Mayella is a white female living in the lowest of the low class. Due to her race, gender, and class status, Mayella does not have much power. In the following text below, will be an explanation for all of these themes that have been called to your attention, explaining the reasoning for saying. According to race, class and gender, Mayella Ewell, is not all powerful. It is the nineteen-twenties, in this time period; the Jim Crow laws are still in effect. These laws state that, “Any white woman who shall suffer or permit herself to be got with child by a Negro or mulatto… shall be sentenced to the penitentiary for not less than eighteen months.” (DBQ “Is Mayella Ewell Powerful According to Race, Class and Gender?”) This is exactly what Mayella did. In the courthouse, Tom Robinson, an African American, Is being accused of raping and beating Mayella; however, it was Mayella’s father, Bob Ewell, who was abusing Mayella. …show more content…
“He thought that he’d be a hero, but all he got for his pain was… Okay we’ll convict this Negro, but get back to your dump.” (DBQ “Is Mayella Powerful According to Race, Class and Gender?”) Mayella lives in the lowest of the low, lower than the Negroes. In chapter nineteen, Tom Robinson actually admits that he feels bad for Mayella. In this excerpt, Mr. Gilmer is questioning Tom. “Why were you so anxious to do that woman’s chores? Tried to help her, I says. Mr. Gilmer smiles grimly at the jury. You’re a mighty good fellow, seems you did all this for not one penny? Yes, suh. I felt right sorry for her. You felt sorry for her? You felt sorry for her?” This is not good, even a Negro is feeling bad for