I think Mayella Ewell is primarily afraid of her father, which prompts her to lie about Tom Robinson raping her. Mayella is afraid that if she admits to having sexual interest in a black man that her father will abuse her, something that is already heavily implied in the text—Bob Ewell likely physically and/or sexually abused Mayella, therefore inspiring her fear of him. In her mind, it is easier to agree with her father’s assumption than to admit the truth.
However, one could also argue that society’s perception also inspires Mayella’s fear. Because this has already been made public, Mayella would be forced to admit that she pursued Robinson against his will. Interracial relationships during this time period were not only taboo but also illegal, and Mayella may not have been willing to admit that she wanted to have a romantic or sexual connection with a black man under the scrutiny of public opinion.
It is clear that Mayella manipulates racial and gender stereotypes to her advantage in this situation in order to avoid humiliation or abuse, and while it is tempting to paint her as a victim because of how much she fears her father, she is ultimately responsible for Tom Robinson’s death.
Thursday, August 23, 2018
How does the theme of fear impact Mayella? Was it society, her father, Atticus, or all of them, and how did it impact her? What evidence do we have? What did fear do to her?
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