Excerpt
(Chapter 19 – During Tom Robinson’s testimony)
“But you weren’t in a fix — you testified that you were resisted, you were choked and
beaten — do you wish to reconsider any of your testimony?”
“No suh, I don’t.”
“Then you say you fought him off as hard as you could? Fought him tooth and nail?”
“I positively did,” Mayella echoed.
“You’re a strong girl, what were you doing all the time, just standing there?”
“I don’t remember too good, but I fought —”
Atticus’s voice had lost its comfortableness; he was now relentless. “You fought him
off? You kept screaming, didn’t you? — Why didn’t the other children hear you? Where
were they? At the dump? Or were they hiding in the cabin, scared to move?”
Mayella’s face contorted, and she glanced nervously at her father who sat glaring at her.
“Answer the question, Miss Mayella,” Atticus said quietly.
“But don’t you remember, Mayella? Didn’t you say he hit you? Then what did you do? Did
you scream then? Did you scream while you ran? Did you scream at all?”
“No, I — I don’t remember,” Mayella whispered.
Question
Re-read this passage carefully. Then explore how Harper Lee creates tension and
reveals character in this moment.
In your answer, you should consider:
•
The way Atticus’s questioning style changes as the scene develops.
•
How Mayella’s language and behaviour reveal her emotions and situation.
•
The use of dialogue, tone, and other techniques to engage the reader.
(25 marks)