Tom Robinson Controversy

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Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird” has become a controversial story in the southern United States. The story will be viewed from two different perspectives in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama. Scout Finch, a child, and Jean Lousie Finch, who is older and more aware of the occurring events in Maycomb surrounding the trial of Tom Robinson. Through the eyes of Jean we are introduced to Mayella Ewell. Mayella is a young lady whom is from the poor side of town and is considered an outcast among the community, thus meaning Mayella is not powerful. People in Maycomb are classed by name, land, reputation in the community. According to class, Mayella is very low due to the fact that she lives off the land with little money. The Ewell family is given …show more content…

In court, Mayella falsely accuses Tom Robinson, a humble African-American, of raping her. Taking in consideration the race difference, a hefty majority of the court was in her favor. There is limited evidence showing that Mayella is not powerful when viewing race. Such as…”I got somethin' to say an' then I ain't gonna say no more. That nigger yonder took advantage of me an' if you fine fancy gentlemen don't wanta do nothin' about it then you're all yellow stinkin' cowards, stinkin' cowards, the lot of you. Your fancy airs don't come to nothin'—your ma'amin' and Miss Mayellerin' don't come to nothin', Mr. Finch-". (Mayella, PG 167) In this quote, Mayella is calling the men in court “cowards” if they don’t agree with her and as a result the men feel obliged to believe Mayella. In conclusion, Mayella is only saying what her father wants her to say thus making her powerless. Regarding gender, Mayella has no control hence, it's the 1930s and women have no rights. During this time period, women were expected to stay at home and cook, and clean while also taking care of the

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