What was Atticus trying to prove by questioning Mayella?

What was Atticus trying to prove by questioning Mayella?

Atticus tries with his questioning to demonstrate to Judge Taylor that Mayella has falsely charged Tom Robinson. Since he has previously had Bob Ewell demonstrate that he is left-handed, Atticus also leads the judge to understand that Bob Ewell most likely struck Mayella, not Tom.

What is Atticus trying to show with line of questioning?

Atticus is trying to prove that Tom Robinson could not physically have attacked Mayella and she wasn’t raped. Tom Robinson is a black man accused of raping a white woman. The evidence is completely circumstantial, meaning that it really doesn’t prove anything definitively.

How does Atticus feel about questioning Mayella?

” Atticus’s questions confuse Mayella, who contradicts her own testimony several times, and this leads Atticus to eventually “rain(ed) questions on her.” He probably hoped that Mayella might finally confess the truth, but instead his tough questions brought only more tears and, finally, silence.

How does Atticus appear to feel just after questioning Mayella here?

Atticus appears to feel upset because he drags Mayella into a tight spot that forces her into a way of answering that if she lied it would be clear.

How does Mayella avoid Atticus’s questions?

Atticus asks a series of questions that Mayella simply refuses to answer: why the other children didn’t hear her screams, if she screamed when she saw her father in the window instead of at Tom, if her father was the one who beat her up.

What does Atticus imply happened to Mayella?

Atticus is demonstrating that Mayella was a lonely girl with few goals and no prospects. Her family was uncomforting, and her life boring. Chatting to Tom gave her some feeling of connection to the outside world.

How does Atticus treat Mayella when she is on the stand?

When Mayella is on the stand, Atticus treats her with respect. She misinterprets this respect and believes that he is mocking her. However, he is able to prove that she has a difficult life and was very lonely, and she was attacked by her father and not Tom Robinson.

What questions did Atticus plan to ask in his examination?

In his examination, Atticus planed to ask her many questions, establishing her personality, family background, previous relationship with Tom, and other factors… Start your 48-hour free trial to unlock this answer and thousands more. Enjoy eNotes ad-free and cancel anytime. Already a member? Log in here.

What does Mayella say about Mr Finch at one point?

At one point she challenges him again, having not been entirely convinced by the judge: “You makin’ fun o’me again, Mr. Finch?” This came in response to Atticus’ asking who her friends were. The implication is that she had none. When Mayella is on the stand testifying, Atticus establishes reasonable doubt that Tom is guilty.

What does Mayella say about Mr Ewell?

Mayella went to school for a few years but none of her eight siblings go, and their mother is dead. Mayella doesn’t seem to have any friends. Atticus asks if Mr. Ewell is a loving father, and with hesitation, Mayella says that he is “tolerable” except when he has been drinking.