The Use Of Power Relationships In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

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In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, the power relationships in the novel are not only based on gender, but age as well. A power relationship is shown in the book between Mayella and her father. When Mayella is being interrogated during the court hearing, Atticus asks her about her family and home life. Atticus asks her how well she and her dad get along. She then proceeds to say that her father is tolerable, but when “Mayella looked at her father, who was sitting with his chair tipped against the railing. He sat up straight and waited for her answer,” she did not finish answering the question (Lee 183). Mayella's father doesn't necessarily use his power when speaking, but rather uses his body language and actions to show power over Mayella.