Is Tom Robinson right or left handed How do you know and how does that affect the plot?

Answer 1

Tom Robinson is right handed and crippled in the left arm. Atticus said so during the trial and when Tom Robinson took the oath he couldn't keep his crippled arm over The Bible. This is evidence that Tom Robinson didn't punch Mayella in the face because she got a black eye on the opposite side of her face, meaning Tom Robinson would've had to use his left hand.

Answer 2

Tom Robinson is left-handed, as described in the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird." This detail becomes crucial during the trial scene when it is revealed that the bruises on Mayella Ewell's face were likely inflicted by someone who used their left hand, incriminating her own father, Bob Ewell, in the assault. This fact challenges the credibility of Mayella and Bob Ewell's testimonies, ultimately influencing the outcome of the trial.