What is the theme of the trial in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Racial prejudice is the most overt theme in To Kill a Mockingbird, as the book focuses on the trial of a black man (Tom Robinson) accused of a crime he did not commit in a community where racism is the norm. It explores racism within the legal system as well as the Deep South community in which the story is set.
Why was the trial important to Atticus?
Atticus Deserves A Fair Trial People judge Atticus because he is defending a black man. Atticus says “Tom Robinson is a decent man.” Tom Robinson deserves a fair trial says Atticus, just because he is black doesn 't mean he shouldn 't have a fair trial.
What was the outcome of the trial in To Kill a Mockingbird?
A jury never looks at a defendant it has convicted, and when this jury came in, not one of them looked at Tom Robinson (Chapter 21, p. 217). Despite strong and persuasive arguments, Tom Robinson is declared guilty.
What is the most important scene in To Kill a Mockingbird?
And, to me, the scene that best exemplifies the world memorable is Atticus Finch's cross-examination of Mayella Ewell. The classic book was turned into a movie in 1962, starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, and, oh boy, does it hold up.
Does Judge Taylor take the trial seriously?
The most important piece of information that proves Judge Taylor takes the trial seriously is that he appoints Atticus, the best lawyer in area, to be Tom's lawyer. Judge Taylor appointed Atticus to be Tom's lawyer because he knows that Atticus will try hard to prove Tom innoscent even though Tom is black.
Why is it significant that the jury is made up of farmers?
We see that the jury is made up of farmers- is this significant? This is significant because the community of Maycomb was primarily agricultural. Townspeople were sophisticated to get out of jury duty. Plus, Atticus knew that the Cunninghams were fair-minded farmers.
How does the trial in To Kill a Mockingbird affect the town?
The Tom Robinson trial has a significant effect on Maycomb's small community, and particularly the Finch family. Atticus receives criticism from his racist neighbors and family members for defending Tom Robinson and even jeopardizes his well-being by defending his client in front of the Maycomb jailhouse.
What does Scout learn from the trial?
Here Scout realizes that Tom Robinson was the victim of injustice long before he got to court. If he defended himself against Mayella he would have likely been killed, but running away made him look guilty of the crime Mayella accused him of. Tom truly can't win.
How does the trial change Jem?
Jem is losing his innocence. ааHe saw the evidence clearly and recognized Tom's innocence. ааHe was disillusioned by the prejudice his neighbors showed. Jem cannot understand how the jury could send an innocent man to jail because of his skin color.
What are the 3 main themes of To Kill A Mockingbird?
Three main themes include:prejudice.family life.courage.
Is Calpurnia a mockingbird?
Who is Calpurnia in To Kill a Mockingbird? Who is Calpurnia in To Kill a Mockingbird? Calpurnia is the Finch family's African-American cook, but Calpurnia also fulfills the duties of housekeeper and nanny to the children. Nonetheless, Calpurnia plays an integral role in the lives and upbringing of Scout and Jem.
What is one main event in the story To Kill A Mockingbird?
The most important event in the novel To Kill A Mockingbird happens in the last few chapters of the novel. It is when Bob Ewell attacks Jem and Scout Finch on their way home from the Halloween pageant, and it is the most important event because it is the climax of the story.
How does Atticus react to the verdict?
After the verdict is announced, while he is not surprised, Atticus is very bitter. He knows the people of this town are changing, but they were wrong to have just killed an innocent man due to their racist ways. Atticus simply tells Jem that it's not right, and continues on like nothing happened.
What is Atticus key point in his defense of Tom?
That didn't mean he had no choice but to defend him, but if he refused to help Tom, Atticus believes he “couldn't hold [his] head up in town” (Lee 75). His integrity wouldn't allow him to if he didn't try and defend an innocent man, regardless of the close mindedness of everyone else.
Who killed Mayella Ewell?
Bob called In the sheriff and Tom was accused of raping and beating Mayella. The sheriff testified at Tom's trial that when he arrived at the Ewell's shack, Mayella showed signs of having been beaten. Despite all of the signs showing that the father, Bob Ewell, beaten Mayella, Tom Robinson is still found guilty.
What happens when Atticus leaves the courtroom?
Why do people in the balcony gallery stand when Atticus leaves the courtroom? They stand out of respect for what Atticus has done for Tom and for their community. They see that Atticus had achieved the impossible even though ignorance and bigotry won out. Everyone knew the truth.