Think about it this way...You're facing someone, and you're about to punch them in the face. You're left handed, which means you're going to throw the punch with your left hand. Since the other person is mirroring you, they will be hit on the right side of your face, since you hit with your left hand.
The fact that Mr. Ewell was left-handed was significant because it indicated that he was likely the one who beat Mayella on the right side of her face. A left-handed person would naturally strike with their left hand, causing injuries on the right side of the victim. This inconsistency in the evidence pointed to Mr. Ewell's guilt in the assault.
By having Bob Ewell write his name on the envelope, Atticus proves that Bob Ewell is left-handed. This is significant because it suggests that Bob Ewell was the one who attacked Mayella Ewell, as the evidence showed that the attacker must have been left-handed.
Mayella Ewell was primarily beaten on the right side of her face according to her testimony in the trial in Harper Lee's novel "To Kill a Mockingbird."
Mr. Tate and Atticus realized that Bob Ewell, who is left-handed, could not have been the one to beat Mayella Ewell on her right side. This created doubt about Bob Ewell's guilt in the case, as his left-handedness did not align with the injuries Mayella sustained.
Atticus proves that Bob Ewell is the one who hit Mayella by highlighting inconsistencies and lies in his testimony during the trial. Atticus demonstrates that Ewell is left-handed, which is consistent with the bruises on Mayella's face indicating a left-handed assailant. Additionally, Atticus questions Ewell about his motives and reveals that he is seeking revenge on Tom Robinson and his family.
Mayella's bruises corresponded with being beaten by a left handed person. Tom's left hand had been crushed in a cotton gin as a child. He could not have administered the beating. Her father, Bob Ewell, was left handed.
The audience sees that Bob Ewell is left-handed when Mr. Gilmer asks him if he is ambidextrous. Bob Ewell confirms that he uses his left hand for most things, like signing his name. This detail becomes important later in the trial as it points to Bob Ewell being the likely assailant in the attack on Mayella Ewell.
Mr. Tate and Mr. Gilmer testify that Mayella Ewell was beaten on the right side of her face, suggesting that the assailant was left-handed. This information is used to imply that Tom Robinson, who had a disabled left arm, was the one responsible for the attack.
Atticus had Mr. Ewell write his name to show that he was left-handed. The girl was beaten by someone who lead with his/her left hand. Tom Robinson could not even use his left hand, therefore he could not have beaten her; just proving further that the trail was a farce. Atticus was trying to suggest that it was Mr. Ewell who beat Mayella, not Tom--Mr. Ewell was left-handed, and Tom couldn't even use his left-hand. Atticus then proceeds to question Mayella about her home life*, further driving his point home. Check out the link as well to get some more plot info. *how her father is always drunk and angry and how she takes care of all her siblings on her own
Atticus asks Mr. Bob Ewell to write his name on a piece of paper while he is cross examining him. Mr. Ewell writes his name with his left hand, so he is left handed, which proves that Tom Robinson could not have raped and beaten Ms. Mayella Ewell, because Tom Robinson's left arm is completely crippled from an accident he had long ago. Ms. Mayella Ewell had been beaten on the right side of her body. Atticus shows that it was Bob Ewell who beat Mayella, but due to the racism in Maycomb, Tom Robinson was wrongly convicted as a black man.
Bob Ewell being left-handed is significant because it suggests he could have been the one to attack Scout and Jem. This detail adds to the mystery of the attack and provides a potential link between Bob Ewell and the incident at the end of the novel.
"He first explains that "She was pretty well beat up". Then says "Well, she was beaten around the head. There was already bruises comin' on her arms. She also had a black eye. Right eye." Rate This Answer
Atticus leads Sheriff Tate to remember that Bob Ewell is left-handed, implying that he could have been the one to hit Mayella on the right side of her face. This detail raises doubts about Tom Robinson's guilt in the case.