Innocent Tom is Convicted, But What About the Real Culprit- Bob Ewell?
By: Braxton Bragg Underwood August 28, 1935
It has been two days since the chilling trial declared Tom Robinson guilty of rape and assault. However, my mind and heart are still not at ease. Despite the fact that all evidence pointed to Tom’s innocence, the court convicted him while Bob Ewell walked out scott-free. The court overlooked Bob Ewell’s reputation and past history, and condemned an innocent man on the basis of race. However, race aside, the real problem began when Mayella and Tom became daily acquaintances which dates back to last year.
It was one evening in November, where the crisp air hung heavy amongst us. Tom was walking home from work, when Mayella requested Tom to fix a loose door inside the house. Mayella’s request did not strike Tom as odd or ominous so he helped her without doubting Mayella’s intentions. For months, since late spring, Mayella would find small tasks to lure Tom near her as he went to and from work. The months passed by and Tom fulfilled every requirement Mayella set for him. So, Tom, being the noble gentleman he is, went inside without hesitation to fix the door. What Tom was not aware of was Mayella’s ulterior motives that she had in mind. As Tom went inside, she quickly forced herself upon him and kissed him. Mayella’s desire to have someone love her overruled her judgment and caused her to forget that she was kissing a black man. She did not think for once about the amount of trouble Tom could get in if someone caught them, even if Tom was not at fault. To add to Tom’s misfortune, Bob Ewell had spotted Mayella and Tom. Bob, who was immensely enraged at Mayella, beat her viciously and potentially even raped her. Frightened, Tom ran away. To cover up his sins, Bob conveniently placed the blame on a vulnerable, helpless target- Tom Robinson.
By disregarding Bob Ewell’s personality, the jury committed another grave mistake. Bob Ewell is a despised man in our community and everyone is aware of his vulgar actions. Bob spends all of his money on liquor and leaves Mayella to fend for her siblings. Bob has never provided his kids with any love or care. Instead, he gave them severe punishments and treated them with extreme brutality. Especially during the trial, Bob showed his uncouth personality in front of the jury. He mocked his late wife and suspected her of having affairs with other men. He humiliated, degraded and disrespected her, when she could not even defend herself. Anyone with a temper and mind like Bob’s could have been responsible for the assault and rape of Mayella. The jury witnessed Bob’s uncivilized behavior, yet they chose to ignore it and favor him only because of one possible reason- race.
It is said that the court will go to any extent to mete out justice and punish the guilty. This is the common belief of every man, woman, and child stepping into any courtroom. This trust that the folks of Maycomb have put in the court has failed them, and now a life has been ruined. The jury failed to allocate justice, as their minds were brainwashed with the concept that all whites are honest and all blacks are impure. The jury not only betrayed Tom, but also betrayed the town, its inhabitants, and humanity. The court has betrayed us! Until Tom is released and Bob is punished for his fraudulent actions, my mind and soul will not be at ease. People of Maycomb, it is our duty to fight for Tom. It is our duty to make sure justice is served.
It was one evening in November, where the crisp air hung heavy amongst us. Tom was walking home from work, when Mayella requested Tom to fix a loose door inside the house. Mayella’s request did not strike Tom as odd or ominous so he helped her without doubting Mayella’s intentions. For months, since late spring, Mayella would find small tasks to lure Tom near her as he went to and from work. The months passed by and Tom fulfilled every requirement Mayella set for him. So, Tom, being the noble gentleman he is, went inside without hesitation to fix the door. What Tom was not aware of was Mayella’s ulterior motives that she had in mind. As Tom went inside, she quickly forced herself upon him and kissed him. Mayella’s desire to have someone love her overruled her judgment and caused her to forget that she was kissing a black man. She did not think for once about the amount of trouble Tom could get in if someone caught them, even if Tom was not at fault. To add to Tom’s misfortune, Bob Ewell had spotted Mayella and Tom. Bob, who was immensely enraged at Mayella, beat her viciously and potentially even raped her. Frightened, Tom ran away. To cover up his sins, Bob conveniently placed the blame on a vulnerable, helpless target- Tom Robinson.
By disregarding Bob Ewell’s personality, the jury committed another grave mistake. Bob Ewell is a despised man in our community and everyone is aware of his vulgar actions. Bob spends all of his money on liquor and leaves Mayella to fend for her siblings. Bob has never provided his kids with any love or care. Instead, he gave them severe punishments and treated them with extreme brutality. Especially during the trial, Bob showed his uncouth personality in front of the jury. He mocked his late wife and suspected her of having affairs with other men. He humiliated, degraded and disrespected her, when she could not even defend herself. Anyone with a temper and mind like Bob’s could have been responsible for the assault and rape of Mayella. The jury witnessed Bob’s uncivilized behavior, yet they chose to ignore it and favor him only because of one possible reason- race.
It is said that the court will go to any extent to mete out justice and punish the guilty. This is the common belief of every man, woman, and child stepping into any courtroom. This trust that the folks of Maycomb have put in the court has failed them, and now a life has been ruined. The jury failed to allocate justice, as their minds were brainwashed with the concept that all whites are honest and all blacks are impure. The jury not only betrayed Tom, but also betrayed the town, its inhabitants, and humanity. The court has betrayed us! Until Tom is released and Bob is punished for his fraudulent actions, my mind and soul will not be at ease. People of Maycomb, it is our duty to fight for Tom. It is our duty to make sure justice is served.
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