Why does mayella falsely accuse Tom?
Mayella accused Tom because she was forced to by her father, Bob Ewell and because that man is her father. It is made very clear during the trial that it was not Tom Robinson who raped Mayella Ewell, but instead her own father. She blamed Robinson because she was evidently coersed by Bob Ewell.
What does Atticus believe Bob’s motivation was for accusing Tom?
Atticus points out that Tom Robinson could not have raped her due to his physical disabilities after a cotton gin injury. Atticus knows Mayella’s motivation to accuse Tom Robinson of rape is the product of fear that the Maycomb community would know she had sexual relations with an African American.
Why does mayella feel mocked in court even though Atticus is treating her with complete respect?
What makes Mayella think Atticus is “mocking” her? Because 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. She is not used to being treated with respect or dignity and doesn’t like it.
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 is Atticus trying to get mayella to admit?
Atticus is trying to get Mayella to make a confession. What does he want her to admit? He wants her to admit that she came onto Tom Robinson and that her dad beat her up after seeing it happen.
What case does Atticus prove?
Essentially, Atticus is building his case to prove that Bob Ewell assaulted his daughter by having him write his signature in front of the jury. In Ch. 17, Atticus is trying to prove that Tom Robinson did not beat Mayella. Mayella and Bob are claiming that Tom Robinson beat and raped Mayella.
What is Atticus trying to figure out from his questions?
Hover for more information. Atticus is trying to prove that Tom Robinson could not physically have attacked Mayella and she wasn’t raped. Tom Robinson is a black man accused of raping a white woman. The evidence is completely circumstantial, meaning that it really doesn’t prove anything definitively.
What does Atticus value in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Atticus shows many values throughout the book, such as justice, respect, corage, equality between white and black people, and being a good father for Scout and Jem Finch, which comes under responsibility. Atticus is also the moral main character. One of the values that Atticus Finch possesses is justice.
What is Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird?
A central character of Harper Lee’s acclaimed novel “To Kill a Mockingbird,” published in 1960, Atticus is a lawyer and attorney in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, who earns the ire of some white townspeople — and the admiration of his young daughter — when he defends a black man, Tom Robinson, accused of raping a …
Is To Kill a Mockingbird true story?
The plot and characters are loosely based on Lee’s observations of her family, her neighbors and an event that occurred near her hometown of Monroeville, Alabama, in 1936, when she was ten. Despite dealing with the serious issues of rape and racial inequality, the novel is renowned for its warmth and humor.
Who killed Ewell in To Kill a Mockingbird?
On the night of the Halloween pageant Bob follows the children home and attacks them but Boo saves Jem and Scout but fatally stabs Bob Ewell. Atticus is convinced Jem killed Bob Ewell but Heck Tate (the sheriff) points out that Jem isn’t strong enough and after Bob broke his arm he wouldn’t have been able to stab him.