"I DESTROYED HIS (EWELL'S) LAST SHRED OF CREDIBILITY AT THAT TRIAL"
             SHOW HOW ATTICUS DID THIS. WHY THEN WAS TOM ROBINSON FOUND GUILTY?
             Throughout the courtroom scenes, Tom Robinson's attorney, Atticus Finch, destroys Bob Ewell's "last shred of credibility". He does this by asking a range of provocative questions to Bob and Mayella, which, in reply, gives away uncomfortable knowledge about Bob's home life, which may or may not have been hinted in the initial question.
             Firstly, Atticus asks Bob Ewell, "Did you, during all this running, run for a doctor?" In response, Bob says, "Wadn't no need to", despite the fact that Tom Robinson had been accused of raping Bob's daughter Mayella. Bob justifies his reason by saying that "If he had it would have cost him five dollars." Subsequently, a thought of doubt begins to embark on an open-minded individual, whether Ewell's concern for his daughter was relevant for the alleged assault. Secondly, Bob seems to react to a simple question in a crude manner. When Atticus asks, "Are you the father of Mayella Ewell?" Bob replies saying, "Well, if I aint I can't do nothing about it, her ma's dead." This example of wit is an inappropriate answer to the question. Instead of saying "yes" Ewell feels the need to play the part of a joker, which portrays his lack of understanding during a serious situation.
             From these examples of Bob's personality, a picture of Ewell's character begins to build up before the jury. This image becomes more distinguishable from Mayella's testimony. Through the eyes of Scout, the reader is notified of the style and structure of Atticus' questions. Mayella believes that she is being mocked by Atticus, as he refers to her as "ma'am" and, "Miss Mayella". Although it ...