Mayella Ewell's Testimony

Mayella Ewell, the 19-year-old accuser in the Tom Robinson case, takes the stand as the third witness. Her testimony provides insight into her background and the events leading to her accusation against Tom Robinson.

Vocabulary: Chiffarobe - A large piece of furniture combining a wardrobe for hanging clothes with a chest of drawers.

When questioned by Mr. Gilmer, Mayella claims that Tom Robinson attacked her when she asked him to chop up a chiffarobe for a nickel. She states that she screamed loudly and fainted during the alleged assault.

Highlight: Mayella's testimony contradicts Tom Robinson's account, setting up the central conflict of the trial.

Under cross-examination by Atticus Finch, Mayella becomes defensive and confused. She interprets Atticus's polite manner as mockery, revealing her lack of experience with respectful treatment. Mayella reluctantly provides details about her difficult home life, including limited education and poverty.

Quote: "He does tollable, 'cept when - " - Mayella Ewell, hesitating when asked about her father's behavior.

Atticus's questioning strategy aims to expose inconsistencies in Mayella's story and suggest alternative explanations for her injuries. The testimony highlights the complex social and familial dynamics that may have led to the false accusation against Tom Robinson.

Example: Mayella's confusion when asked about friends illustrates her social isolation and vulnerability.

Mayella Ewell's Testimony in To Kill a Mockingbird

As the third witness and the accuser of Tom Robinson, Mayella Ewell's testimony is crucial to the prosecution's case. Her account, however, is fraught with inconsistencies and emotional outbursts.

Highlight: Mayella's reaction to Atticus's respectful form of address suggests a lack of respect in her home life, foreshadowing revelations about her father's abusive behavior.

Mayella claims that Tom Robinson attacked her when she asked him to chop up a chiffarobe for a nickel. Her testimony paints a picture of a sudden, violent assault that contradicts Tom's later account.

Example: Mayella's statement that she "screamed as loud as she could" conflicts with other witness testimonies about the events of that day.

Atticus's cross-examination reveals Mayella's limited education and isolated life. She becomes confused and defensive when questioned about her friends and family relationships.

Quote: "He does tollable, 'cept when—" Mayella's incomplete response about her father hints at underlying family issues.

The testimony highlights the complex social and familial dynamics that have led to this trial, suggesting that Mayella's accusation may be motivated by factors beyond the alleged assault.

Definition: Tollable - A colloquial term meaning tolerable or passable, often used in Southern dialects.

Mayella's testimony, while meant to incriminate Tom Robinson, ultimately raises more questions than it answers, setting the stage for Tom's contradictory account and Atticus's powerful closing argument.