Gentlemen, let us ponder if today is a day to discuss abuse or rape, considering that “rape” is a one-time act and “abuse” is continuous. It is clear that Mayella Ewell was beaten by someone who used both hands and led with his left (TKAM 1:19:44-1:20:21). These false “rape” allegations were made to a man who could not, and will never be able to use his left hands from an accidental disability. It is clear that Mayella Ewell and her father showed anger and disgust towards Tom Robinson, as a person… Or should I address him as a black person… Rather than to fear and show hatred towards his alleged behaviors. Let us ponder how she reacts in front of her father, if she makes eye contact, if she is able to act as confident as she looks in front of Tom Robinson (TKAM 1:08:47-1:08:53, 1:11:49-1:11:53, 1:15:33-1:15:35, 1:20:23-1:20:25, 1:23:16-1:23:17, 1:26:10-1:26:17). According to what we heard from the Sherriff, there were no reports made to the medical authorities, making it hard to examine the cause and the effect of the “rape” itself (TKAM 1:09:20-1:11:48). All there is to it are the declarations of Mayella’s injuries from the Sherriff and Ewell, and Tom being near her at the moment (TKAM 1:09:20-1:11:48, 1:12:07-1:15:30, 1:15:42-1:19:44, 1:20:21-1:22:03). Based on Ewell’s previous work history and how he became cut from his work, confines his credibility to be trusted in our community.
Being raised in the societal code of segregation and superiority, if a black male commits a terrible crime against a white community, it is obvious to assume that not only a Sheriff would be involved, even from the very beginning of a case (TKAM 1:09:20-1:11:48).
Ewell’s pride in being who he is and how he deals with his fellow men and the confusion of his family should have all been accounted in initiating the case to save a great deal of time. The publicity of this case was not what the officials should have considered in the first place. At least as a rape case where Tom Robinson is the defendant (TKAM 1:12:07-1:15:30).
Mayella Ewell wanted and needed to feel empowered. She is a victim of society, who is thirsty for independence and freedom from injustice she assimilates from her own home and in the society. Assimilates, because she is absorbing everything she is understanding from her surroundings, where she grew up and how her people react to certain things, their beliefs and behaviors (TKAM 1:15:42-1:19:44, 1:20:21-1:22:03).
A young girl of 19, who deserves to be living a life of her own, is at home tending for the children who her mother did not bear, but are related to herself and her father (TKAM 1:26:03-1:26:36). Let us question the morality and societal beliefs that can be created from the petitioners.
She had never experienced “love” as we give to our children or our family members. She had never experienced the art of giving and caring for one another. No one explained to her the concept of morality and guilt. She was on her own to figure out what she had been feeling, how she had been living all her life (TKAM 1:15:42-1:19:44, 1:20:21-1:22:03). Her anger and confusion were let out to Tom Robinson, who was a great example of ethics and sympathy– who felt “sorry” for her (TKAM 1:30:36-1:31:02).
We cannot keep confusing ourselves and keep being ignorant towards what is very noticeable. While we worry about other people having inequalities or injustices, we should be worrying about what is going on in our own homes, especially in our own minds. What is slowing us down is the hatred and the “wants” and constant needs of power and the addiction towards coveting for others’ ability to stay enthusiastic and optimistic.
Can only “taking advantage” be a good phrase to prove someone guilty of such crime (TKAM 1:20:21-1:22:03)? I encourage you to think and to believe Tom Robinson (TKAM 1:32:03-1:38:53, 1:23:19-1:31:38). To believe in global citizenship and to see the truth in our own nation’s history. Let us all create a sustainable environment and improving surroundings for our future generations. End the chain of hatred and ignorance. Of where the laws of this land came from, there is equality where injustice lies and vice versa. Righteousness should be thought of, first, before “power,” which controls “justice” takes over our sincere desires. Let us separate our homes from the law.
“The defendant is not guilty, but somebody in this courtroom is” (TKAM 1:32:03-1:38:53).
Works Cited:
To Kill a Mockingbird. Robert Mulligan. Pakula-Mulligan, Brentwood Productions Pictures, 1962. Swank Motion Pictures. Web. 13 Sept 2017.
The most effective piece of evidence is where the writer addresses how the injuries to Mayella Ewell do not match what Tom Robinson could have possibly done to her due to his inability to use his left hand. This is an example of logos, as it is taking the evidence from the case and presenting the facts to demonstrate that Tom is not guilty. If I was a member of the jury, I would have found Tom Robinson guilty. I feel that this closing statement focuses more on making the jury feel pity for Mayella Ewell, something they already feel since they have heard the story of how she was raped. By telling the backstory of Mayella, instead of making the jury understand the reasoning behind why she might frame Tom Robinson, it instead makes the jury feel even worse for her, and in turn they would want to find Tom guilty since it caused her even more anguish.