Write an argumentative essay arguing for or against Tom Robinson’s innocence during the
trial in To Kill a Mockingbird.
by JP
Do you think that a man who is one-armed could possibly hold down a woman and rape
her? Tom is not guilty because he isn’t strong enough, he has better morals, and wouldn’t
jeopardize leaving Helen.
Many people are of the belief that Tom Robinson held down Mayella Ewell and raped
her. They also believe that when her father showed up he ran because he was guilty. Other
people also believe that Bob Ewell wouldn’t and didn’t beat Mayella and use Tom as a cover.
What these people fail to realize is that Tom has one working arm. He is not strong
enough with just one arm to hold down a fairly strong woman to rape her. Also, the marks on
Mayella’s face indicated that someone who is right-handed had beat her. But, Tom obviously
can’t use his right hand. Also, there is no evidence to prove that Bob Ewell didn’t beat Mayella.
Although many people’s judgment is clouded by the color of Tom’s skin some people
believe he is innocent. These people realize the faults in Mr. Ewell’s story and the pain in
Mayella’s eyes. All the evidence they have on Tom is Mayella’s word but she is clearly
controlled by her father. When Mayella was asked if her father ever hurt her, she hesitated
which could be a sign of lying. Tom Robinson is a very morally sound man who was just trying
to help out a poor girl who seemed to get no help from family. Also, Tom has a loving wife and
many beautiful kids. He would never jeopardize his families’ lives by doing something to land
him in jail or the electric chair.
Tom Robinson is completely innocent and would never hurt a helpless girl. People can’t
seem to realize where the evidence is truly pointing just because of Tom’s skin color and social
status. Hopefully, one day race won’t matter when searching for answers to such a serious
crime.
WC 325