In chapter 20, Atticus gives his closing remarks and begins by mentioning that the state has produced no evidence that Tom Robinson assaulted or raped Mayella Ewell. Atticus goes on to say that Mayella Ewell broke a "time-honored code of society" by tempting and kissing a black man. In the racist community of Maycomb, it is taboo for a white woman to have relations with a black man. Atticus mentions that Mayella's offense is considered "unspeakable" in the racist town of Maycomb. In an attempt to hide her guilt from breaking the strict social code, Mayella Ewell lies by accusing Tom Robinson of assaulting and raping her. Mayella has confidence that the prejudiced jury, which subscribes to the "evil assumption," will believe her story simply because she is a white woman. In addition to breaking the strict social code, Mayella has committed perjury by lying in an official court of law. Unfortunately, the prejudiced jury wrongly convicts Tom Robinson of assaulting and raping Mayella Ewell.
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