Chapter 18- Mayella's Testimony, are there consistencies?

I agree with a lot of the ideas Liam put out there answering this same question. I agree that Mayella is almost the complete opposite of what you would expect. Leading up to this testimony the idea of a young 19 year old getting raped is introduced multiple times, and an image is created in your mind. A small, delicate, beautiful southern woman getting sexually abused by Tom Robinson. The symbolism of the Geraniums only pushes this idea further. But instead of a delicate, womanly 19 year old, a "thick bodied," tough, souther woman "accustom to strenuous labor," (pg. 240) comes to the witness stand.

There are many inconsistencies in Mayella's testimony. A main inconsistency that jumps out to me is her answer to Atticus's question: "Do you remember him [Tom Robinson] beating you about the face?" (247) She changes her immediate answer of "No I don't recollect if he hit me," (248) to "I mean yes I do, he hit me." (248). Her multiple stutters and inconsistencies clearly show how Mayella Ewell is guilty, and Tom Robinson never raped her. Also, as her testimony moves on and on she becomes more and more comfortable with her recollection of what happened, suddenly remembering more of the event. She also adds more details to the story as the trial continues. All this clearly shows Mayella has put together a story to plead her case.

My feelings have completely changed about Mayella after her testimony. To me she is quite obviously guilty of making up as story that Tom Robinson raped her. Also it becomes very clear that Mayella can handle herself. She appears to be a strong, independent, hard-working woman who could handle herself, especially against Tom Robinson who is crippled. Now that it is clear Mayella made up the story of her rape it is also clear that she must be covering something up, something that has to do with Tom Robinson. Therefore the question arrises, what is Mayella Ewell covering up?