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Mayella Ewell Character Analysis Essay

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In “To Kill a Mockingbird” the character Mayella Ewell is powerful and capable, though not through traditional means such as strength or intellect, and even so, as strong as she is, she is just as weak in the same aspects which enable her to be strong. She still manages to obtain what she wants through her race, class, and gender to her advantage, and by any means necessary. Mayella, at a glance, appears to be the victim and a weak character; however, if taken into deeper account, it is visible how mighty she truly is. Class notes on how low and lonely she is, being ignored and glared down upon by whites and blacks alike. The red geraniums she keeps in jars in her yard, represent her, and wanting to be free and not restricted by social standards and her controlling, abusive father. How she looks joyful to be clean, and wants to stay that way, even though she literally lives in a dump; however, it shows she wants something more. Mayella’s gender is critical as well; during this time period, men considered women as less than equal, which makes her seem much weaker and less authoritative. Lastly, her race, the major characteristic that gives her a boost of power - she is white, which may not seem like much by today’s standards; however, was an extreme deal back in this time period. The Ewell’s live in the dump and pig …show more content…

Using her race, gender, and class to her advantage, even though these might appear as weaknesses at first glance. In “To Kill a Mockingbird”, the character Mayella was not a good character, but she was a great one. Even though it was a terrible situation, Mayella still took the opportunity to make the best out of it. Eventually, Mayella obtains what she wants, even at the cost of Tom Robinson and Bob Ewell, making Mayella a stone cold character who will do anything as long as her desires are what come first and

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