1. Attempted Assault on Mayella:
- Atticus reveals that Ewell is left-handed, contradicting Mayella's statement that Tom, a black man, attacked her with his "left" hand.
- By demonstrating Mayella's ability to use her left hand efficiently, Atticus implies that she could have inflicted the injuries on herself.
2. Inaccurate Description of Tom's Assault:
- Atticus points out that Mayella's initial statement mentioned a "raping," but subsequent statements and Ewell's testimony change to "kissing" and "hugging."
- By highlighting these inconsistencies, Atticus raises questions about the true nature and gravity of the alleged assault.
3. Ewell's Drunkenness:
- Atticus reveals that Ewell was drinking heavily on the day of the incident and was often known to be violent and abusive towards his own children.
- This information shows that Ewell may have been intoxicated at the time of the alleged assault, potentially compromising his memory and judgment.
4. Ewell's Threats:
- Atticus presents evidence of Ewell's threats to kill Tom Robinson and his attempts to get Helen Robinson, Tom's wife, fired from her job.
- By establishing a pattern of hostility and vindictiveness, Atticus suggests that Ewell's accusations may be motivated by personal animosity rather than genuine victimization.
5. Lack of Corroborating Evidence:
- Atticus emphasizes the absence of any independent witnesses or physical evidence to support Ewell's claims.
- By highlighting this lack of corroboration, Atticus undermines Ewell's credibility and raises doubts about the reliability of his testimony.
Overall, through his skillful cross-examination, Atticus exposes Bob Ewell's inconsistencies, suggests alternative explanations for the events in question, and raises serious doubts about Ewell's motives and reliability as a witness. This directly challenges the prosecution's case and further strengthens Tom Robinson's defense.