In chapter 19 of To Kill a Mockingbird, we see Atticus Finch continue to defend Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman, in the face of increasing hostility and prejudice from the community. The chapter begins with Atticus and his children, Jem and Scout, discussing the case and the reactions of their neighbors and acquaintances. Atticus explains to the children that Tom's case is not about him, but about the principle of justice and the rule of law.
As the trial continues, Atticus's efforts to defend Tom are met with increasing resistance from the community. The Ewells, the family of the alleged victim, are particularly hostile and attempt to intimidate Atticus and the rest of the defense team. Despite this, Atticus remains determined and continues to present a strong case for Tom's innocence.
The climax of the chapter comes when Tom takes the stand and testifies in his own defense. Atticus asks Tom to recount the events of the night in question, and Tom tells his side of the story. He explains that he did go to the Ewells' house on the night in question, but only to help Mayella, the alleged victim, with some chores. He denies any wrongdoing and tells the court that Mayella was the one who made advances towards him.
As Tom finishes his testimony, Atticus makes a powerful closing argument, reminding the jurors of their duty to deliver a fair and just verdict. Despite Atticus's efforts, the jury ultimately finds Tom guilty, much to the disappointment of Atticus and the Finch family.
In conclusion, chapter 19 of To Kill a Mockingbird is a powerful and poignant portrayal of the struggle for justice and equality in the face of prejudice and discrimination. It highlights Atticus Finch's unwavering commitment to fairness and his determination to defend Tom Robinson despite the odds stacked against him. The chapter also serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in our own world.
To Kill A Mockingbird Chapter 19 Summary
When Tom climbs up on a chair to reach the box, Mayella knocks him to the ground. Chapter 24 Summary One day in August, Aunt Alexandra invites her missionary circle to tea. Scout listens to the missionary circle talk about how their black servants act differently after the case. Atticus insists Tom share what Bob said. Atticus was appointed to defend an African American, named Tom Robinson. Tom says he had to pass by Mayella's house every day. One of many film adaptations of the popular Bram Stoker novel of the same name.
Scout says that all lawyers do that and Mr. Atticus tells Jem and Scout that because he made Ewell look like a fool, Ewell needed to get revenge. Tom Robinson's Testimony Tom begins his testimony by explaining that he walks past the Ewell house every day when he goes to and from work. Dolphus Raymond is known as the town drunk, because he always carries his drink in a brown paper bag, and tends to sway a bit in his walk. Gilmer then asks Tom if he is accusing Mayella of lying, but he says no, that "she's mistaken in her mind.
Then, Tom saw Bob Ewell in the window yelling at Mayella. He stands and points to Tom as he says this, and the court erupts. Wishing to go back into the childhood world of actions without abstract significance, Scout tries crush the bug. Miss Maudie points out that Atticus can write fantastic wills, play checkers, and play the mouth harp. If she were hit straight on, it would have come from someone's left hand.
To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 18 & 19 Summary & Analysis
Alexandra asks Miss Maudie how the town can allow Atticus to wreck himself in pursuit of justice. Tom Remembers What Happened That Night Atticus asks Tom to tell the jury what happened the evening of November 21st. However, it is indisputable that Mr. That is, until Dill arrives. However, when he then raised his right arm to give the oath, the left arm slipped off. The residents of Maycomb agree that it is typical for a black man to do something irrational like try to escape.
However, if an Ewell displayed similar behavior, he or she would not be excused so easily. By nature, black life is thought to be inferior to white life, making Tom's feelings towards Mayella subvert everything that the town's social fabric is based upon. Scout is wary, but Mr. Gilmer in comparison to how Atticus treated May. Also, Atticus reveals that he learned that the one jury member who kept everyone out so long was a Cunningham who defended Tom's innocence. Scout thinks all of this seems boring. Dill explains that he is upset over how Mr.
To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 19 Summary and Analysis
Mayella explains that she finally saved up enough money to send all the children to town to buy ice cream. The Gray Ghost by Robert F. She changes her story, claims to not remember, and struggles to give a clear picture of events, all of which is clear behavior of someone nervously trying to string together a lie. He asks Tom if he is strong enough to choke a woman, and Tom answers that he supposes so. As they walk, Scout and Dill encounter Mr. As Tim catches sight of Atticus and goes rigid, Atticus swiftly lifts the gun and shoots.
He pleads with Mayella, asking her to tell the truth: that Tom never raped her, and that it was her father who hit her. In Chapter 22, Atticus reaches a point of frustration immediately after the trial, but his usual optimism returns the next day when he begins talking about the chance for an appeal. Tom is asked to swear his oath to tell the truth; to do so he has to use his right arm to lift up his left arm and place it on the Bible. As later becomes apparent, Atticus doesn't really believe that the jury will set Tom free, even though he hopes they will, as evidenced by his final statement, under his breath, "In the name of God, believe him. Gilmer questions why Tom ran, if he had done nothing wrong. This chapter opens with Tom Robinson attempting to guide his left arm the bad one to swear on the Bible. This is important for two reasons: Tom Robinson's left arm got stuck in a cotton gin when he was young, leaving it useless, and Mayella's father is indeed left-handed.
He show them that the prosecution has produced no medical evidence of the crime and has presented only the testimony of two unreliable witnesses. The battle was the result of a succession crisis following the death of King Edward of England and is considered one of the single most important battles in English history. Ewell threatened to kill Mayella, and Tom ran away. He warns Miss Maudie, who good-naturedly insults Atticus, and tells Scout to not point her gun at people. Link Deas most of the year, and knows of no way to get to work except passing the Ewell house.
