Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Chapter 20-21- Examine the final line of Chapter 21. What is the significance? (Emily Plump)
When Atticus is passing by in the court room, Reverend Skyes tells Scout to move out of the way to respect her father because of his closing argument. Atticus made a huge sacrifice defending a black man and by respecting him, all of the black people stood up when he walked by. Atticus did he best here and showed that blacks and whites are all equal to each other. He also showed his respect to Tom, so everyone does the same to him. Scout realizes that everyone is standing up, " I looked around. They were all standing. All around us and in the balcony on the opposite wall, the Negroes were getting to their feet. Reverend Skyes's voice was as distant as Judge Taylor's: 'Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passin'"(Lee 283). As Scout stands up, she realizes how hard her father has worked on this case and how much he cares about how equal everyone should be. Atticus made it clear to everyone that Tom Robinson didn't do this but yet he still got charged for it. He really makes a bold statement in his closing argument which is respectful to blacks, "... the evil assumption that all Negroes lie, that all Negroes are basically immoral beings, that all Negro men are not to be trusted around our women, an assumption one associates with minds of their caliber" (Lee 273). This quote really shows how Atticus strongly believed that it wasn't fair that people have stereotypes for black people. Atticus showed his respect to colored people, which is why it was so important for Scout to stand up when Reverend Skyes tells her to.
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Considering Atticus apparently was forced to take on this case, he showed extreme commitment in it. Today it may not be a big deal to come out and say that all men are created equal, but to say that back in 1935 in the heart of the South is bold, and unheard of. This shows that Atticus believes strongly in what he is saying, and that he's willing to cope with all the obstacles ahead of him. (Obstacles being hated from his community and peers).
ReplyDeleteI think this was a very respectful thing to do. even though Atticus lost the case all of the African American people stood up as a sign of gratitude and respect. I find it crazy that Tom was charged just because of the color of his skin and I think the African Americans knew how hard Atticus had worked to prove his innocence, which he clearly was, but knew Atticus tried his hardest.
ReplyDeleteI think that when everyone stands up for Atticus, it perfectly encapsulates all of the feelings of grief, shock, and unjustness that the verdict of this case cased. Because of the prejudice of the jury, and the people of Maycomb, an innocent man was sent to jail. Although Atticus couldn't save him, he went beyond most people and believed in Tom, without letting the tainted views of the town influence him. This act of courage was acknowledged when everyone stood up, by showing that although Atticus couldn't save Tom, the steps he took to change the way people think of race, and to bring the issue of racial prejudice to light, will influence the lives of many to come, which is a victory on its own.
ReplyDeleteThe main reason why everyone stood up as Atticus passed was because people, mostly blacks, respected Atticus's attempts to defend Tom Robinson. Throughout the trial, most people believed Atticus's side had no hope of winning. As Reverend Sykes stated, "I ain't ever seen any jury decide in favor of a colored man over a white man..." (Lee 279). It showed how he came to the court on Atticus's side but knew all along they would not win. This is probably the case with most of the courtroom. As everyone stands at the end, it shows their appreciation to Atticus because he defended Tom when he knew he did not stand a chance of winning.
ReplyDeleteI think it took a lot of courage to help out a black person, even though it could cost him a lot of friendships. He has gained respect from a lot of people, and lost a lot of respect from most people. At the end of the day he did the right thing. He stood up for what was right. He does not care about anyones skin color he wants everybody to be treated equally. He took on the challenge even though it was clear he was probably going to loose.
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