Mayella Ewell Trial

In Harper Lee’s insightful novel To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch makes his final statement to both prove the innocence of the accused Tom Robinson who supposedly raped Mayella Ewell and bring into question the credibility of the Ewells, while also making blunt reference to the unjust prejudices held by the jury due to the racial discrimination present in their society. Finch uses the repetition of key concepts to emphasize the inequality between individuals despite the historical claim that all men are created equal. He also offhandedly mentions key evidence to the case that not only disproves the Ewells claim to Robinson’s guilt but also incriminates the Ewells themselves to bring attention to the simplicity of their decision as all evidence

During his final statement, Atticus offhandedly mentions that when Bob Ewell signed the warrant he “no doubt [signed] it with his left hand”(Lee 232). Atticus mentions Mr. Ewell’s left-handedness to imply that it wasn’t Tom Robinson that assaulted Mayella, it was her father. This implication is backed by previously established evidence that confirmed it was likely a left-handed person who was to blame and thus could not be Tom Robinson as his left hand was indisposed. Pointing out this fact aids in discrediting the Ewell’s case and incriminating Bob Ewell instead, thus improving his argument that Tom Robinson is innocent. In his statement Atticus also states that he “need not remind [them] of their appearance and conduct on the stand,” referring to the outrageous behavior while being questioned. By pointing out the Ewell’s misconduct, which contrasted greatly to Tom Robinson’s polite and sentimental mannerisms, Atticus further discredits their claims. Discrediting the Ewells further damages their case and helps Atticus in his quest to prove Tom Robinson innocent. By pointing out both of these incriminating and compromising facts out offhandedly Atticus brings attention to the facts without gaining the racist disapproval of the jury, bettering his defense against the Ewells and supporting his claim to Tom Robinson’s innocence. Another way Atticus does this is simply by bringing forth multitudes of evidence against the