Why did Bob Ewell accuse Tom of Raping his daughter?

Question

Bob was the only one that saw Mayella kiss Tom, so why did he have to accuse Tom of raping her? Couldn't he have just kept quiet about it? Or was he trying to seek attention?

Answer 1

The Ewell family were the white trash of the town. Not only was Bob Ewell attempting to pass the blame on to Tom for the beating he had inflicted upon Mayella, he was also attempting to align the towns sympathies behind him. He wished to make himself seem like the wronged party.

Also, Mayella was unable to admit to anyone that she had invited the kiss from Tom, based on the prejudices of the time and the fear of her father. It was far easier to push Tom into the firing line with her father.

I wish he had just shut his mouth too, but then I suppose we wouldn't have much to talk about in English classes.

Answer 2

obviously during that time there was great segregation against the blacks, so he did just want attention, but also mayella was very beaten up after this, so he had to cover up his actions by blaming tom *sob*

Answer 3

Bob beat up his Mayella really badly. To the point where she needed a doctor. He also most likely raped her himself. So when he needed to get help for her, he had to blame it on someone, and he blamed it on Tom. Because Tom was a black man, he could do that with no questions asked.

Also, the Ewells are the trash of the town, and they had no respect from anyone, and Bob hoped that by acting like they went through this, they'd get sympathy, followed by respect.

Answer 4

yeah, he was racist and wanted to get Tom in trouble...good book btw

Answer 5

He's a racist.