Character development
How does Jems character development show through his words and actions in theese chapters?
Through his shattered idealism and growing maturity.
Harper Lee's father once defended two Black men in a murder case, and the real-world outcome was this, unlike Atticus's final appeal.
Sentenced to death.
How does Lee having a Lawyer for a father influence this book?
Like Atticus Finch, Harper Lee's father, Amasa Coleman Lee, was a lawyer and a newspaper editor in Monroeville, Alabama. He once defended two Black men accused of murder and lost; the men were executed. This real-life case, which her father never spoke about after the loss, deeply influenced Lee's understanding of racial injustice and served as a model for the Tom Robinson trial.
what was the jury exclusion factor in theese two chapters and how did it influence the trial?
A core aspect of the legal injustice is the all-white, all-male jury. Black people were systematically excluded from jury service in the South during this era, making a jury of one's actual peers impossible for a Black defendant. This ensured the verdict would be based on racial bias rather than evidence.
What traits does Atticus show in these chapters? what does it say about him as a person?
Atticus shows integrity, courage, and compassion by defending Tom Robinson, which demonstrates his unwavering commitment to justice and equality. His actions reveal him to be a person of strong moral conviction who is willing to stand up for what is right, even when it means going against the popular opinion and facing social disapproval
How does racism influence the decisions of the Ewells?
The economic hardship likely intensified existing racial tensions, as white families (like the Cunninghams and Ewells) struggled to maintain their meager existence and social standing. In a time of scarcity, the need for a scapegoat and the rigid enforcement of racial boundaries becomes more critical for maintaining a sense of superiority among the white working class.
Lee grew up in the south during the 1930ś as a kid, much like Scout. How do Leeś own personality and experiences begin to show through Scoutś character?
Lee grew up a tomboy in the 1930s, much like Scout. Her unique perspective as an observant child in a small, racially divided town allowed her to witness firsthand the systemic poverty, segregation, and deeply ingrained prejudice that defined the South.
How did the physical segregation in the courtroom influence the trial?
The literal setting of the courtroom, where the Black residents of Maycomb must sit separately in the segregated balcony, physically reinforces the social and legal hierarchy. Scout, Jem, and Dill observe the trial from this vantage point, which helps them see the injustice from a different, less prejudiced perspective.
How does Dillś innocence add to his sense of justice?
Dill's youth and lack of exposure to the ingrained prejudices of Maycomb give him a unique perspective on justice. Unlike many of the adults in the novel, Dill has not yet been desensitized to the unfair treatment of others. This allows him to see situations with a pure and untainted sense of right and wrong.
what system of laws enforced strict racial segregation and discrimination throughout the South during the time the novel is set.
Jim crow.
How does the great deppression during this period influence theese two chapters?
creating an environment of extreme poverty and social tension in Maycomb, which intensifies the existing racial prejudices and affects the motivations and actions of key characters.
How did the community pressure of maycomb influence judge taylors decision for the jurors being picked?
The town's insular nature means everyone knows everyone else's business and background. Citizens feared the social and economic repercussions of going against the majority opinion. Judge Taylor had to pick jurors from remote rural areas because townsfolk would face "pecuniary injury" if their vote was disliked.
How does Scouts ḱid mentality'begin to fade throughout theese chapters?
as she confronts the painful realities of social hierarchy and racial prejudice in Maycomb, moving her from innocent observation to a more mature, empathetic understanding of the world.
what is this evil assumption atticus asks the jury to avoid?
racist belief that all Black people are inherently immoral, dishonest, and untrustworthy, while the word of a white person, no matter how disreputable, should always be believed over a Black person's.
How do jim crow laws and segragation relate to theese two chapters?
The legal and social structure of Maycomb reflects this. Black people were denied voting rights through mechanisms like poll taxes, and their word in court was automatically considered inferior to that of white people.
What was the motivation of the Ewells to lie about Tom Robinson assaulting her?
The Ewell family sat at the very bottom of the white social ladder. Mayella and Bob Ewell had little to no respect within the white community. Accusing a Black man, however, automatically elevated their social standing by leveraging the community's deeply ingrained racism. As Atticus notes, they were confident the jury would "go down the line with them" simply because they were white.
Why is Atticus unbuttoning his vest such a big development?
his small detail, a break from his usual formal demeanor, signals to scout the immense personal importance and emotional weight the case carries for her father. She begins to see the true man atticus is, not just the parent, which is a significant step in maturity.
How does the all-white jury add to the idea of the exclusion in maycomb?
During the era of the novel, it was standard practice to exclude Black Americans from serving on juries, either through law or through discriminatory application of eligibility rules. This ensured that Black defendants were judged solely by white peers who often held deep-seated racial prejudices.
What violations of social code during that era are violated during Tom Robinson´s testimony?
A stark example in the trial is when Tom Robinson states he felt "sorry" for Mayella. Within the social hierarchy of the time, a Black man expressing pity for a white woman was seen as a profound violation of racial etiquette and an implicit assertion of social standing that was not permitted.