Why is the trial important in To Kill a Mockingbird?
The trial of Tom Robinson is central to our understanding of racial and social prejudice in Maycomb. Harper Lee uses Tom Robinson’s ‘crime’ to bring tensions in the town to a head and the author uses the trial as a way of making the ideas behind such tensions explicit for the reader.
How important was the trial in Maycomb?
The trial is important to Maycomb as a whole because it may set a precedent, many citizens feel. As an agent of change for Maycomb, we have to consider the trial to be a failure in many ways. Tom Robinson is found guilty, and institutionalized racism appears to maintain its hold on the South.
Why did Atticus let Jem and Scout attend the trial?
In my opinion, Atticus allows Jem and Scout to return to the courtroom because he wants them to see the effects of prejudice and injustice. He wants his children to witness the harsh reality of racial injustice and views Tom Robinson’s verdict as a learning experience for Jem and Scout.
Who does not attend the trial in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Miss Maudie
What is the truth about Dolphus Raymond?
Mr. Raymond tells the children that he pretends to be a drunk to provide the other white people with an explanation for his lifestyle, when, in fact, he simply prefers black people to whites. When Dill and Scout return to the courtroom, Atticus is making his closing remarks.
Why does Aunt Alexandra forbid Scout from Walter Cunningham?
Aunt Alexandra believes that upper-class families should not mingle with lower-class families and fears that Scout will pick up on Walter’s bad habits. She views the Cunningham family as beneath them and forbids Scout from playing with Walter despite the fact that he is a well-behaved child.
How did Aunt Alexandra upset Scout?
Alexandra’s comments depict her prejudiced feelings towards individuals from the lower-class. Rather than judge Walter on his integrity and character, she views him with contempt because he comes from a poor family. Scout is deeply hurt that her Aunt will not let her play with Walter.
Why does Aunt Alexandra suggest that Atticus should dismiss Calpurnia?
Why does Alexandra think Atticus should dismiss Calpurnia? Aunt Alexandra tells Atticus that since she has moved in, they can dismiss Calpurnia. Aunt Alexandra prefers that the children are raised by a white woman and not a black woman.
Why does JEM think Tom would be found innocent?
Jem thinks that Tom Robinson will be found innocent. Jem is still a child and does not understand discrimination. He does not understand that the jury will say he is guilty because he is black. Atticus did his best to defend Tom and Atticus knows that Tom did not rape Mayella.
Why does Bob Ewell hate Atticus?
Bob Ewell is angry because Atticus Finch has proven him a liar before the citizens of Maycomb who are present at the trial. His threat to “get even” with Atticus Finch is a real one and, because he is unconscionable, he will probably do something underhanded in order to avenge himself.
What did mayella say in court?
The testimony of Mayella Ewell can be found right at the start of Chapter 18. The basic idea is that she says that Tom Robinson raped her by force. She says that she was hanging out on her porch when he walked by.
What does mayella say when he asks her if her father ever beat her?
When asked if her father has ever hit her, she says, “My paw’s never touched a hair o’ my head in my life.” His left arm is a foot shorter than his right, and his hand is small and shriveled, rendering Mayella’s claim that Tom was the one who beat her pretty unlikely, if not impossible.
What does mayella almost say about her father?
Mayella does evade the question, suggesting that her father does “tollable” if he isn’t drinking. Mayella is considered the “woman” of the house in that she must take care of the other children, clean, and cook. She hasn’t had a childhood of her own, and there’s no doubt that Bob beats her when he’s drinking.
Why is dill crying?
Dill starts to cry in the courtroom in To Kill a Mockingbird because he is disgusted and upset with the way Mr. Gilmer blatantly disrespects Tom Robinson during his cross-examination. Outside of the courtroom, Dill tells Scout that the way Mr.