Journal #6: Chapters 16-19: Perspective of Mayella Ewell

Perspective of Mayella Ewell
Chapters: 16-19

I was listening to the court case and I was getting scared that we weren't going to win. But I new that I was their secret weapon. I was listening to the other people arguing and I noticed that there were raising their voices every time they started to talk again. I also noticed that Atticus was keeping really calm and only raised or changed his voice every once in a little while. But not for long because me, Mayella Violet Ewell will take control of this case and will pumble Atticus and Tom Robinson to the ground, hopefully. I wanted to pumble the defendant so badly. I really wanted this. I was so prepared for this day. I took a shower and put on what of the most professional and most prettiest dress I could find. A few minutes after the arguing they called me up. They used my full name. "Mayella Violet Ewell" they said. Judge Taylor told me to tell everyone my side of the story and I simply did. As I walked down to the witness chair in confidence I had to swear to tell the truth but nothing but the truth. I never really thought that people actually listened to that rule but maybe they did because it was in a court room and people probably had a lot of pressure. I was looking around and almost everyone in the room was so prejudice but Mr. Finch.

As I sat in the witness chair I was soon asked a question. Mr. Gilmer wanted me to present my side of the story in my own words on the day of November 21st. I sat there and was speechless. I knew what to say but was to afraid to lose the case. They will track and use any word I say against me. Another question was asked to me. Mr. Gilmer asked me "Where were you at dusk on that evening?" I said "On the porch". They asked me so many questions and I was getting really annoying. How were these questions going to help me. They did nothing but annoy me. As I see the audience they seem very interested, worried, nervous and some were a little bored. I see children and the babies on mothers arms. Mr. Gilmer asked me what I was doing on the porch and I said "Nothing." It seemed that Judge Taylor was getting annoyed because I wasn't saying much. Judge Taylor then asked me if I can tell what happened. I didn't know what to say. I thought I had this case but I guess not. I was just to pressured. I obliviously burst into tears. Everyone was quite would be and they gave me a moment to cry. Judge Taylor said that was enough crying and told me not to afraid of anything. Just tell the truth he said. I then was brave enough to say my part of a story. This is what I said. I said that Tom Robinson was walking by my house. I was supposed to cut down my chiffarobe because my papa didn't want one but I thought I wasn't strong enough to cut it down. I felt encumbered. I then saw Tom Robinson and I thought he was a strong enough nigger to do it. "Come here," I said. "I got a nickel for you." He came to my yard, so I guess it was a yes. I first gave him my nickel and showed him what I wanted him to do. I heard footsteps almost like if they were running up behind me. He then took his hands and choked me. I was struggling and couldn't get his hand off of me. He was starting to cuss me out and talked dirt about me. I tried to hit him. But it was no use. I barely had enough energy. I then took a pause and spoke again. He slammed me on the ground and then choked me again. After that he took advantage of me. I said to Judge Taylor that I didn't really know much anymore. I said that I kind of passed out after that.

After a couple seconds we stopped talking about my side of the story. They then started asking me random questions again like how old I was. How was this supposed to help us win are court case. None of this made sense to me. I took a break from answering questions. I see Mr. Finch start to snicker and giggle a little bit. I totally burst out of my shell and highered my voice. I gave my evil eye to Atticus. I yelled stop making fun of me. Judge Taylor stopped me from raising my voice. I was glad he stopped me because I was going to say some inappropriate words in my upcomming sentences. Judge Taylor said, "Mr. Finch is not making fun of you. What's the matter with you?" I lowered my eyelids and give Atticus my death stare. I said "Long's he keeps on callin' me ma'am an sayin' Miss Mayella. I don't hafta take his sass, I ain't called upon to take it," I was getting really annoyed with him. There was something stealthy about Mr. Finch. Why would he be laughing. Mr. Finch started asking me stupid questions and repeating what I said. Mr. Finch then asked me how many brothers and sisters I had and I replied "seb'm." He then asked me dumb questions like if I love my father or how many years of school did I have. Questions that I thought were unimportant to this case. I wanted to say something to him but they had the right to say anything they wanted. They ask me and repeat the same questions all the time. Did you stand up for yourself when he choked you and questions like that. For half the time in the court room I felt that was the only questioned being asked to me. A couple minutes later it was break time for me and I was finally done answering these dumb questions.