What Mayella has done wrong?

Answer 1

Mayella Ewell can be considered a victim in To Kill a Mockingbird. Her father caught her talking to Tom Robinson and beat her. He then forced her to accuse Tom of rape in order to cover up his beating and the shame of Mayella talking to a black worker.

Answer 2

She made a "move" on a black man (who was married and not interested, nonetheless!). Her being a white girl, this violates every unspoken rule of society and unless she puts the blame on someone else for her "mistake", she will be cast out and away from society, even more so than now. The accusation of rape against Tom Robinson is perfect for her because it's a white family's word against a black man, it will cover up her father's beating her, and her name will be cleared.

Answer 3

Mayella Ewell has falsely accused Tom Robinson of raping her, leading to his unjust conviction. She lies under oath in court to protect herself from the consequences of her actions. Additionally, she knows that her father is abusive yet does nothing to stop his behavior.