The difference between the two cross-examinations is Atticus shows respect and courtesy towards Mayella and Mr. Gilmer speaks to Tom Robinson disrespectfully and with contempt. To Kill a Mockingbird has a motif that shows kindness and disrespect existing in the same scene throughout the book. For example, Atticus is kind, professional, and courteous to Mayella Ewell even though she is disrespectful to him. On the flip side, Mr. Gilmer is disrespectful and condescending to the defendant, while Tom maintains his respectful tone at all times. This juxtaposition of positives and negatives interacting with each other helps to show how extremes exist together at different times in life. It produces an effect of wonder, such as, how one can act so mean one minute to one person and be so "nice" the next minute to a different person (Mr. Gilmer). Don't all people deserve respect?
By presenting both cross-examinations, the author is able to show the quality of character that Atticus and Tom possess compared to the quality that Mayella and Mr. Gilmer possess. Furthermore, Atticus is the gentleman of all gentlemen. His character is a straight arrow for good no matter what type of situation confronts him. The best way to show just how good he really is would be to set him up against anyone who is the complete opposite of him (called a foil) such as Mayella, Mr. Gilmer, or Bob Ewell. By doing this, the story evokes empathy on the part of the reader for Atticus and Tom, while also adding suspense and intrigue to the plot. Atticus and Tom weather the storm of the trial with their dignity and integrity in tact; as Miss Maudie says, "Atticus is the same in his house as he is on the public streets" (46). He has no secrets to hide, he is a gentleman, and he stands for the truth in every situation in his life. The difference between the cross-examinations shows that Atticus proves Maudie right.
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