Why does Atticus ask if mrewell can read and write?

Answer 1

That Mr. Ewell is left handed. The reasoning being that Mayella's(the victim's) right eye was a black eye. She could only have gained this black eye if the person who threw the punch led with their left hand(since that person would have been facing her). Atticus was creating reasonable doubt that it could not have been Tom Robinson who hit her because he could not use his left hand at all.

Answer 2

He is trying to show the court that Mr. Ewell is left-handed. Therefore, it would be easy for him in give Mayella her injuries since they were on the right side of her face.

Also, Tom Robinson's left arm is crippled due to a cotton gin accident. Therefore, it would have bee almost impossible for Tom to cause Mayella's injuries.

Answer 3

Atticus asks if Mr. Ewell can read and write, because he wanted to show the jury that he was left handed, and that he must of hit her daughter (Mayella) with his left hand (because he said it was on her right face), and held her with his right hand (since he said he is well cordinated with both hands). During the whole trial, Atticus was showing how little details were able to distinguish that T.R did not commit the crime.

Answer 4

Atticus asks Mr. Ewell if he can read and write to confirm his credibility as a witness, as literacy can impact a person's ability to accurately recount events and provide trustworthy testimony in court. Atticus uses this question to highlight Mr. Ewell's lack of education and reliability as a witness.

Answer 5

he's left handed.