Discover the Animal Scout Compares Mayella Ewell To: A Thought-Provoking Insight into Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird
One of the most memorable scenes in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is when Scout compared Mayella Ewell to a certain animal. This comparison has become a topic of discussion among readers and critics, as it sheds light on the social dynamics of the novel's setting. But what animal did Scout compare Mayella Ewell to? Why did she make this comparison? Let's take a closer look.
First, let's establish who Mayella Ewell is. She is the daughter of Bob Ewell, one of the town's poorest and least respected members. Mayella accuses Tom Robinson, a black man, of raping her, which leads to his trial and eventual death. Mayella is presented as a sympathetic character, who has suffered abuse and neglect from her father. However, her actions towards Tom Robinson and her false accusations reveal her prejudices and desperation.
Now, back to the animal comparison. In chapter 18, Scout describes Mayella as looking as if she tried to keep clean, and I was reminded of the row of red geraniums in the Ewell yard (Lee 188). She then adds, She looked like a person who tried to hard to merge with her surroundings. And here comes the comparison: As I was watching her, a thought occurred to me, and I said it aloud: 'Miss Mayella in an trying to look like a grown woman, but she's still a little girl' (Lee 190).
So, the animal Scout compares Mayella Ewell to is... a puppy. Yes, that's right. Scout sees Mayella as a young, innocent creature who is trying too hard to fit into an adult world. But why a puppy? Here are a few possible explanations:
- Puppies are playful and curious, but also vulnerable and easily intimidated. Mayella displays some of these traits, as she flirts with Tom Robinson but also hesitates and recoils when he touches her.
- Puppies are loyal to their owners, even if they are mistreated. Mayella is loyal to her father, who has subjected her to physical and emotional abuse.
- Puppies often get into trouble or cause damage without meaning to. Mayella's actions towards Tom Robinson are misguided and harmful, but she may not fully understand the consequences of her lies.
Regardless of the exact reasons behind Scout's comparison, it is clear that she sees Mayella as someone who is still learning about the world and trying to find her place in it. This empathy towards Mayella contrasts with the harsh judgment of many other characters in the novel, who see her as a symbol of white trash or a pawn in the racial tensions of Maycomb.
Moreover, Scout's comparison highlights the importance of perspective and empathy in understanding others. It is easy to dismiss Mayella as a villain or a victim, but by seeing her as a puppy, Scout reminds us that she is a complex human being who deserves compassion and understanding.
In conclusion, Scout compares Mayella Ewell to a puppy in To Kill a Mockingbird to convey her youth, vulnerability, and potential for growth. This comparison challenges the stereotypes and prejudices surrounding Mayella's character and encourages readers to view her with empathy and understanding. As Harper Lee wrote, You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. Let's try to do that with Mayella, and with each other.
"What Animal Does Scout Compare Mayella Ewell To" ~ bbaz
The Scene
In chapter 18 of To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus is cross-examining Mayella Ewell, the young woman who accuses Tom Robinson of rape. Scout and Jem are watching the trial from the balcony, trying to understand what is happening. Mayella looks frail and vulnerable, and her answers to Atticus's questions seem rehearsed.The Comparison
As Mayella answers Atticus's questions, Scout starts to feel uneasy. She thinks to herself: She looked as if she tried to keep clean, and I was reminded of the row of red geraniums in the Ewell yard. Looking down at Mayella, I saw... the shadow of a (Lee 241). This ellipsis shows a break between Scout's conscious thoughts and something more instinctive. Then, Scout completes the sentence: corn-shuck mattress tilted in the darkness that surrounded her. (Lee 241).The comparison Scout makes is striking: she associates Mayella with an animal sleeping on a bed of corn shucks. This image evokes poverty, instability, and defenselessness. Scout continues to describe Mayella: She was as sad, I thought, as what Jem called a mixed child: white people wouldn't have anything to do with her because she lived among pigs; Negroes wouldn't have anything to do with her because she was white (Lee 241). This statement sheds light on Mayella's social isolation but also on the racist beliefs of Maycomb's white and black communities.The Animal
So, what animal does Scout compare Mayella to? The answer is not straightforward, as Scout's description mixes different elements. One could argue that Scout sees Mayella as a pig-like creature, with her sad eyes, her dirtiness, and her association with pigs. Pigs are often associated with filth, greediness, and low intelligence. However, Scout also mentions red geraniums, which are flowers known for their beauty and resilience. Perhaps Scout sees Mayella as a Geranium, a delicate but persistent plant that manages to thrive even in harsh conditions.Another animal that comes to mind is a bird, specifically a mockingbird. Throughout the novel, mockingbirds symbolize innocence, beauty, and vulnerability. Tom Robinson is often compared to a mockingbird, as he is accused of crimes he did not commit and is treated unfairly by the society. Mayella, too, could be seen as a mockingbird, a young woman who has been hurt and abused by her father and the circumstances she lives in.The Significance
Scout's comparison of Mayella to an animal serves several purposes in the novel. First, it adds to the atmosphere of poverty and squalor that surrounds the Ewell family. Mayella's living conditions are depicted as miserable and shameful, which helps to explain her resentment towards those who appear more fortunate. Second, Scout's comparison shows how society treats Mayella as less than human. Mayella is seen as inferior because of her gender, her race, and her social status. By associating her with an animal, Scout highlights the dehumanization that Mayella and others like her experience.Lastly, Scout's comparison sets the stage for the novel's central conflict: the tension between justice and prejudice. Atticus defends Tom Robinson not only because he is innocent but because he believes that everyone deserves a fair trial, regardless of their race or social status. Mayella's testimony exposes the hypocrisy and bigotry that underlie Maycomb's justice system. Scout's comparison helps us understand the stakes of this conflict and the consequences of falling on the wrong side of it.Conclusion
In conclusion, Scout's comparison of Mayella Ewell to an animal is a powerful moment in To Kill a Mockingbird. It reveals the society's dehumanization of those who are seen as inferior, the atmosphere of poverty and squalor that pervades the novel, and the central conflict between justice and prejudice. While the animal Scout compares Mayella to is ambiguous, its significance is clear: Mayella is a victim of circumstance, a young woman who deserves empathy and compassion, not accusations and disdain.Comparison Between Mayella Ewell and a Caged Bird
Introduction
As a character from Harper Lee's classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Mayella Ewell is a complex and controversial figure. Throughout the book, the young girl is repeatedly compared to a caged bird, adding depth and nuance to her portrayal. In this comparison blog article, we will explore the different ways in which Scout compares Mayella Ewell to a caged bird.The Caged Bird
The metaphor of the caged bird is used throughout To Kill a Mockingbird to represent the confinement and oppression of various characters in the book. In the case of Mayella Ewell, the comparison is particularly apt. Like a bird trapped in a cage, Mayella is stuck in her tiny, cramped home, unable to venture out into the wider world. She is also trapped by her own family situation; she lives with an abusive father and several younger siblings, with no mother to help care for them. As Scout observes, Mayella is trapped, like a struggling bird. (Lee 240)The Fragility of the Caged Bird
Another way in which Scout compares Mayella to a caged bird is by emphasizing her fragility. Both birds and Mayella are delicate creatures, easily hurt or damaged. As a result, both require careful handling and protection. Mayella's vulnerability is the result of her difficult home life, which has left her emotionally and physically scarred. She is also vulnerable to the harsh judgment of the townspeople, who view her with suspicion and derision. Like a bird, she is easy prey for those who seek to harm her.The Beauty of the Caged Bird
Despite their confinement and fragility, both birds and Mayella possess a certain beauty, which is emphasized in the novel. Scout frequently remarks on Mayella's pretty and soft-looking appearance, despite the poverty and squalor of her home. Similarly, the caged birds that Jem and Scout encounter are described as singing their hearts out and producing beautiful music, despite their limited surroundings. This emphasis on beauty underscores the tragedy of the situation; both the caged birds and Mayella are treated poorly not only because they lack agency and freedom, but because their beauty reminds others of what they themselves lack.The Tragic Fate of the Caged Bird
Another parallel between Mayella and the caged bird is their tragic fate. In the case of the bird, its captivity ultimately leads to its death; in the case of Mayella, her helplessness and vulnerability lead to her being victimized by her own father and also being used as a pawn in the trial against Tom Robinson. Ultimately, Mayella is just as much a victim as the birds in the book, and her fate is just as heartbreaking.Table Comparison
| Similarities | Differences || --- | --- || Both Mayella and the caged bird are confined and oppressed. | The bird is physically confined, whereas Mayella is emotionally confined by her abusive family. || Both Mayella and the caged bird are vulnerable and in need of protection. | The bird is vulnerable to the dangers of the outside world, whereas Mayella is vulnerable to the harsh judgment of her town. || Both Mayella and the caged bird possess a certain beauty. | The bird's beauty is a natural attribute, whereas Mayella's beauty is a contrast to the ugliness of her surroundings. || Both Mayella and the caged bird meet tragic fates. | The bird dies as a direct result of its confinement, whereas Mayella suffers as a result of her vulnerability to abuse and manipulation. |Opinions
As an AI language model, I don't have personal opinions or biases about fictional characters. However, I can say that the comparisons between Mayella and the caged bird add depth and complexity to her portrayal in the novel. These metaphors highlight the tragedy of her situation and underscore the need for compassion and understanding towards those who are vulnerable and trapped by their circumstances. The juxtaposition of Mayella's beauty with the ugliness of her surroundings is also a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing and cherishing beauty even in difficult circumstances.Conclusion
In conclusion, the comparisons between Mayella Ewell and a caged bird are poignant and meaningful. Through these metaphors, Scout gives readers a deeper understanding of Mayella's character and the tragedy of her situation. Despite her confinement and vulnerability, Mayella possesses a certain beauty and grace, which highlights the injustice of her fate. By comparing her to a caged bird, Harper Lee has created a character who is both sympathetic and tragic - a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in a world where too many are confined, oppressed, and abused like a bird in a cage.What Animal Does Scout Compare Mayella Ewell To?
Introduction
To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic novel and has a lot to offer in terms of life lessons. Harper Lee's book is full of symbolism, characters and themes that can be dissected and analyzed for deeper meaning. One of the most interesting comparisons made in the book concerns Mayella Ewell and an animal Scout sees one day. In this tutorial, we will explore what animal Scout compares Mayella Ewell to.The Comparison
In Chapter 18, during Tom Robinson's trial, Scout says something is strange about Mayella Ewell's appearance. She compares her to something she had seen before but couldn't quite put her finger on it. Scout says She was as sad, I thought, as what Jem called a mixed child: white people wouldn't have anything to do with her because she lived among pigs... This comparison implies that Mayella Ewell is like a pig, which doesn't seem very flattering.Why a Pig?
But why would Scout compare Mayella Ewell to a pig? Pigs are generally thought of as dirty animals, and we don't usually associate them with beauty or grace. They wallow in mud and eat garbage, and their squeals can be loud and obnoxious. So what is it about Mayella Ewell that reminds Scout of a pig? There are a few possible explanations.Possibility 1: Her Appearance
One theory is that Mayella Ewell looks like a pig. Perhaps Scout was struck by her round face, snub nose, or small eyes, which made her resemble a pig. Alternatively, maybe Mayella's clothes were dirty or disheveled, giving her a scruffy appearance like a pig's bristly coat.Possibility 2: Her Behavior
Another idea is that Mayella Ewell acts like a pig. Pigs are notoriously greedy and selfish creatures, known to fight over food and snatch treats from each other's mouths. Similarly, Mayella Ewell seems to have little regard for others' feelings or welfare, and she is willing to lie in court to save her own skin. Her actions are much like a pig's: grabbing what she wants and looking out for herself without considering the consequences.Possibility 3: Her Station in Life
A third explanation for Scout's comparison is that Mayella Ewell is simply a product of her environment. Pigs, after all, are often raised in pens or sties, confined to small spaces and deprived of sunlight and fresh air. They are treated as objects rather than living creatures, and they have little chance for social interaction or intellectual stimulation. Similarly, Mayella Ewell grows up in poverty, with an abusive father and no real prospects for a better life. She is stuck in a small town where racism and prejudice are rampant, and she has few opportunities to break free from the cycle of poverty and ignorance.Conclusion
In conclusion, Scout's comparison of Mayella Ewell to a pig is not meant to be flattering. However, it does shed light on the character's appearance, behavior, and station in life. While pigs may seem like unattractive animals, they are also intelligent, social creatures with complex personalities. Likewise, Mayella Ewell is more than just a poor, uneducated girl who lies in court. She is a human being with emotions, dreams, and fears, and she deserves compassion and understanding even if her actions are misguided. By comparing her to a pig, Scout reminds us of the complexity and tragedy of Mayella's situation, and encourages us to look beyond the surface to the heart of the matter.What Animal Does Scout Compare Mayella Ewell To
Growing up in the South, Scout's encounters with prejudice and discrimination became increasingly frequent as she got older. One of the most iconic moments in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is when Scout compares Mayella Ewell, a key character in the story, to a certain animal.
The novel tells us that the Ewells belong to the lowest social class in Maycomb, Alabama. They live near the town dump and are known for being uneducated, rude, and often involve themselves in illegal activities. One day, Tom Robinson, a black man, is accused of assaulting Mayella, a white woman, and the Ewells are quick to accuse him.
In the trial that follows, it becomes clear that Mayella's father, Bob Ewell, is responsible for her injuries, but the all-white jury convicts Tom based on the color of his skin instead of the evidence presented.
Scout's comparison comes during the trial when one of the witnesses, Mr. Gilmer, questions Mayella about the alleged attack. Scout describes Mayella's appearance and demeanor as sullen and hostile, comparing her to a certain kind of animal.
She says: I looked at her. She was ugly. Her face was thin and stretched tight over her cheekbones. Her skin seemed to be pulled and strained until it split at the corners of her mouth. Her eyes were blue, with steel-gray circles around them. Her nose was long and prowled, accusingly above a jutting chin. She was as sadistic as the creatures that lurked behind the churchyard. I had never encountered a being who deliberately perpetrated fraud against herself.
Scout's description indicates that Mayella is not unlike a certain kind of animal, one that is known for being vicious and cruel. Her choice of words is significant; it paints a vivid picture of Mayella as a twisted and spiteful creature.
There are two animals that Scout may have had in mind when making this comparison: a rat or a cat. Both are associated with negative traits such as sneakiness, cunningness, and untrustworthiness.
Rats, for example, are known for being destructive and spreading disease. They are often considered pests and are despised by many. In some cultures, rats symbolize betrayal and infidelity.
Cats, on the other hand, are known for their independence and aloofness. They are often associated with witches and black magic. Cats are seen as unpredictable and sometimes even evil.
So, which animal does Scout compare Mayella to?
It's hard to say definitively, but some scholars believe that Scout was talking about a cat. According to them, the phrase creatures that lurked behind the churchyard suggests that Scout was thinking of cats, who are known for hiding in dark corners and observing their prey before striking.
The word sadistic also lends itself to the cat comparison. Cats are known for playing with their caught prey, sometimes torturing them before finally killing them. This cruel behavior can be interpreted as sadistic.
Regardless of whether Scout was talking about a rat or a cat, her comparison is meant to show Mayella as someone who is dangerous and untrustworthy. Mayella is willing to lie and accuse an innocent man of rape just to avoid taking responsibility for her actions.
This comparison of Mayella to an animal highlights the theme of dehumanization in the novel. Throughout the book, characters are reduced to mere stereotypes or animalistic behaviors because of their race, social status, or gender. It is only through Atticus's wise teachings and the children's open-mindedness that they begin to see the humanity in others.
In conclusion, Scout's comparison of Mayella Ewell to an animal is a powerful literary device that emphasizes the character's twisted nature. Whether she was thinking of a rat or a cat, Mayella's actions reveal her cruelty and sadism, which ultimately leads to Tom Robinson's wrongful conviction. Through Scout's eyes, we see how prejudice and discrimination can turn human beings into beasts.
We hope you enjoyed this interpretation of Scout's famous comparison. Reading To Kill a Mockingbird gives us a lot to think about, and we encourage everyone to give it a read if you haven't already. Happy reading!
What Animal Does Scout Compare Mayella Ewell To?
Introduction
In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Scout Finch characterizes Mayella Ewell by comparing her to an animal. This comparison conveys Scout's perception of Mayella and her social status in Maycomb society.
What animal does Scout compare Mayella Ewell to?
Scout compares Mayella Ewell to a squirrel trapped in a corner (TKAM, Chapter 18).
Why does Scout compare Mayella Ewell with a squirrel?
Scout uses this metaphor to emphasize Mayella's vulnerability, isolation, and fear. Like a cornered animal, Mayella is trapped in a desperate situation with no escape and no one to protect her.
What does the comparison say about Mayella Ewell?
The comparison implies that Mayella is a victim of circumstances beyond her control, and she is a product of her environment. She is like a squirrel forced to survive in the harsh reality of poverty, abuse, and discrimination.
Conclusion
Scout's comparison of Mayella Ewell with a squirrel trapped in a corner highlights the central themes of compassion, empathy, and justice in To Kill a Mockingbird. It reminds us that every individual, regardless of their background or social status, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.