* Portrayal of vulnerability and innocence: Lee emphasizes Mayella's youth and naivety, highlighting her isolation and lack of education. She is described as "a thin girl, with tangled hair," and her appearance suggests a life devoid of comfort and care.
* Depiction of her isolation and poverty: Mayella lives in a dilapidated shack, reflecting the harsh realities of her family's poverty. This setting underscores her lack of opportunity and reinforces the idea that she is trapped in a difficult situation.
* Emphasizing her desire for connection: Despite her rough exterior, Mayella displays a yearning for human connection, particularly with Tom Robinson. She asks him to "do somethin' for me" and expresses a desire for something more than her harsh reality.
* Focus on the emotional toll of abuse: Although the novel doesn't explicitly state that Mayella was sexually assaulted, the author hints at it through Mayella's emotional state and her interactions with her father. Her fear and apprehension towards Bob Ewell, combined with her desperate plea for help, suggests a history of abuse.
* Contrasting her with her father: Bob Ewell is portrayed as a cruel and vindictive man, further highlighting Mayella's potential vulnerability. The stark contrast between their personalities makes it easier for the reader to sympathize with Mayella's plight.
* Exploiting the reader's understanding of the social dynamics: The novel is set in the segregated South, where racial prejudice is pervasive. This historical context allows the reader to understand the systemic disadvantages that Mayella faces as a poor white woman in a society dominated by white men.
By using these strategies, Harper Lee ensures that the reader sees Mayella not just as a victim of her circumstances, but as a complex individual struggling to navigate a harsh and unforgiving world. She elicits sympathy without condoning her actions, creating a nuanced portrayal of a troubled character who ultimately becomes a casualty of the racial tensions and social injustices of the time.