Monday, March 31, 2014

Why was Tom Robinson innocent?

The most compelling evidence to exhibit Tom Robinson's innocence is the fact that his left arm is unusable due to an accident he had when he was younger. During the victim's (Mayella's) testimony, as well as that of her father, the beating she took during the rape resulted in the right side of her face being bruised. In addition, it was claimed that two sets of finger marks were visible on her neck from being strangled.


When Tom Robinson takes the stand, Atticus Finch is able to demonstrate that Robinson's left arm is essentially useless, making it impossible for him to have administered the beating with one working arm, particularly his right. The wounds were clearly the result of a left-handed man. Later, Atticus shows Bob Ewell to be left-handed.


In a fair trial, Robinson would have been set free. 

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