How is the trial in To Kill a Mockingbird?

The Trial. In the novel, Tom Robinson is accused of beating and raping a young white woman named Mayella Ewell. Her family is poor, uneducated, and has a bad reputation. Atticus Finch, a well-respected lawyer, is appointed to Tom’s case.

What did Tom Robinson say in the trial?

Truthfully, Tom’s testimony actually embarrasses the Ewells more. Tom tells the court that Mayella asked him to kiss her saying, “‘what her papa do to her don’t count,'” which informs the whole town that Bob Ewell sexually abuses his daughter.

What did Atticus say in court?

“I’m no idealist to believe firmly in the integrity of our courts and the jury system—that is no ideal to me, it is a living, working reality. Gentlemen, a court is no better than each man of you sitting before me on this jury. A court is only as sound as its jury, and a jury is only as sound as the men who make it up.

How did Atticus prove Tom was innocent?

Tom Robinson is an innocent black male blamed for raping the daughter of Mr. Atticus proves that Tom is innocent but, the jury rejects his claim because of his skin color. …

What pages are the trial in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Tom Robinson’s trial for the rape of Mayella Ewell begins just before Chapter 17 of To Kill a Mockingbird. The town of Maycomb can talk about nothing else, and Atticus Finch and his family are at the center of it all.

What did Mayella Ewell say in his testimony?

Mayella testifies and insists that Tom raped her and beat her as well. Mayella says Tom is asked to chop a chiffarobe and that is when he rapes her. Atticus shows through her testimony that she has no social skills, has an unhappy homelife, and has no friends. She has nothing of value in her life.

What does Atticus say in his summation?

no ideal to me that is a living working reality. Now I am confident that you gentlemen will review without passion the evidence that you have heard and come to a decision and restore this man to his family. In the name of God do your duty. In the name of God believe Tom Robinson.

What does Atticus say at the end of the trial?

Atticus tells the jury that the evidence in this case is not complicated. ‘This case is as simple as black and white,’ Atticus says. Atticus shocks the courtroom by claiming that Tom Robinson is not guilty, but someone else in the courtroom is.

Did Atticus Finch lose the trial?

After the guilty verdict, Atticus leaves the courtroom alone, and the African-Americans in the balcony stand up to honor him. After the trial, Atticus is bitter, but he hopes to win the case on appeal. Bob Ewell is also bitter, threatening Atticus in public and spitting in his face.

How does the trial scene create suspense in to kill a Mockingbird?

That the trial scene creates such an atmosphere of suspense is testimony to the author’s skill, because there is no real suspense; even Atticus knows that the verdict is a foregone conclusion. No matter what evidence is presented at the trial, the racist jury would never, under any circumstances, acquit a Black man accused of raping a white woman.

How is to kill a Mockingbird a courtroom drama?

Read more about To Kill a Mockingbird as a courtroom drama. It is fitting that the children end up sitting in the “colored section” of the courthouse, just as it is fitting that Miss Maudie refuses to attend the trial. All three lack the racism that the crowd of white faces in the courtroom propagates.

What is the most dramatic scene in to kill a Mockingbird?

The trial is the most gripping, and in some ways the most important, dramatic sequence in To Kill a Mockingbird; the testimony and deliberations cover about five chapters with almost no digression.

Is the jury out in the audience in Tom Robinson’s trial?

Seemed like the whole county was coming for Tom Robinson’s trial. There is a bench for witnesses, a small table and chair, and another table with two chairs. As the scene is played, the jury is considered to be out in the audience.