The book To Kill a Mockingbird takes place in Maycomb County, an imaginary district in southern Alabama. To Kill a Mockingbird is narrated by a double consciousness, alternating between the Finch siblings. The events in the story take place in the early 1930’s, during the Great Depression. The cultural norm during this time allowed, and in some cases, encouraged discrimination based on someone’s social class, race, or gender. In this story Mayella Ewell, a poor white female who lives behind the dump, is often disregarded and forgotten. In a household containing seven younger children, Mayella has become the major caregiver since her abusive alcoholic father assumes no responsibility whatsoever. Even with her limited status and sad predicament, it is ironic that Mayella does have power over others.
Mayella Ewell is part of a social class cut off from most of the county. The members of her family are often frowned upon due to the filthy conditions in which they live. Mayella and her family are so used to being treated disrespectfully, that when they confront even the smallest amount of respect, it is perceived as an insult. An example of such a misunderstanding occurs when Atticus Finch addresses her as “Ma’am” in court; she takes it as an insult …show more content…
Her pathetic situation does not negate the fact that she uses whatever opportunities she can find to better her situation. She uses her class, race, and gender to her benefit for the purpose of escaping her father's abuse. Because of her social class, she does not have access to some of the advantages others may have. However, her race and gender enable her to benefit from social prejudices that work in her favor. Sadly, these same factors work against Tom. Limited though her opportunities were, Mayella demonstrated a keen, if confused, understanding of the way the world works to her own
Mayella Ewell is part of a social class cut off from most of the county. The members of her family are often frowned upon due to the filthy conditions in which they live. Mayella and her family are so used to being treated disrespectfully, that when they confront even the smallest amount of respect, it is perceived as an insult. An example of such a misunderstanding occurs when Atticus Finch addresses her as “Ma’am” in court; she takes it as an insult …show more content…
Her pathetic situation does not negate the fact that she uses whatever opportunities she can find to better her situation. She uses her class, race, and gender to her benefit for the purpose of escaping her father's abuse. Because of her social class, she does not have access to some of the advantages others may have. However, her race and gender enable her to benefit from social prejudices that work in her favor. Sadly, these same factors work against Tom. Limited though her opportunities were, Mayella demonstrated a keen, if confused, understanding of the way the world works to her own