Atticus

            In this reading, Atticus cross examines Heck Tate, the witness who testifies he found Mayella bruised and beaten and claiming she had been raped by Tom Robinson. Later in the trial, Atticus proves to the Jury that Bob Ewell is left handed; showing that it would be more likely for a left handed man to leave bruises on the right side of Mayella’s face where they were found. This leads me to believe that Bob Ewell is forcing Mayella to lie in front of the court about the incident. It would be easy for Ewell pressure Mayella into lying because he is abusive. I think his reason for falsely accusing Tom Robinson is because he is extremely racist. He enjoys utilizing the fact that he has the power to destroy an innocent man because it is the only real power he has. He, himself is seen as the most arrogant, lazy, and abusive man in town and winning a trial would give him the personal satisfaction that he so desperately desires. I also think he might be desperate for a source of income to support his habits that make him abusive. Through Ewell and the other characters on the offensive side of the court, Harper Lee shows how oppressive a black man's life could be in that harsh and cruel period of time. On the other hand, Harper Lee’s act of having Scout, Dill, and Jem sit in the colored section of the court show how those three children lack the racism that the crowd of white faces in the courtroom propagates.
           Harper Lee creates such an atmosphere of suspense during this trial scene which is ironic because there is no real suspense. Most everyone knows that a black man could never come out of a trial innocent. No matter what the evidence, a racist jury would never acquit a black man who was accused of raping a white woman. I believe Harper Lee creates the tension by Atticus’ slow and steady deconstruction of the prosecution's case.
           In conclusion, Harper Lee uses this trial to show most importantly, how harmfully people of color had to live every day. She brought attention to a serious issue that is still seen today. She also shows a man's reckless desire for a sense of power, as seen in Bob Ewell. It is sad that a person would accuse an innocent man for their own amusement but it something that occurs to this day as well. Her writing of the past continues to reflect similarities of present day.