Even after the case was lost, the Black people in Maycomb were grateful to Atticus Finch because he tried
to help Tom Robinson. They showed their gratitude by bringing a wide array of foods to his house. "Calpurnia said, 'This was all 'round the back steps when I got here this morning. They - they 'preicate what you did, Mr. Finch. They- they aren't oversteppin' themselves, are they?'" Atticus was moved to tears after that. He was touched that the Black people would give up their food, even though they were poor and couldn't afford to lose any food. Harper Lee chose to add this into the book to show just how thankful the Black people are to Atticus; even after standing up in the courthouse to show respect for him, they continue to demonstrate gratitude. The author is illustrating just how bad the Black community has it in Maycomb, because it is so unusual for a Black man to get a fair defense. Atticus is getting credit for doing the right thing, because normally, the right thing isn't done. Normally, a lawyer wouldn't try at all to defend a Black person. Although the case was lost, Tom Robinson got a small chance at justice and freedom. There were various reactions to the loss. Jem was furious, the Black people were grateful, and Atticus was nonchalant, because he knew the outcome was inevitable. Atticus did find encouragement in the fact that the jury took some time to make the decision.
Do you agree? Why do you think the Black community wasn't enraged at the unfairly racist jury? Do you think that Mr. Ewell will live up to his threat of killing Atticus?
I think that the Black community was not mad at the unfairly racist trial because the norm that they are used to is if it is a black versus a white man, the black man will be acquitted no matter what, so Atticus standing up for him and there being a person on the jury who ruled TROB not guilty was such a huge leap forward for the black community of maycomb that even though TROB was unfairly found guilty in the end, the still consider the trial successful compared to what had happened earlier.
ReplyDeleteI think that the black people were very proud/ happy with Atticus that he actually tried to get Tom to walk free. They were probably so surprised that someone actually tried to help a black man, that they were overpowered by joy. Although the jury was unfair, I think that the blacks of the neighborhood were just happy to have a chance in the trial. The only reason that they even had the chance was because of Atticus and Mr. Cunningham. I think that Bob Ewell will try to do something to Atticus, but will fail in doing any serious harm. Although Mr. Ewell tries to come off as a big, tough guy, I think that he is all show, and wouldn't actually try/be able to hurt anyone terribly badly.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, Mr. Ewell is very capable of possibly injuring Atticus. If you look at this backround, he is an alcoholic. His drinking problem makes him very unstable. For instance, it was made clear in the trial, by Mayella, that he beats Mayella when he has alcohol. Putting aside the alcohol problem, anger in itself can lead people to do or say things without thinking. Mr. Ewell was furious with Atticus Finch after Mayella pointed out that Mr. Ewell beats her (while Atticus was questioning her). Based on evidence show throughout the novel, I think Mr. Ewell is perfectly capable or injuring Atticus.
ReplyDeleteWhat would possibly stop Mr. Ewell from injuring Atticus? What do you think would get to Mr. Ewell first, the anger or the alcohol?