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Mayella takes offense to Atticus' politeness toward her. What might this indicate about her?

User Jortega
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Final answer:

Mayella's offense to Atticus' politeness suggests she is not used to respectful treatment and may feel undeserving or suspicious of kindness, reflecting her upbringing and internalized class prejudices.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mayella taking offense to Atticus' politeness might indicate her unaccustomedness to respectful treatment, suggesting she may feel undeserving or suspicious of genuine courtesy. This could reflect on her upbringing and the social dynamics she is used to, where kindness is rare or perceived as having ulterior motives. Her reaction could also stem from internalized class prejudices, making her defensive when someone of a higher status treats her with respect, as it undermines the implicit social hierarchy she has experienced.

User Sarangan
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