Symbols In Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird

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Register to read the introduction… Before the story has begun, the African American is already accused of raping a white, nineteen year old Mayella Ewell. Many townspeople of Maycomb believe that Robinson is not responsible for his crime because he is a hard-working and well-respected man. On the other hand, they disrespect and distrust the prosecutor, Mayella Ewell, because she belongs to a poor, disgraceful “white trash” family who lives by the town’s dump. The second evidence that proves Tom Robinson’s innocence is found in Mr. Ewell’s testimony on the rape. Mr. Ewell, Mayella’s father and one of the witnesses of the incident, tells Atticus, the lawyer of Tom Robinson, that he does not call a doctor for Mayella on that day. When Atticus asks for the reason why Mr. Ewell has not provided medical assistance to his daughter, Mr. Ewell only replies “[I have] no need to. [I have] seen what happened.”(p.175) Through this testimony, one can easily determine that Mr. Ewell either takes little care for his daughter’s well-being, or most likely the rape is false. The third evidence that proves Tom Robinson is not guilty is when he has testified that Mayella has kissed him, instead of being raped by him. He has told the jury that Mayella “attacked” him on the day of the incident by suddenly kissing and embracing him. By this testimony, one believes that this might be the main reason Mayella has decided to convict Tom Robinson, in order …show more content…
Arthur “Boo” Radley is accused for crimes and actions that he has not commit. According to the Maycomb neighbourhood legend, Arthur Radley “went out at night when the moon is down, and peeped in windows.” (p.278) Townspeople is suspicious of Arthur because he has not come out of his home, ever since his suspected “incident” of stabbing his father with a pair of scissors many years ago. Due to suspicion and curiosity, people start to spread horrible rumours about Arthur Radley. As a result, children, having heard of the rumours from their parents, are curious every time they walk pass the Radley house. Three of those children are Scout, Jem, and Dill. Powered by boredom and curiosity, the three children, wanting to prove their bravery, has set dares on each other on who can venture furthest into the Radley property. Also for amusement, Scout, Jem, and Dill mock Arthur by acting a short fictional made-up play on his life. “It was a melancholy little drama, woven from bits and scraps of gossip and neighbourhood legend.” (p. 39) Surprisingly, often when the children perform their play, Arthur “Boo” Radley is watching. Arthur has grown affection for the children because he thinks that the children’s interest on his mysterious life is adorable and entertaining. To prove his affection for them, Arthur has sent gifts to the children and has also covered Scout with a blanket around her shoulders when

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