Chapters 16 to 20
Tom Robinsons’s trial began which was the most gripping and cinematic part of the book. The whole Maycomb assembled to witness the trial and even the kids sneaked in the courthouse by finding seats in the balcony where the black people sits. The trial began and Heck Tate, the sheriff was called as the first witness. Under cross-examination, he admited that a doctor was never called to the scene to examine Mayella Ewell. Bob Ewell took the stand next and causes a stir in the courtroom with his bad attitude and foul language. Mayella took the stand next and Atticus treated her with courtesy even though she was lying. She felt offended as she was not used to such respectful treatment. Atticus examined her testimony and asked …show more content…
Atticus pleaded Mayella to admit that there was no rape, that her father beat her. Thereafter Tom Robinson, Atticus’s only witness recited the true story, being careful all the while not to come right out and say that Mayella is lying. However, Tom made a fatal error when he admited under cross-examination that he, a black man, felt sorry for Mayella Ewell. The racist prosecutor, Mr. Gilmer believed that Tom must be lying, must be violent, and must lust after white women— simply because he was black. Had Tom Robinson been a woman accused of seducing a white man, the outcome of the trial would be no different. Ironically, Scout thinks of Mayella as facing the same problems that a mixed child deals with: "white people wouldn't have anything to do with her because she lived among pigs; Negroes wouldn't have anything to do with her because she was white." Class can be as big a separator within a …show more content…
Ewell who in order to retaliate against someone was threatening Atticus. Atticus considered these threats as false and believed its better him than the Ewell children facing the consequences. Jem accused the jury of taking unreasonable decision. Atticus explained that men do not behave rationally in some situations and would always believe a white man’s word than a black one. He reminded Jem that the jury took longer than usual to come to a verdict. Typically, a case like Tom's would be settled in a matter of minutes. Atticus viewed this as a sign of change for the better. Tom Robinson was shot one day in an attempt to escape. Mr. Underwood wrote a long editorial condemning Tom’s death as the murder of an innocent man.
These chapters justify Mockingbird symbolism very well. Scout compared the ominous feeling in the courtroom when the jury returned to "a cold February morning, when the mockingbirds were still." Atticus viewed this situation comparing the African American community as a flock of mockingbirds who were only trying to make their way in a world that is often hostile.
Chapter 26 to
Tom Robinsons’s trial began which was the most gripping and cinematic part of the book. The whole Maycomb assembled to witness the trial and even the kids sneaked in the courthouse by finding seats in the balcony where the black people sits. The trial began and Heck Tate, the sheriff was called as the first witness. Under cross-examination, he admited that a doctor was never called to the scene to examine Mayella Ewell. Bob Ewell took the stand next and causes a stir in the courtroom with his bad attitude and foul language. Mayella took the stand next and Atticus treated her with courtesy even though she was lying. She felt offended as she was not used to such respectful treatment. Atticus examined her testimony and asked …show more content…
Atticus pleaded Mayella to admit that there was no rape, that her father beat her. Thereafter Tom Robinson, Atticus’s only witness recited the true story, being careful all the while not to come right out and say that Mayella is lying. However, Tom made a fatal error when he admited under cross-examination that he, a black man, felt sorry for Mayella Ewell. The racist prosecutor, Mr. Gilmer believed that Tom must be lying, must be violent, and must lust after white women— simply because he was black. Had Tom Robinson been a woman accused of seducing a white man, the outcome of the trial would be no different. Ironically, Scout thinks of Mayella as facing the same problems that a mixed child deals with: "white people wouldn't have anything to do with her because she lived among pigs; Negroes wouldn't have anything to do with her because she was white." Class can be as big a separator within a …show more content…
Ewell who in order to retaliate against someone was threatening Atticus. Atticus considered these threats as false and believed its better him than the Ewell children facing the consequences. Jem accused the jury of taking unreasonable decision. Atticus explained that men do not behave rationally in some situations and would always believe a white man’s word than a black one. He reminded Jem that the jury took longer than usual to come to a verdict. Typically, a case like Tom's would be settled in a matter of minutes. Atticus viewed this as a sign of change for the better. Tom Robinson was shot one day in an attempt to escape. Mr. Underwood wrote a long editorial condemning Tom’s death as the murder of an innocent man.
These chapters justify Mockingbird symbolism very well. Scout compared the ominous feeling in the courtroom when the jury returned to "a cold February morning, when the mockingbirds were still." Atticus viewed this situation comparing the African American community as a flock of mockingbirds who were only trying to make their way in a world that is often hostile.
Chapter 26 to