A chiffarobe, also known as a chifforobe or chiffonier, is a piece of furniture combining a wardrobe and a chest of drawers. It typically features a section for hanging clothes, similar to a closet, and a section with drawers for folded items. In Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” a significant plot point revolves around Mayella Ewell’s request that Tom Robinson chop up a piece of this furniture.
The presence of such an item in the Ewell household, however humble, provides a glimpse into their aspirations and attempts to improve their living conditions. The alleged assault occurring while Tom Robinson was supposedly assisting with this task becomes a crucial element in the narrative, highlighting the socio-economic disparities and racial prejudices prevalent in the setting. It represents a desire for order and organization, juxtaposed against the disarray and poverty that define the Ewell family’s existence. The cultural significance of this furniture piece reflects a time when personal belongings were carefully stored and cherished.
