To Kill A Mockingbird Summary - Chapters 17-21 - Schooling Online

Summary

In the trial of Tom Robinson, accused of raping Mayella Ewell, the court is presented with conflicting testimonies. HEC Tate, the first to the scene, describes Mayella's injuries, while Atticus Finch, Robinson's defense, highlights inconsistencies in the Ewells' accounts. Despite evidence suggesting Mayella's father, Bob Ewell, as the true assailant, and Tom's physical disability preventing him from being the attacker, the jury finds Robinson guilty, reflecting the deep-seated racial bias of the time.

Takeaways

• 👨‍⚖️ The trial of Tom Robinson is being presided over by Judge John Taylor, highlighting the gravity of the case.
• 🚨 HEC Tate, the first to attend the scene, testifies about Mayella Ewell's injuries, suggesting a violent incident but also raises questions about the lack of medical attention.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 Bob Ewell, Mayella's father, claims to have witnessed the assault and points at Tom, using racially charged language that incites the courtroom.
• 🤔 Atticus Finch, as the defense attorney, challenges the credibility of the Ewells' testimonies, focusing on inconsistencies and Bob's left-handedness.
• 🙅‍♀️ Mayella Ewell's hostile behavior during cross-examination and her refusal to answer further questions cast doubt on her allegations.
• 🤕 Tom Robinson's physical disability (a crushed left arm) contradicts the claim that he assaulted Mayella, as he is right-handed.
• 🏠 Tom's testimony reveals that Mayella sought his affections, suggesting a possible motive for false accusations.
• 👨‍⚖️ Mr. Gilmer, the prosecuting lawyer, attempts to discredit Tom but fails to shake his consistent and steady responses.
• 😢 Dill's emotional reaction to the trial underscores the deep-seated injustice and the impact of racial prejudice on the proceedings.
• 🧐 Mr. Dolphus Raymond's character adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, showing an unconventional perspective on race relations.
• 🏆 Atticus's final speech to the jury emphasizes the lack of evidence and the implausibility of the Ewells' story, advocating for Tom's innocence.

Q & A

Who is the presiding judge in the trial of Tom Robinson?

Judge John Taylor is presiding over the trial of Tom Robinson.

What is the role of HEC Tate in the trial?

HEC Tate is a witness who was the first to attend the scene of Mayella Ewell's alleged rape.

Why is it significant that no one called a doctor for Mayella after the alleged incident?

It is significant because it raises doubts about the severity of the alleged rape and whether it actually occurred, as medical attention would typically be sought in such cases.

What does Bob Ewell claim to have witnessed during the incident?

Bob Ewell claims to have heard Mayella screaming and, upon looking through the window, saw Tom on top of her.

How does Atticus Finch's cross-examination of Mayella Ewell affect her credibility?

Atticus Finch's patient and polite questioning leads Mayella to become hostile, and when he has Tom stand up for identification, her credibility is further undermined due to Tom's physical disability that contradicts her testimony.

What physical disability does Tom Robinson have that affects his ability to be Mayella's attacker?

Tom Robinson has a crushed left arm from an incident when he was young, making him right-handed and incapable of the attack as described by Mayella.

Why does Tom Robinson say Mayella Ewell grabbed him on the day of the incident?

Tom Robinson claims that Mayella Ewell grabbed him because she desperately wanted him to kiss her, and she blocked the doorway to prevent him from leaving.

How does Mr. Gilmer, the prosecuting lawyer, attempt to discredit Tom Robinson during the trial?

Mr. Gilmer grills Tom Robinson and speaks down to him, trying to make him appear as a liar, but Tom's answers remain steady and consistent.

What does Atticus Finch argue in his final speech to the jury regarding the lack of physical evidence of rape?

Atticus Finch argues that there was no physical evidence of rape, which casts doubt on the validity of the accusation against Tom Robinson.

What is the verdict of the jury in Tom Robinson's trial, and what does it imply for Tom's future?

The jury finds Tom Robinson guilty, which implies that he will likely face a severe punishment, possibly the death sentence, despite the inconsistencies in the Ewells' testimonies.

Who is Dolphus Raymond, and what does he represent in the story?

Dolphus Raymond is a character who lives with African-American people on the land he owns, preferring their company to that of White people. He represents an unconventional perspective and awareness of the town's entrenched racism.