What strategies does the author use to make sure readers will feel some sympathy for Mayella Ewell?

Question

This question is about the book To kill a Mockingbird. Plz i need help!!! :(

Answer 1

She shows us Mayella's very-human desire for beauty.  She is the only one of the family who tries to keep herself somewhat clean-- and think about how much care she takes for her red geraniums.  That humanizes her in the midst of her desperate selfishness and racist assumptions.  Think about what I am saying and you will understand more.  

Why would she go to so much trouble to try to keep those geraniums alive?  What does that say about what her hopes have been for her life, even in the midst of the abuse and contempt and over-responsibility she has faced for so many years?

Answer 2

she's got a terrible life, and her father is abusive. plus she's incredibly poor, unloved, uneducated, etc. how can you not feel bad for her?

Answer 3

A Research Guide

http://www.aresearchguide.com/mock.html

To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee

(1926 )

Features: Chapter-By-Chapter Summary and Commentary, Plot Summary, Character Descriptions, Literary Analysis – Themes.

http://www.bookrags.com/notes/tkm/

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/mocking/

http://www.bellmore-merrick.k12.ny.us/mo...

http://www.pinkmonkey.com/booknotes/barr...