Monday, September 12, 2011

What's a chiffarobe ?

A chiffarobe is mentioned several times in Harper Lee's novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. During the Tom Robinson trial, Mayella Ewell testifies that she asks Tom to come in and "bust up" an old chiffarobe for her. Bob Ewell has been keeping it in the yard to used for fire wood. Mayella promises Tom a nickel for his trouble. Atticus also questions Mayella about the chiffarobe, and she even clarifies the definition for him. A chiffarobe (also spelled "chifforobe") is a type of dresser with drawers that usually has space for hanging clothes as well. It is a combination of the words "chiffonier" and "wardrobe."

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