Chapter 25 pretty well sums this up. Atticus is amazed when he sees all the food piled up: 'enough food to bury the family', as Scout observes in a hometown allusion to food being given after a person's death (in itself, foreshadowing of Tom's ultimate fate). Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird is the attorney that is assigned to represent Tom, a black man, who is wrongfully accused of a crime in the 1930s. How does the black community feel about Atticus after Tom Robinson is convicted? Cal then informs him that Estelle from the hotel sent over rolls, too. This incident turns the whole population of Maycomb against him. He has no problem with his children attending Calpurnia's church, or with a black woman essentially raising his children. When Bob Ewell spits in Atticus’ face and Bob Ewell said “Too proud to fight? The dominant themes in this story were justice, courage and racism. One way Atticus makes an impact on his kid’s lives, especially Scout, is by teaching her how to read and by building her already advanced vocabulary. Atticus’ devotion to insure that Tom Robinson gets treated equally in the courtroom is something that the black community had never seen before. They know that Atticus has done his best to defend Tom Robinson. T he Atticus Finch of To Kill a Mockingbird is a civil-rights hero – a larger-than-life, heroic figure who fearlessly defended a black man falsely accused of raping a white girl. Because of his penetrating intelligence, calm wisdom, and exemplary behavior, Atticus is respected by everyone, including the very poor. In this situation, Atticus sees the African American community as a flock of mockingbirds who are only trying to make their way in a world that is often hostile. It's fun so far. After the trial, food is brought to Atticus's home as a sign of respect. The jury took a … Even though it’s a given that he will not be able to win the case, Atticus does his very best to defend Tom because he knows he’s innocent and it’s the right thing to do. ©2021 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Atticus is embarrassed by the amount of food he receives because he knows that the blacks are poor and that it is probably a hardship for them. 1) I think you're talking about the courthouse when the verdict was being read. Answered by Aslan 9 years ago 11/13/2011 5:22 AM. They do this almost as soon as the trial has ended. T he Atticus Finch of To Kill a Mockingbird is a civil-rights hero – a larger-than-life, heroic figure who fearlessly defended a black man falsely accused of raping a white girl. They understood the dedication and commitment Atticus had for a cause he lost the case even before it began. However, just a moment later the tone changes when we are told that his 'eyes had filled with tears'. But it's suggested that the black community in Maycomb has all come together, nonetheless, because they feel it is important to thank Atticus. How does Atticus respond to the gifts of food from the black community? Atticus always acts the same way whether other people can see him or not. Atticus says that some people think he shouldn’t be working hard at defending Tom Robinson, but for him it basically boils down to self-respect: he couldn't hold his head up if he caved to public opinion and did less than his best in the man’s defense. It’s interesting to note that there are two places in the novel where food is given to Atticus to pay off a debt or to show respect. Tom is pleaded guilty. And white comfort is always going to be the enemy of Black people in America. Already a member? Although there is no proof of his crime, yet he faces hatred from the citizens of his own communityas well as the court. They may have had some food that they grew or harvested on their own, but few--and none in their local community--had money to pay for legal services. The black community shows its support and respect for Atticus by bringing generous amounts of food to his house. Atticus is the adult character least infected by prejudice in the novel. At first he appears amused when he 'grins' at seeing a 'jar of pig's knuckles' and wonders: 'Reckon Aunty'll let me eat these in the dining room?' Atticus believes that all men have been created equal. Later, Atticus quietly lectures his children about the evil of white people cheating black people. So, receiving the newsletter may just help you stay in touch, which we'd like to do. If Atticus is a champion of anything, it’s not justice or equality but comfort. . For instance, when Scout asks what rape is, Atticus describes it as carnal knowledge of a woman without her consent. One that the children did like at all. Despite Tom Robinson losing his case, the Black people on the second level all stand up as Atticus leaves. Atticus’ actions throughout the novel, standing up for black rights, and the fight against racism throughout the Trial, is a step towards rying to change people’s views on equality, and more largely, reinforces his influential role and effect in breaking down racial barriers in the community. As Atticus is the town lawyer, he gains the respect of many despite his conflicting view. Its setting was in Maycomb County, Alabama during the Great Depression in the 1930’s. Atticus is respected all through Maycomb, by people from all the social statuses, for example at the end of the trial, when Atticus leaves, the entire black balcony show their respect for him by … This may not sound so strange in present day society; however, in the 1930’s (where the book is set) this was considered a great crime. Atticus makes a huge difference on the way his children live their lives. As you grow older, you’ll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don’t you forget it —- whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, the white man is trash.” – Atticus Finch Atticus feels that the justice system should be color blind, and he defends Tom as an innocent man, not a man of color. 2) … First, the mad dog represents the "madness" that Atticus has to face now that he has taken on Tom Robinson's case. Atticus has several personal reasons for defending Tom Robinson. Due to this fact, Scout is a strange mixture of the child-like and the adult. After the verdict is read, and Tom is found guilty, the black community, sitting in the balcony of the courthouse in their segregated section, rises as a whole when Atticus walks out of the courthouse. They understand the passion and commitment Atticus had for a cause that was defeated even before he started. Lee does well to emphasis, with all the racism and stereotypes Maycomb is associated with, the slow paced, good natured feel of life in the Deep South. Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. We’ve discounted annual subscriptions by 50% for COVID-19 relief—Join Now! Jem and Scout have different views about telling people at school how well Atticus can shoot. The mad dog in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbirdis symbolic of a few things. The black people stand out of respect for Atticus. They believe that he has done all he could to keep Tom from being convicted. Atticus never asked for payment, but, as Cal said, the community appreciated the honest effort he put forth for Tom's sake and wanted to show him this appreciation in the best way they knew how. The story was narrated through the eyes of a child, Jean Louise Finch, who was nicknamed Scout throughout the book. He sees no difference between black and white people and does not judge people on the colour of their skin. Tom was just another dead Negro, First, the mad dog represents the "madness" that Atticus has to face now that he has taken on Tom Robinson's case. Calpurnia explains for Atticus: "They—they 'preciate what you did, Mr. Finch. They understand the sacrifices Atticus made to take this case. Remember, the story takes place during the Great Depression, and it is probably the only means they they have for thanking Atticus. Then on chapter 22 bob ewell threatens atticus and says “ I will kill you if it the last thing i do.” this shows the town how bad of a guy bob ewell is. They—they aren't oversteppin' themselves, are they?" Tom's family and friends were like most everyone else during the Great Depression. The black people of Maycomb shower Atticus with gifts of food to show their appreciation for his act of defending Tom at the trial. To Kill a Mockingbird tells the story of a white lawyer who defies all others to defend a black man in a rape scandal. They know that Atticus has done his best to defend Tom Robinson. Atticus Health is a real community. Even though Atticus proves that Tom could not have beaten Mayella and the only person who could have done it was her father, the jury believed that Tom was still guilty. Page 65 Atticus expects his children to be respectful of people. How does the black community show appreciation to Atticus? After the trial ended and Tom was found guilty, the black community of Maycomb brought food to Atticus ' doorstep and Calpurnia said: "they ‘preciate what you did." Favorite Answer. Atticus tells Jem, Dill, and Scout to stop tormenting Boo Radley. Log in here. The incident also paints a perhaps rather-too-good picture of the blacks as being humble and thankful as a whole community. As Atticus is walking down the aisle in disappointment, the black community stands up to honor him. They understand the sacrifices Atticus made to take this case. Atticus tears up and says that he is grateful but that they shouldn't do that again because there's a depression going on in the country, and the black community has it harder than anyone else. Get free homework help on Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird: book summary, chapter summary and analysis, quotes, essays, and character analysis courtesy of CliffsNotes. Incidentally, this is the only time that Atticus is ever seen to cry in the novel. Start your 48-hour free trial and unlock all the summaries, Q&A, and analyses you need to get better grades now. Atticus was constantly criticized and attacked by members of the community of Maycomb before and during the trial but he does not take advantage of his social standing to retaliate or rebuke them. They understand the passion and commitment Atticus had for a cause that was defeated even before he started. Some white people are ashamed and sincerely saddened by the injustice done by the jury. This also seems to be the case within the community, as many of the people in the town often come to Atticus for help with various legal issues that they cannot deal with themselves. (Lee 213) Atticus tried his hardest to save Tom Robinson but the prejudices of the jury overpowered his argument. The reason they are doing this is that they are grateful to Atticus for standing up for Tom Robinson. Many of the people within the town Atticus their lives. To Kill a Mockingbird. The community has rallied against Atticus because they believe that Robinson is guilty simply because he is black. He remains clam when he was provoked directly. During the time of the book, racism was still very high and the chances of a black person being able to beat a white man or women in court were incredibly hard or even impossible. Yet, Lee suggests they still give their food unstintingly as a whole community to Atticus in the nature of a grateful offering. So they are expressing their thanks for Atticus's treating Tom like a real person and for trying his best to get him off. After the trial, the black community shows its thanks by bringing all kinds of food for Atticus and his family. How does Atticus feel about how well he can shoot? Atticus is a morally upright man who believes that African Americans should be treated equally. He asks them how they would feel if he barged into their rooms without knocking. How Does Harper Lee Present The Black/Coloured Community In To Kill A Mockingbird? Tom Robinson's father gives a chicken and other people leave all sorts of stuff on the back steps. Maycomb is a close knit community … The jury and the black community both took a stand by the black community literally by standing up as Atticus walks down the aisle. Atticus agrees to take his case, even though he knows it is probably hopeless, if only to show the white community its own moral degeneracy. What does atticus find in the kitchen on the moring after the trial. Even though it’s a given that he will not be able to win the case, Atticus does his very best to defend Tom because he knows he’s innocent and it’s the right thing to do. He remains clam when he was provoked directly. Harper Lee projects racism and details how social injustice, prejudices, and class discrimination ruin social harmony. She recalled the hot day in February when Atticus shot the mad dog (Chp 10). Atticus's reaction to these gifts is telling. Atticus’s reply suggests that the racism inherent in the guilty verdict is part of the past, present, and future of the community. He got a little emotional What's things does Miss Maudie point out that Jem and Scout hadn't realized? Not affiliated with Harvard College. After the trial, food is brought to Atticus’s home as a sign of respect and thanks. Explain the difference and discuss which view you … After the trial, how do the children and Atticus respond to Bob Ewell's threats? (213). For instance, Scout's Cousin Francis depicts Atticus as a "nigger-lover" and makes it sound like a terrible abuse. Sign up now, Latest answer posted April 05, 2018 at 4:51:48 PM, Latest answer posted October 08, 2009 at 1:35:34 PM, Latest answer posted June 18, 2018 at 1:50:54 PM, Latest answer posted May 08, 2019 at 3:29:05 PM, Latest answer posted November 08, 2017 at 9:49:09 PM. Atticus is defending Tom Robinson, an African American man accused of raping a caucasian woman, Mayella Ewell. He becomes an easy victim of racism just because of the color of his skin. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. Miss Maudie has a great respect for Atticus, as do many people in the town. The African American community feels angry and upset, but they cannot show it in public. When Atticus was making his closing statements he was talking about how the jury should do the right thing and how the courtroom was the one place where everyone should be treated equally. There is talk and rumour but, for most of the white people in town, the excitement had passed. For instance, Scout's Cousin Francis depicts Atticus as a "nigger-lover" and makes it sound like a terrible abuse. (Lee 213) Atticus tried his hardest to save Tom Robinson but the prejudices of the jury overpowered his argument.
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