Psychological Report for Tom Robinson

Psychological Report for Tom Robinson

Full Name: Thomas Robinson Accused Age: 25 years old

Evaluators: Maria Galgon, Nina Stroble,

Clare Molloy.

Date of report: 2/20/1960

Family Association: Married, 3 children Accused of: Rape 

Name of spouse: Helen

Prosecutors: Mayella Ewell

Previous criminal record: Sentenced 30 

days for Disorderly conduct for fighting off

man who tried to cut him (Page 216). 

Observable Physical Traits: Tall strong arms with one hand that was crushed in a cotton machine when he was little. “His left arm was fully twelve inches shorter than his right and hung dead at his side. It ended in a small shriveled hand, and from as far away as the balcony I could see that it was no use to him” (Page 211). It appears he’s had this since childhood but it has not affected his daily life. “Tom Robinson’s powerful shoulders rippled under his thin shirt” (Page 211). He has gotten very strong from his work in the fields. 

Observable Physical Habits: When Tom is being talked to by a white person, he tends to second guess himself. “Tom Robison had come to a dead stop. He glanced at Atticus, then at the Jury, then at Mr. Underwood sitting across the room… Tom ran his hand nervously over his mouth.”

Observable Personality Traits: After he would do work for Mayella she said: “I reckon I’ll have given you a nickel, won’t I?’ I said no ma’am, there ain’t no charge” (Page 217). Even though he spent his time helping her, he refused any form of payment. This shows how he is very generous with his time. During his questioning, Mr. Finch asked Tom if he had ever gone onto the Ewells property without permission to which he responded, “No suh, Mr. Finch, I never did. I wouldn’t do that, suh” (page 218). This shows how he is very honest and would never do something without consent. 

People living in home and relationship with each: He has a wife and three kids. His wife is currently struggling to find work while Tom is on trial. No one wants anything to do with her and Tom because of what he's been accused of.

Habits of speech: When he is answering questions, he addresses them as “suh.”

“Yes suh, I had to pass her place goin’ to and from the field every day” (217). 

Physical Impairments: Left arm is of no use to Tom. It was caught in a cotton gin when he was little. This accident has caused him to have a shriveled hand that does not function. 

Dominant hand: Tom’s dominant hand is his right, due to his left hand being non-functioning. His left hand was caught in a cotton gin.

Physiologists assessment; issues with fear, anger, abuse, capacity for empathy, trauma, patience, other:

Tom appears to be in control of his emotions. No problems with anger or reports of abuse. He has a great capacity for empathy and appears to be very patient. Tom seems very polite and he seems like he’s being truthful. He seems very composed and respectful. He never interrupts and listens to what everyone has to say.