Over the centuries, nations have been fighting for power. In history, there have been many disputes over who owns the territory or who controls the nation. One’s ability to exert control over others or one’s life can be called power. Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird focuses on Tom Robinson, a young African American, who was living in the south during Great Depression. Mayella Ewell claims Tom is guilty of assaulting and sexually assaulting Mayella, a young white girl. While all evidence against Tom points to Bob Ewell, her father as the perpetrator, Tom gets convicted anyway and is sentenced to life in prison for being African American. Mayella’s race grants her the power to speak in the courtroom but, in general, her inability to do so in society is due to her poverty and constant abuse by her father.
Mayella cannot overcome poverty at the Ewell house. The Ewells are poor, filthy and uneducated. They live off welfare and use any money to buy alcohol for Bob Ewell. Mayella attempts to escape her low socioeconomic class. However, she is unable to integrate with the Maycomb whites because of her socioeconomic situation. Mayella has a garden that she uses to escape the poverty of her family. “Six chipped-enamel Slop Jars holding brilliant red Geraniums are kept as tenderly and lovingly as Miss Maudie,” which stands in stark contrast to the Ewell’s otherwise dismal and neglected residence (143). Mayella discovers that she finds joy in beautiful, practical things. She longs to see more than what she’s seen all her life. She seeks an escape. Because she doesn’t have control over her place in Maycomb, Alabama’s social hierarchy, her failure to do so is what makes her feel powerless. Mayella also tries to escape her social class by acting “as though she strive[s] for cleanliness” (151). Lee describes her indirectly as someone who cares about their appearance. This is a stark contrast with the Ewells, who care little about anything. This makes her stand out from her family and allows her to try to be considered more than just an Ewell. This is how she tries to rise above her family’s low-class, unfavorable reputation. However, Mayella’s attempts to be seen as something more than a Ewell are ultimately futile. It is stated throughout the trial that Mayella has suffered verbal, sexual and physical abuse from her father Bob. Tom Robinson’s testimony stated that Mayella claimed she was inexperienced in dealing with men. She also said that her father’s words to her didn’t count, insinuating Bob Ewell had forced her to have sex (164). Mayella says that Mr. Ewell controls her body and does what he pleases. This is a clear sign of her inability to reciprocate and her loss of control over her own body. He also degraded Mayella’s appearance when he saw her kiss Tom Robinson. This is both verbal as well as emotional abuse. The victim may become helpless if they are subject to verbal or emotional abuse. Atticus shows that Mayella has been beaten up by a left-handed man, which refers to Bob Ewell’s left arm, which is useless and rubber-like (161). With his threat of killing his daughter, there is a strong possibility that Mr. Ewell beats and abuses Mayella, once more proving her inability to control her body and mind. Atticus questions her about her father’s kindness, and Bob Ewell asks her (155). Mayella turns her back to him and gets upset. Evidence from the past shows that Mr. Ewell abused his daughter and the abusive environment in which he grew up. Victims of abuse are more likely to view their abusers’ power and to allow them to control them. Mayella Ewell is an example of this. While Mr. Ewell may relax when Mayella denies these accusations, it becomes evident to the reader her father is controlling the proceedings. Thus, Mayella can be seen as both a victim or pawn.
Mayella won her case against Tom Robinson because she was white. Because she is not able to control herself, her family’s unfailing poverty and Bob Ewell’s control over her are the reasons she does not have overall power. Tom Robinson sympathizers may not like Mayella’s symbolism of a mockingbird, but it is plausible. Mayella is an innocent young girl who seeks to feel loved and be appreciated by others. Her father then prompts her to file criminal charges against Tom for an alleged beating and rape that never took place. Mayella Ewell truly is a victim in her own circumstances.
