The night of the crime

By marcelosanchez485
  • 1 CE

    The trial begins

    Tom Robinson is accused of beating and raping a young white woman named Mayella Ewell. Her family is poor, uneducated, and has a bad reputation. Atticus Finch, a well-respected lawyer, is appointed to Tom's case.
  • 2

    Heck Tate: The first witness

    Heck Tate testifies that he visited the Ewell house to find Mayella on the floor, the right side of her face badly beaten.
  • 3

    Heck Tate's testimony

    Under cross-examination, he admits that a doctor was never called to the scene to examine Mayella Ewell.
  • 4

    Bob Ewell' testimony

    Bob Ewell testifies that he heard Mayella's screams and ran inside to find Tom raping her.
  • 5

    Mayella

    Mayella Ewell testifies that she offered Tom a nickel to break down a wardrobe for her. Her testimony soon proves that Mayella is unused to gentility and common courtesy.
  • 6

    Atticus analysis

    Atticus believes that Mayella is lying, he treats her with courtesy and respect, but she thinks that he's making fun of her.
  • 7

    Atticus looking for details

    Atticus asks Tom to stand up so that Mayella may identify him; as he does, Scout notices that Tom's left arm is withered and useless, so he could not have committed the crime in the way it was described. The state rests its case.
  • 8

    Tom Robinson's testimony

    Tom tells the true story, being careful all the while not to come right out and say that Mayella is lying. Tom makes a fatal error when he admits under cross-examination that he, a black man, felt sorry for Mayella Ewell.