The Trial of Tom Robinson
Name:
The Trial and Heck Tate’s Testimony - pp. 52 (bottom)
1. In his cross-examination of Heck Tate, the sheriff of Maycomb, Atticus asks if
anyone called a doctor to examine Mayella Ewell on the night she was allegedly
raped.
a. What is Heck’s answer?
b. Why might this be an important detail in the case?
2. What side of Mayella’s face and which eye was bruised after the alleged attack?
Why does Atticus seem to emphasize this as he questions Tate?
3. How reliable would you say Heck Tate is as a witness? Explain your answer.
1- not reliable
2- somewhat reliable
3- reliable
4- seems very reliable and trustworthy
Explain:
Testimony of Robert E Lee Ewell (or Bob Ewell)
1. Who is Bob Ewell? Describe his manner in court including 2 specific details.
2. When Atticus asks Mr. Ewell if anyone called a doctor that night, his response is:
“There weren’t no need to. I see who done it”(57). React to this response.
3. Why does Atticus want to establish that Mr. Ewell is left-handed? (Hint: think
about Mayella’s injuries.)
4. How reliable would you say Bob Ewell is as a witness? Explain your answer.
1- not reliable
2- somewhat reliable
3- reliable
4- seems very reliable and trustworthy
Explain:
Testimony of Mayella Ewell- Bottom of page 58
1. As you watch Mayella testify during the trial, what makes her seem like she isn’t
telling the whole truth? Be specific.
2. What key evidence do we learn about Tom Robinson? Explain its significance.
3. How might the jury react to Mayella’s outburst at the end of her testimony? What
is your own personal reaction?
4. How reliable would you say Mayella Ewell is as a witness? Explain your answer.
1. not reliable
2. somewhat reliable
3. reliable
4. seems very reliable and trustworthy
Explain:
Testimony of Tom Robinson- Page 62-65
1. What key points of Tom Robinson’s testimony contradict Mayella’s testimony?
Identify at least 3.
2. How would the jury and others watching react to the following statement by Tom
Robinson?
“I felt right sorry for her. She seemed . . . “(65).
3. How reliable would you say Tom Robinson is as a witness? Explain your answer.
1. not reliable
2. somewhat reliable
3. reliable
4. seems very reliable and trustworthy
Explain: