The Ewells vs. Tom Robinson

The false accusation that sets the trial in motion, and its devastating impact on Tom Robinson and his family.

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The False Accusation

The False Accusation The Claim Bob Ewell accuses Tom Robinson of raping his daughter, Mayella. The accusation is a lie, but it is believed because Tom is black. The Arrest Tom is arrested and jailed. The community assumes his guilt. The accusation is a weapon of racism. The Motive Bob Ewell accuses Tom to cover up his own abuse of Mayella. He is a drunken, abusive father who blames the black man for his own sins.

The Community's Condemnation

The Community's Condemnation The White Majority Most white citizens of Maycomb believe Tom is guilty. They call for his conviction. The Finch family is ostracized for defending him. The Black Community's Support Tom's church takes up a collection for his wife, Helen. The black community knows he is innocent and prays for justice. The Social Divide The accusation deepens the racial divide. The Ewells are trash, but they are white, so their word is taken over Tom's. The injustice is systemic.

The Trial and Conviction

The Trial and Conviction The Evidence Atticus presents evidence that Tom could not have committed the rape: his left arm is crippled, and Mayella's injuries are on the right side of her face. Bob Ewell is left-handed. The Verdict Despite the evidence, the jury convicts Tom. The verdict is a foregone conclusion in a racist society. Atticus's hope for a hung jury fails. The Impact Tom is convicted and later killed while trying to escape. The Ewells are vindicated in the eyes of the racist community. The injustice is complete.

The Aftermath for the Ewells

The Aftermath for the Ewells Bob Ewell's Revenge Bob Ewell feels humiliated by Atticus's cross-examination. He vows revenge. He spits in Atticus's face, threatens Judge Taylor, and attacks the Finch children. The Attack Bob Ewell attacks Jem and Scout on their way home from the school pageant. He is killed by Boo Radley in the struggle. The End of the Ewell Threat Bob Ewell's death ends the immediate threat. The town treats his death as an accident. The Ewell family remains in disgrace, but the cycle of abuse continues.

before the story begins

after the accusation

the trial

after the trial