In Chapter 20 of "To Kill a Mockingbird," the main focus is on the trial of Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman named Mayella Ewell. The chapter begins with Atticus, Tom's lawyer, cross-examining Mayella on the stand. Atticus is able to expose the inconsistencies in Mayella's testimony and suggest that she may be lying about the rape.
Mayella's father, Bob Ewell, becomes angry and starts making threats against Atticus and his family. Despite the tension and hostility in the courtroom, Atticus remains calm and professional. He continues to question Mayella and presents evidence that Tom could not have physically committed the crime due to an injury he sustained in his left hand.
Despite Atticus's strong defense, the jury ultimately finds Tom guilty. This decision is met with outrage from many members of the community, including Jem and Scout, who had been observing the trial. Atticus tells his children that the jury's decision was based on the racism and prejudice that still exists in their community. He reminds them that it is important to always stand up for what is right, even if it means going against the majority.
Overall, Chapter 20 of "To Kill a Mockingbird" highlights the unfairness and injustice of the criminal justice system when it is influenced by prejudice and discrimination. It also shows Atticus's strong moral character and his commitment to justice, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.
To Kill a Mockingbird: Important Quotes Explained
Now, as she stands on his porch, she recognizes how much she has grown and how much she has learned. . Tate says he confiscated it from a drunk man, and that Mr. She does as she has been told and tries to connect with him by talking about his son who is a schoolmate of hers. Dubose corrects Jem for 20 minutes, but then seems to go into a silent fit.
To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 11 Summary & Analysis
In terms of his hunting, Mr. Ewell beat Mayella and blamed Robinson when he caught Mayella touching Robinson. At the end of Chapter2, Scout, acting on her best intentions as always , tries to explain the Cunninghams to Miss Caroline. Gilmer smiled grimly at the jury. Dubose shows no sign of having a fit.
To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis
His face is white, and he asks to speak to Aunt Alexandra in the kitchen. Scout realizes that Mayella must be the loneliest person in the world and is probably lonelier than Boo Radley. Jem receives money for his 12th birthday, so he decides to buy a miniature train for himself and a twirling baton for Scout. He addresses the jury like he might address friends and says that this case is easy. The men snigger that Atticus does nothing but read, and one notes that the court appointed Atticus to defend Tom.
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Especially going forward from this point, Scout will see just how discriminatory Maycomb is and just how terribly most white people think of and treat their black neighbors. Raymond is from an old family and was supposed to marry a white woman, but she committed suicide. Reynolds shoos everyone out and Atticus suggests they go to the porch. Bob Ewell, who he killed to protect Scout and Jem. . Tate and Atticus argue.
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She remembers Atticus preparing to shoot Tim Johnson and begins to sob. Jem, Scout, and Dill notice a light outside the jail. Underwood, the owner of the Maycomb Tribune who never leaves his linotype. Tate probably picked up the switchblade off of Mr. Because Scout is close with her small-town neighbors, Mr. Tom explains that the children were always around, but never helped Mayella, and Mr.
To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 29 Summary & Analysis
Ewell had some good in him, but Mr. Scout turns to Atticus, whose face is pressed against the jail wall. When Scout first sees Mr. Tom has good reason to be scared—due to the likely combination of sexist and racist beliefs in the community, the idea that a white woman would willingly touch a black man in an inappropriate manner is likely unthinkable to many in this courtroom. Raymond sent two up north. Most people part respectfully and let Calpurnia lead Scout and Jem to the steps, but one woman, Lula, asks why Calpurnia has white children. Scout thinks that Tom was probably the only person to ever be kind to her.
