Mayella Violet Ewell

Use this mindmap to articulate the important qualities about the character you are studying.

Get Started. It's Free
or sign up with your email address
Mayella Violet Ewell by Mind Map: Mayella Violet Ewell

1. ACTS LIKE

1.1. Different

1.1.1. Mayella Ewell "looked as if she tried to keep clean" whereas Bob Ewell looked as though he had washed once for the occasion. His overnight soaking had deprived him of protective layers of dirt, his skin appeared to be sensitive to the elements"

1.1.1.1. This shows Mayella's difference in comparison to her own family, it makes it clear that she doesn't want to live the way the rest of her family does. The quote clearly conveys the message that she tries to keep clean unlike the people surrounding her.

1.2. Impulsive

1.2.1. I got somethin' to say. And then I ain't gonna say no more. He took advantage of me. An' if you fine, fancy gentlemen ain't gonna do nothin' about it, then you're just a bunch of lousy, yella, stinkin' cowards. -Mayella Ewell

1.2.1.1. This is one of the few quotes that makes Mayella out to be just like any other one of the Ewells (in the way they act). I feel this was one of Mayella's impulse reactions another example being her initial attempt of kissing Tom Robinson.

1.3. Mistreated

1.3.1. Your fancy airs don't come to nothin' – your ma'amin' and Miss Mayellerin' don't come to nothin', Mr. Finch-" Then she burst into real tears

1.3.1.1. This quote clearly shows how Mayella Ewell's actions reflecting her at home situation. Here, she become angry and upset at Atticus just because he is showing common politeness, it suggests that she isn't used to people acting nicely towards her. Thus giving us the impression that she is mistreated at home.

2. FEELS LIKE

2.1. Fearful

2.1.1. 'Mayella Violet Ewell - !' A young girl walked to the witness stand. Page 195

2.1.1.1. This quote shows that she is fearing sitting at the stand and scared about what the questions were going to be asked.

2.2. Sad

2.2.1. "just tell us what happened, you can do that can't you? Mayella stared at him and burst into tears" Page 195

2.2.1.1. This quote shows us that Mayella is sad and a little lost as she lets out her emotion in front of everyone in the court room

2.3. Confused

2.3.1. "'No, I don't recollect if he hit me. I meant yes I do, he hit me."

2.3.1.1. The quote from the books show us that Mayella is feeling confused as she doesn't know how to answer the question asked by Atticus

3. HOW OTHERS SEE HIM OR HER...

3.1. vulnerable

3.1.1. "She seemed somehow fragile looking, but when she sat in the witness chair she became what she was,a thick-bodied girl who was accustomed to strenuous labor" page 197 (black book)

3.1.1.1. Scout describes her as being fragile looking but the she goes on to say that she's a thick-bodied girl who is accustomed to hard labour. this makes us think that she is going for sympathy with the jury by looking fragile.

3.2. Cunning

3.2.1. "Apparently Mayella's recital had given her confidence, but it was not like her fathers brash kind: there was something stealthy about hers, like a steady-eyed cat with a twitchy tail." page 199 (black book)

3.2.1.1. Scout knows that Mayella is lying about her case because Mayella went into the trial feeling unconfident, but when she saw the reaction of the jury, she gained confidence.

3.3. rude/arrogant

3.3.1. "'won't answer a word you say long as you keep mocking me' she said. 'ma'am?' asked Atticus, startled. "long's you keep on makin fun o'me'. judge taylor said 'Mr Finch is not making fun of you. what's the matter with you?' Mayella looked from under lowered eyelids at Atticus, but she said to the judge 'long's he keeps on calling' me ma'am an' saying' Miss Mayella. i don't hafta take his sass, i ain't called upon to take it' page 200 (black book)

3.3.1.1. This makes Mayella seem rude because she tries to avoid Atticus' questions by interrupting him and saying that he's wrong for being courteous. she does this in an arrogant, self righteous way.

4. LOOKS LIKE

4.1. Innocent

4.1.1. “A young girl walked to the witness stand. As she raised her hand and swore that the evidence she gave would be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help her God, she seemed somehow fragile-looking..."

4.1.1.1. The use of word such as "young" and "fragile-looking" give the impression that Mayella Ewell is an innocent girl in a very difficult situation, made worst by the trial and the events that had lead to the accusation its self.

4.2. Misconception

4.2.1. "but when she sat facing us in the witness chair she became what she was, a thick-bodied girl accustomed to strenuous labor.”

4.2.1.1. This quote hints that although Mayella is different from her family in some ways in other ways she is still very similar to them. This gives the reader the impression that once a Ewell always a Ewell.

4.3. Separate/Different/Unusual

4.3.1. Mayella Ewell "looked as if she tried to keep clean" whereas Bob Ewell looked as though he had washed once for the occasion. His overnight soaking had deprived him of protective layers of dirt, his skin appeared to be sensitive to the elements"

4.3.1.1. Here, Mayella Ewell's efforts to rise above her families stereotype have been recognized, this quote gives us a clear understanding of the differences between Bob Ewell and herself. This portrays Mayella as an innocent young lady, making the best of a bad situation.