Mayella Ewell probably lost her innocence at a very young age by having an abusive father like Bob Ewell. Mayella was only 19 in the novel, but had led a very hard life. She was the sole caregiver for her six brothers and sisters and had a lot of responsibility forced upon her in her short life. A mother was not mentioned in the novel, so it was unsure of the circumstances that surround the family...
Mayella Ewell probably lost her innocence at a very young age by having an abusive father like Bob Ewell. Mayella was only 19 in the novel, but had led a very hard life. She was the sole caregiver for her six brothers and sisters and had a lot of responsibility forced upon her in her short life. A mother was not mentioned in the novel, so it was unsure of the circumstances that surround the family and where all the kids came from. It is possible, but never mentioned in the novel, that some of the children could be products of incest.
When Mayella Ewell lied on the witness stand, she really showed her lack of innocence and her need to just survive. Fearing her father, she testified that Tom Robinson raped her. If Mayella had told the truth, the possibility of getting out of her situation might have been possible. However, Mayella showed signs of abuse and understood what would probably happen to her if she told the truth. Mayella also had to lie because it was such taboo to have relations with a black man. Because of her horrible life, Mayella was desperate for love. She lured Tom Robinson into her house and attempted to kiss him.
Mayella is a sad, sad character who was a product of poverty and abuse. Mayella definitely had to grow up fast as a child of Bob Ewell’s. The hardships she probably endured throughout her life left her fearful and experienced beyond her age.
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