To Kill a Mockingbird Compassion Analysis

How often do we pass judgement too hastily and fail to show compassion? To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, is a coming-of-age novel that portrays characters to represent different symbols and life lessons. Mayella Ewell, the novel’s most eye-catching antagonist, is also the most misconceived character. Mayella was deprived of the average childhood, not experiencing the luxury of school or a loving father. As a result of the lack of emotional, mental and financial support, Mayella appears as deceiving. Despite appearing this way, Mayella is still worthy of compassion, as she is misunderstood by society and underwent painful life-trauma. 

Mayella's neglect stemmed from the Ewell family's poverty and lack of education, which are the pivotal causes of their poor image. Mrs. Ewell passed away when Mayella was around 12 years old, leaving Mayella with her mother's responsibilities. Her father never helped her and was seldom home because he was working, drinking, or scavenging the dump next door. The lack of help she would receive was why she began to associate with Tom Robinson. Mayella had no friends and nobody to help her, so she decided to befriend Tom. Tom Robinson is a black man who would pass by the Ewell house on his way to work every day. Mayella would invite Tom to help her with chores when he passed by the house. Tom chose to continue assisting her because he pitied her. One day, Mayella asked Tom to help her break up a chiffarobe. Once he got up on a chair, Mayella embraced his legs. Out of fear, he jumped down, and she shockingly kissed him. Tom tried his best to resist her actions because he did not reciprocate the same feelings. Bob Ewell understood what was going on and came inside. Tom Robinson ran away because he was fearful Bob would hurt or threaten him. Rather, Bob hit Mayella for doing such unethical things with a black man. He forced her to testify against Tom in court. It was unveiled to the public in court that Bob was the one who attacked Mayella, not Tom Robinson. Once this was revealed, Mayella was secretly pitied by everyone in the courtroom. Atticus stated: “She is the victim of cruel poverty and ignorance.” (Lee 185) disclosing the reality of the circumstances Mayella suffered. Mayella Ewell was neglected and abused to an extent where her actions can be deemed acceptable. As a result of being raised in a hostile, loveless environment by an alcoholic father, it is evident that Mayella was misguided. 

Due to tragic life events, Mayella was deprived of proper education. After Mrs. Ewell passed away, Mayella was the primary caregiver of her seven siblings, responsible for feeding and caring for them. This burden left on her required her to stop attending school. Her father was never around to help, and frankly, she did not want him around as he was abusive and an alcoholic. Bob Ewell physically, mentally and sexually abused Mayella. He would continually hurt her by degrading her, hitting her and disrespecting her. Bob Ewell was an appalling role model for Mayella, but he was the only adult present in her life. It was understood by the citizens of Maycomb that the Ewell’s did not prioritize education. They attended school on the first day of school and never attended again for the rest of the school year. In court, Atticus asked Mayella how long she went to school for and, she replied, “Two year—three year—dunno.” (Lee 166). This phrase demonstrates her lack of education and her lack of respect towards others. This reply is informal and, impudent particularly towards a well-respected man like Atticus. She had never understood how it felt to be valued or respected. Consequently, she did not know how to respect others or communicate effectively. Due to her lack of attendance in school, her career choice was set to become a wife. Obtaining a well-paying job that Mayella would take pride in without an education made her career options minimal. She did not want to work as a receptionist, but she was unqualified for any other job and was in desperate need of money. Furthermore, a young woman like Mayella should be able to obtain a proper education, along with a job she enjoys. It was undeserving for her to have such immense responsibilities at a young age, getting no help or appreciation.

 Mayella Ewell’s alienation from society caused her to become such a hopeless and frightened young woman. All the trauma had been bottled up inside her, anticipating to be let out, but to whom? She had many things affecting her, but no one there to help her through these difficult times. No one in her family bothered to help her, leaving her alone to do household chores. Moreover, society did not welcome the Ewell family and held them to a lower standard due to their bad reputation. The citizens of Maycomb looked down upon the Ewell family because of their behaviour and the way they treat others. All of these circumstances made it unimaginable for Mayella to have friends. Scout stated in court: “As Tom Robinson gave his testimony, it came to me that Mayella Ewell must have been the loneliest person in the world. She was even lonelier than Boo Radley, who had not been out of the house in twenty-five years.” (Lee 174) implying that Mayella’s miserable and isolated existence was pitiful, compared to Boo Radley’s. Scout is not usually inclined to sympathize with Mayella because she is opposed to Atticus' defence of Tom Robinson. However, Scout puts herself into Mayella’s perspective and can feel empathy for her. Scout understands why Mayella behaved in such a manner. Mayella had nobody to trust until she encountered Tom Robinson. He would always offer a helping hand to her with her household chores. She had never experienced this type of appreciation or help from anyone before, attracting her to Tom. In the end, expressing her feelings for Tom backfired and ultimately led to his death because her father was livid she was kissing a black man. Mayella had a sheltered life, always being isolated at home with countless chores to complete. All she desired was for someone to feel compassion for her. Once she received it from Tom, it was immediately taken away from her by her father.  

In conclusion/briefly to conclude, Mayella Ewell, a character who struggled with her values and life choices, demonstrates that she is deserving of compassion. Mayella's decision to lie on the stand justified the emotional, physical and mental trauma she underwent. At a young age, she was supposed to take care of her underprivileged family, while her alcoholic father is seldom home. Mayella is alienated from society due to the pitiful reputation the Ewell family has in Maycomb. When Tom Robinson showed her compassion, she was joyous. He was the one person in her world who offered a helping hand when she needed one. She was intrigued by Tom and developed romantic feelings for him. Ultimately, sharing her feelings for Tom, but this did not go well. If Mayella had received compassion from anyone throughout, there could have been a different outcome for everyone in Maycomb. Mayella is the epitome of a broken child; she is vulnerable, lacks self-esteem and pitiful. She is a true survivor of unfortunate circumstances.