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

and in some cases, lack thereof, point to Tom Robinson’s innocence.
One way Atticus does this is by using paralipsis to discreetly bring attention to incriminating and discrediting evidence from the trial that brings the Ewell’s credibility into question.

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

Ewells.
Throughout his final statement, Atticus frequently refers to the Ewell’s lack of real evidence and highly suspicious, incriminating ‘coincidences’ that put holes in the Ewells claims. On one such occasion, Atticus is speaking of his pity for Mayella in her current situation, committing the horrendous act of tempting a black man and now trying to “put the evidence of her offense away from her,” that evidence being Tom Robinson(Lee 231). By bringing this to attention, he is both accusing Mayella of making false claims about what happened while also portraying Tom as the victim in the situation. This claim and its supporting evidence support Atticus’ claims as to the innocence of Tom Robinson and the guilt of Bob and Mayella Ewell. During his statement Atticus also mentions that there really isn’t any actual proof of what happened in the house as there was no one else there. There is, however, “circumstantial evidence” that points to Mayella Ewell being beaten by someone “who led almost exclusively with his left”(Lee 232). This puts a huge hole in the Ewells story as Tom Robinson’s left arm was caught in machinery when he was younger and has been rendered useless sense. This also makes Mayella’s father, Bob Ewell, a major suspect because, as proven previously by Atticus, Bob Ewell is left handed and the only other person who was there when Mayella was assaulted. This calls serious questioning into the true whereabouts and actions of Mr. Ewell and contradicts most of what the Ewells claimed while on the podium. By mentioning both of these facts in the case, Atticus further discredits the Ewells case and implies that the true felons here were the Ewells and while Tom Robinson is the victim. Yet another way Atticus helps Tom Robinson’s innocent plea is by using an anaphora to put emphasis on the fact that not all men are truly created equal.
While nearing the conclusion of his final statement, Atticus quotes Thomas Jefferson’s statement that “all men are created equal” and then proceeds to refute that statement, claiming that it is not so and listing examples of ways in which people are not equal(Lee 233). In this anaphora, one of the inequality points he mentions is that some are “smarter than others”(Lee 233). By saying this, Atticus is not only pointing out that there is inequality despite the beliefs of some, but also making implications towards the present audience. This particular statement is directed toward the judge and jury as they are in a position of authority. By complimenting the jury, Atticus gains their favor which will better his chances of establishing his own credibility as well as proving Tom Robinson’s innocence. Atticus also states that “some people have more opportunity because they’re born with it”(Lee 233). This is a clear reference to the racism present in Maycomb which is currently obscuring the views of the judge and jury.