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Major Event... Mayella takes advantage of Tom, who comes by her house everyday and looks at her. She has never had a relationship with a guy and so she wants to see what it is like. So, she takes advantage and basically does sexual things with him. Her dad found out and then beat her. They accused Tom of rape therefore her dad wouldn't get in trouble for beating her. The idea of having an affair with a black man is exciting in a dangerous way, but more importantly, making advances toward Tom give Mayella power. This completely powerless woman has total control over Tom in this situation. If he were to agree to a liason with her, then he would remain at her back and call for the rest of his life. Mayella costs a man his life. Ironically, when Atticus finally shows Mayella the respect she craves, she accused him of making fun of her and ultimately refuses to answer his questions
About this character... With her mother dead, Mayella becomes a surrogate wife for her father and mother for her younger siblings. The fact that Mayella wants a better life for herself is evidenced by the red geraniums she grows so lovingly. She can't attend school because she has to take care of her younger siblings, especially when her father leaves on days-long drinking binges. She's involved in an abusive relationship, but she doesn't have anywhere to go or anyone to help her. At 19, her future is set. She will most likely stay with her family, continuing to be both sexually and phycially abused, until she marries and starts the cycle.