
What are the flowers that Mayella keeps around the Ewell property and what do they symbolize?
Geraniums, Positive emotions, joy, beauty
What does Scout claim Mayella to be and why does she think this?
the loneliest person in the world, due to her lack of support and friendship
Why did Tom make a mistake when he stated he pitied Mayella?
He's going against the social/racial hierarchy that's present.