Chapter 20
Why does Dolphus Raymond pretend to be drunk?
To give the townspeople an easy excuse for his mixed-race family lifestyle
What was unusual about how long the jury deliberated in Tom Robinson's case?
They took several hours instead of the usual few minutes for a Black defendant
How did the Black community show gratitude to Atticus after the trial ended?
They flooded the Finch kitchen with gifts of food
What does 'aridity' describe about Atticus's voice during his closing argument?
It was dry and tired, worn out by the town's excuses for unfairness
What is the main theme of Chapter 20?
Social Hypocrisy
According to Atticus, what is the REAL reason Mayella accused Tom Robinson?
She felt guilt for breaking a social taboo by pursuing a Black man
What sign told Scout that the verdict would be guilty before it was even read?
No jury member looked at Tom Robinson as they returned to the courtroom
Why did Judge Taylor specifically appoint Atticus to defend Tom Robinson?
To ensure Tom got a real, fair trial with a strong defender
Use 'iota' in context of Tom's trial
There was not an iota of medical evidence to prove a crime occurred
What literary device is used when the guilty verdict symbolizes killing a mockingbird?
Symbolism
What is the only place where Atticus believes all men are truly equal?
A court of law
How did Jem physically react when the guilty verdict was read?
His shoulders jerked and he wept tears of angry disbelief
What dangerous act did Bob Ewell commit against Atticus after the trial?
He spat in Atticus's face and threatened to kill him
What does the word 'acquit' mean in the context of a trial?
To find someone not guilty
What theme is shown through Jem's reaction to the verdict in Chapter 21?
The Moral Nature of Man / Conscience vs. Prejudice
What did Atticus point out was completely missing from the case against Tom Robinson?
Medical evidence to prove a crime occurred
How did the Black community in the courtroom show respect to Atticus after the verdict?
They all stood up silently in the balcony as he passed
What did Miss Maudie mean when she described the jury's deliberation as a 'baby-step'?
The jury debating showed the town was slowly moving away from entrenched racism
What does 'tacit' mean as used in the novel?
An unspoken, understood agreement among white people that Tom would be found guilty
What metaphor does Miss Maudie use in Chapter 22?
Baby-steps to describe progress toward justice
What powerful line does Atticus end his closing argument with?
In the name of God, believe him
What did Reverend Sykes tell Scout to do as her father walked by?
Stand up, Miss Jean Louise. Your father's passin'.
What hard truth about humanity does Atticus say children must learn to face?
Racism and hatred exist, but they must not lose hope
What does 'temerity' describe in Atticus's argument?
The boldness of Mayella Ewell breaking a social code and blaming an innocent man
What is the overarching theme of Chapters 20-22 about childhood?
Loss of Innocence / Coming of Age