Tom Robinson's Closing Statement For To Kill A Mockingbird

In 1960 the brilliant Harper Lee wrote To Kill A Mockingbird, this book went on to win many awards and was even made into a movie. The book was set in a small town in Alabama called Maycomb in the early 1930’s. During the 1930’s African Americans were still fighting for their equal rights, this book showcases this time period and what it was like to be African-American and the horrible treatment they were faced with due to their skin color. In this coming of age story, a black man, Tom Robinson is accused of raping a white woman named Mayella Ewell. The story tells of the events that led to the trial, the trial and the aftermath of the trial as well. After Tom Robinson was arrested for the rape of Mayella Ewell, he is appointed for Atticus

For example, in his closing statement, he says, “Mayella Ewell was beaten savagely by someone who led almost exclusively with his left.” This piece of evidence helps with Tom Robinson's case proving that whoever actually hit Mayella used his/her left hand to do so. This helps Mr.Robinson’s case by saying she was hit by someone who was clearly left-handed. In addition to that piece of evidence, Tom’s Lawyer also adds that “Tom Robinson now sits before you, having taken the oath with the only good hand he possesses-his right hand.” This solid piece of evidence is another valid reason there is no way that Tom could have been the one to hurt Mayella. Clearly, the evidence was given shows that whoever hit Mayella was definitely left hand and since Tom has no nerves in his left arm and cant even left it there is no way that he could’ve done it. Proving that Tom Robinson is indeed innocent and did not rape and hit Mayella

In his argument, Atticus asks the question, “What was the evidence of her offense?” By asking this he is implying that Mayella’s whole defense is solely based on just her word, she has no actual proof that Tom is guilty other than what she is telling everyone. In addition, he also asks, “What did she do?”. By saying this he is meaning to ask what did Mayella do to lead to the so-called “rape”. He asks these rhetorical questions so it can leave the jury really to think about if they believe the story Mayella is telling. By asking these rhetorical questions it just further proves that Tom did not rape Mayella Ewell and that it is just a call for attention from a lonely