Tom Robinson Trial

Words: 564

Pages: 3

Open Document

“I’m simply defending a Negro--his name’s Tom Robinson”(Lee 75). Atticus Finch explains to his young daughter a very risky and life altering decision that goes against the norm of the time. Written by Harper Lee, To Kill a MockingBird is based in Maycomb, Alabama during the great depression. To Kill a Mockingbird tells the story of Atticus Finch going against society's racist beliefs and doing what he believed to be right. Atticus is to defend Tom Robinson, a negro in the Ewell v. Robinson rape case where he being accused of attacking and raping a young white girl, Mayella Ewell. The mainly white community has a hard time supporting Atticus’ decision to defend a negro as well as the all white jury finding Robinson guilty even though the evidence …show more content…
In chapter 11 Scout tells Atticus ‘’You must be wrong...” Atticus replies, “How’s that?" “Well, most folks seem to think they're right and you're wrong...."(Lee 139). The majority of Maycomb believes that it is wrong that Atticus is defending Tom Robinson in court because he is a negro. Although Atticus realizes this, he sticks to his conscience and does what’s right by defending Tom in court. Nobody would bat an eye if he were to represent a White person in the courtroom. Throughout the trial Atticus is called many names, such as “nigger lover”. These examples show how racism is being displayed by the community of Maycomb.
In conclusion, racism is mainly exhibited through the Tom Robinson case, and the Maycomb community. Tom Robinson is falsely accused by a jury of white individuals and the community cannot support Atticus’s decision to defend Tom in the courtroom. Although the theme of racism is presented by Scouts curiosity, the Robinson Trial and the Maycomb community mainly exhibit racism. Nearly eighty years after this novel is based, the colored American society still faces inequality in the court system. One thing that society can learn from this is not to judge a book by it’s

Tom Robinson Trial

sentiment controlled by the forbidding trial of Tom Robinson. Harper Lee reveals the harsh and jarring reality of racism and its effects on the town of Maycomb. On August 26, 1935, a charming, enchanting black man's life was about to change for the absolute worse. That man is Tom Robinson and he is wrongly convicted and accused of raping Bob Ewells daughter, Mayella. He is a generous man with superb morals who loves to give a helping hand. Unfortunately for Tom Robinson, these are the very traits that get…

Words 790 - Pages 4

Tom Robinson Trial

Additionally, Tom Robinson is presented as a mockingbird in Harper Lee's book. First, Tom is a good and faithful man. One reason is, Tom always did his work and never disobeyed anyone. Tom, who was a hard worker had worked most of his life. Another reason is, he helped everyone that needed help. Mr. Robinson stopped every day to help Mayella with chores and yard work. "One day, she asked me to come inside the fence and bust up, a dresser for her. Also, Tom always told the truth and nothing but the…

Words 309 - Pages 2

Tom Robinson Trial

The Trial "We know all men are not created equal in the sense some people would have us believe- some people are smarter than others,.But there is one way in this country in which all men have been created equal. That institution, gentlemen, is a court." (Lee chapter 20) Harper Lee wrote To Kill a Mockingbird, which took place in the 1930s, where segregation was very common. This book is told from Jean Louis’ perspective. Jean Louis, Jem, and Dill, go through many adventures together, and they find…

Words 997 - Pages 4

Tom Robinson Trial

was the day of the Tom Robinson trial. In the courtroom there are hundreds of people anxiously awaitng. The black and white people are seperated. The blacks are put on the balcony, where it is much hotter. Whille the white people enjoy the main floor of the balon. The Heck Tate is the first witness up on the stands. Under cross-examination, he admits that a doctor was never called to the scene to examine Mayella Ewell. Heck Tate is neutral, he doesn’t say whether he thinks Robinson is guilt or not…

Words 611 - Pages 3

Tom Robinson Trial

the dump, and the Negros.” Jem says in Chapter 23 of To Kill a Mockingbird after the Tom Robinson trial. This quote shows how the trial affects Jems' view of the world moving forward. Social inequality and class division is a main topic in To Kill a Mockingbird and is significant for many characters. This essay will be about the importance of social inequality and class divisions in Scout Finch, Boo Radley, and Tom Robinson's as all of these characters are considered mockingbirds. Scout Finch's character…

Words 712 - Pages 3

Tom Robinson Trial

16-23. In these chapters the court hearing of Tom Robinson happens. Many people give different opinions of what happened the night of November 21st the night of the said raping. During the hearing, there is a feeling of what is being said that Mayella Ewell lied about being raped by Mr. Robinson. Also, you learn who Tom Robinson is portrayed as in the book. In this Journal, I will talk about why Mayella seemed like a liar and what kind of person Tom Robinson is. With everything going on during Tom’s…

Words 1378 - Pages 6

Tom Robinson Trial

childhood experiences growing up in Monroeville, Alabama. The author uses the trial of a black man, Tom, to highlight racism in the south. Tom is clearly innocent, but the facts are second to his skin color, earning him a jail sentence and eventually death. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses Tom Robinson’s trial to advance two important themes: coming of age and racial inequities. In Harper Lee’s “To Kill a…

Words 946 - Pages 4

Tom Robinson Trial

as it is about the trial and its impact on the community. It is a big lesson about the themes of morality, struggle against prejudice. Which then takes it to the argument that Tom Robinson would have been found innocent if not for the racist community. Tom Robinson was as normal as everyone else. He is a simple black man who works…

Words 632 - Pages 3

Tom Robinson Trial

My name is Madyson Miller, and I am honored to stand before you as the representative of Maycomb County in my capacity as an attorney for this important case. As this trial unfolds, we are challenged with the unsettling truth that Mayella Ewell, under the promise before the honorable judge, chose to falsely bitterly accuse Tom Robinson of a crime he did not commit. The reason behind her untruthful pieces of evidence was from a place of fear and torture, as she was well aware of the violent outcomes…

Words 560 - Pages 3

Tom Robinson Trial

Jean which is hosting a charity for Helen, Tom Robinson wife. Atticus sister, aunt Alexandria, arrive to live with the Finches and teach the children to act as respected citizens. During the night, the children discovers Dill under Jean bed, who ran away from home, but Atticus decide to let him stay. A mob appears twice before Atticus, in the day and night, questioning his reason to defend a color man, Tom Robinson, in court. It was the day of the trial and the sheriff came onto the stand to describe…

Words 438 - Pages 2