Significance: It becomes evident during the trial about Mayella's alleged rape by Tom that the only injury inflicted upon her was around her neck. When Atticus Finch questions his accuser Mayella about his client allegedly beating an then attempting to rape her he demonstrates that it impossible due to their physical limitations of Tom's useless left hand, which should mean there is reasonable doubt and an impossible conviction, however racial prejudices of witnesses leads to Robinson's ultimate death.