Is Mayella Ewell a Mockingbird in To Kill a Mockingbird?

In To Kill a Mockingbird, author Harper Lee explores the complexities of morality, justice, and societal norms through the lens of Mayella Ewell. While Mayella is often considered a victim of her circumstances, the question arises: can she truly be considered a mockingbird, as defined in the novel?

Defining a Mockingbird

A mockingbird, as depicted in the novel, is an innocent creature that does nothing but sing, bringing beauty and joy to the world. This metaphor serves to highlight the characters who, despite their flaws, bring out the best in humanity through their actions, even if they do not fully understand or appreciate it. Atticus Finch, when explaining the case to his daughter Scout, says, “It’s a sin to kill a mockingbird because it only does good and it doesn’t hurt anyone.”

Mayella Ewell and Her Circumstances

Mayella Ewell is a product of her environment, marginalized and isolated by the societal norms of Maycomb. She faces discrimination and has limited opportunities, which shape her limited moral compass. Her actions, although partially influenced by her circumstances, cannot absolve her of her choices and their consequences. Structurally, the novel suggests she is a bluejay rather than a mockingbird, as the bluejay, unlike the mockingbird, can do harm.

The Case Against Mayella Ewell

Mayella Ewell provoked Tom Robinson with unrequited advances and then fabricates the accusation of rape, leading to a highly prejudiced trial. She denies her own guilt and lies about the events, clearly showing her manipulation and deceit. Furthermore, she is described as a racist, which further distances her from embodying the qualities of a mockingbird.

While Mayella is a product of her environment, her actions go beyond the realm of inevitability. Her manipulation of Tom Robinson and her willingness to lie under oath clearly demonstrate her participation in an immoral act. Her actions are driven by a desire for acceptance and altruism, but these are overshadowed by the harm she causes. The trial, as depicted by Atticus Finch, reveals that Mayella’s choices and her inherent racism prevent her from being considered a mockingbird.

Tom Robinson: The Symbol of a Mockingbird

The character of Tom Robinson symbolizes the true essence of a mockingbird. He is innocent and kind, performing acts of mercy and kindness without expecting anything in return. His case is a tragic representation of the injustice and prejudices that pervade the society of Maycomb.

Atticus Finch defends Tom Robinson because he is convinced of his innocence. Tom’s conviction, despite overwhelming evidence of his innocence, underscores the deep-rooted prejudices and injustices in the society of 1930s America. Tom’s kindness and desire to help Mayella, despite the grave risks, represent the ultimate act of compassion and goodness, fitting the definition of a mockingbird.

Deep-Six Sub-Text: Condescension and Pity

Mayella’s greatest sin, as seen by the white community, is her condescending attitude towards Tom Robinson. She lures him with the promise of help and affection, and when her advances are rejected, she falsely accuses him of rape. Her actions, rooted in a desire for acceptance, highlight the complexities of human nature. Her hatred of Tom Robinson, who pity her, further solidifies her position as a bluejay.

The courtroom scene, with its social segregation and the audience's reaction, underscores the deep divisions and prejudices in Maycomb. The white community's anger at Tom's words, “You did all this chopping and work from sheer goodness boy,” signifies their unwillingness to acknowledge his humanity or his better nature. Tom's kindness is not only seen as a threat but also as an affront to the societal order of the time, making him a mockingbird worthy of protection but not acceptance.

Mayella Ewell, while a victim of her circumstances, ultimately fails to embody the qualities of a mockingbird in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Her actions, choices, and emotional manipulation overshadow any potential kindness, making her a symbol of harm rather than goodness. Tom Robinson, on the other hand, is the epitome of a mockingbird, fighting against injustice and embodying the true spirit of compassion and goodness.