What Does Mayella Ewell Represent In To Kill A Mockingbird

how is he misunderstood by societyIn literature, a symbol is a representative of several other aspects. Symbolism adds a deeper meaning than an object’s literal, direct interpretation. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, many of the characters introduced are represented by a harmless mockingbird. Mockingbirds are described to bring beauty to the world instead of causing any harm. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, the author uses the symbolism of a mockingbird to show how certain characters in the novel are damaged by the injustices of the world.

One character that is mainly described as a mockingbird is Arthur “Boo” Radley. Boo is a mockingbird because for most of the novel, he is kept locked inside his house, not causing any harm. However,

the citizens of Maycomb, misjudge him and spread false rumors about his true character. “Boo Radley, unknown by a community who has not seen or heard from him in fifteen years, is similarly presumed to be a monster by the court of the public opinion”(????) The people of Maycomb harm Boo even though he has not caused harm to others.
The “evil force’” that eventually causes the destruction of innocence for Boo is his father, Mr. Radley. Mr. Radley can be described as religious and strict. Along with his father, Nathan Radley, Boo’s brother also takes part in the destruction. Nathan cuts off a form of communication between Boo, Jem, and Scout when he fills the knothole with cement; preventing Boo from sending the children anymore gifts. Furthermore, this event provokes Jem into tears as he has come to the conclusion that Boo may not be the monster that they thought he was.
At the end of the novel when Boo saves the children, he proves that, not only is he harmless, but he's also helpful and courageous. Ultimately, Boo is a mockingbird because he becomes an undeserving victim of humanity's prejudice. When describing Boo’s character, “Boo is revealed to be a gentle soul through his unseen acts; the gifts, the mending of Jem’s pants, the blanket the night of the fire, and the rescue of the children from Bob Ewell” ( “To Kill a Mockingbird” 292). Boo is affected by society as he is judged from the opinions of others.
Mayella Ewell is also another mockingbird shown throughout the novel.

When describing Mayella’s family, “[Ewell’s] place by the dump is highly symbolic in that they are truly the discards of society” ( “Critical Reading: The Margins of Maycomb: A Rereading of To Kill a Mockingbird” 174). However, Mayella is often described as being different from her family. She does her best to keep clean and even plants red geraniums where she lives. “Mayella plants flower to bring beauty to her house near the junkyard” (“Critical Contexts: To Kill a Mockingbird: Successes and Myths” 33). These flower symbolize hope for Mayella. The red geraniums symbolize beauty and a better life for Mayella as she tries to make distract herself from her unsettling

surroundings.
Mayella’s father portrays the corruption that eventually kills this particular mockingbird. “Although it is clear that Mayella perjures herself and accuses Tom of rape he didn’t commit, it is equally clear that Mayella is the victim of both violence and incest. (“Critical Reading: The Margins of Maycomb: A Rereading of To Kill a Mockingbird” 177). Mayella is placed in a position where she must act as a mother and wife to her family. “Among the extralegal privileges [citizens of Maycomb] can afford Bob Ewell are the privileges of beating and raping of his daughter” ( “Critical Reading: The Margins of Maycomb: A Rereading of To Kill a Mockingbird” 178) Mayella Ewell is a mockingbird because she is a naive, young girl who is damaged by her father.
A final mockingbird that is discussed is Tom Robinson.

Robinson resembles a mockingbird because he does not cause any harm to the town of Maycomb. This particular mockingbird is killed when Mayella Ewell falsely accuses him of rape. Although all the evidence proves that Robinson is innocent, it is a battle between an African American and a white woman. “The one place where a man ought to get a square deal is in a courtroom, be he any color of the rainbow but people have a way of carry their resentments right into the jury box” (Lee 220). Robinson is eventually convicted because of the prejudice and racism that clouds everyone in the jury and every citizen of Maycomb. “Tom Robinson’s a colored man, Jem. No jury in this part of the world’s going to say “We think you’re guilty, but not very on a charge on like that.” It was either a straight acquittal or nothing” (Lee 219). Tom Robinson may not be guilty of raping Mayella, but he is guilty of feeling sorry for a lonely, white

woman.
Unfortunately, Mayella’s lie is the evil force that serves as the destruction of Tom’s life. Feeling hopeless in jail, Tom Robinson attempts to escape, eventually leading to his death. “[Tom] has been unjustly accused, found guilty in the light of clear evidence of his innocence, and killed by the officers of the law” ( “Critical Reading: The Margins of Maycomb: A Rereading of To Kill a Mockingbird” 182-183). Tom Robinson is a mockingbird because he is a kind and helpful character and brought beauty into the world instead of harm.
In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, the author uses the symbolism of a mockingbird to show how certain characters in the novel are destroyed by the unfairness of the world. Among these certain characters include Boo Radley because of how he is misunderstood by society. In addition, Mayella Ewell is a mockingbird because of her toxic relationship with her father, Bob Ewell. Jem is a mockingbird as well because of his exposure to the reality of the world . Tom Robinson is also a mockingbird because of how his life is negatively affected by the Mayella’s accusation.