To Kill a Mockingbird

Chapters 16-19
CHAPTER
SUMMARIES: THE COURTROOM SCENES

EWWWWW. EWELLS! ANALYZING MEANING

CHAPTER SUMMARIES
Chapters 16-19 include some of the most important and exciting action of To Kill a Mockingbird even though the conclusion is known to most readers and despite the fact that nothing really exciting happens.
The Prosecution (Mr. Gilmer) Bob Ewell tells Heck Tate (Sheriff) to arrest Robinson Mayella found bruised and beaten Bob Ewell saw Tom Robinson in the house and heard Mayella yelling Tom Robinson ran from the scene Tom Robinson often called on by Mayella to do chores Tom Robinson once arrested for disorderly conduct Tom Robinson strong enough to choke and beat Mayella Essentially, because he is a black man, he must have committed the crime

To Kill a Mockingbird
Chapters 16-19

The Defense (Atticus Finch) Mayellas bruises are on right side of face No doctor is called to examine Mayella (no proof of rape even occuring!) Mayella lives a sad, lonely life Mayella didnt scream or fight back Tom Robinsons left hand damaged; he couldnt have hit Mayella Tom testifies that Mayella was the one who started kissing him Link Deas, (white employer), says Tom is a good man Tom Robinson says he feels sorry for Mayella big mistake!

CHAPTER SUMMARIES
Chapters 16-19 also expand on the novels characters

To Kill a Mockingbird
Chapters 16-19

Tom Robinson
Kind-hearted Honest Hardworking Trustworthy Victim of circumstances

Scout, Jem, & Dill

Curious In between blacks and whites Sensitive Childhood innocence

Atticus
Strong Morals Loses case but wins at making point

Others
Mayella: A Mockingbird Link Deas: Opposite of Prejudice Mr. Gilmer: Harsh Racist Bob Ewell: Sad, Angry Racist

The morals emphasized in Part One are put to the test at this point in the novel, (Jems reaction; Atticus arguments; Link Deas testimony) Regardless of what is said, Tom Robinson doesnt stand a chance given the racism prevalent in the courtroom.

EEEEEEEWWWWW EWELLS!
The Ewell family is representative of a number of different themes Despite that the Ewells are trailer trash and the lowest of Maycombs white society they are still believed even defended by the law, (including the Sherriff, the Prosecutor and the Judge). Emphasizes racial society Accurate portrayal of history Sympathy for Mayella? Effect that Ewells have on other characters in story

To Kill a Mockingbird
Chapters 16-19

Mockingbird (Mayella)

Flowers in Garden Quiet Innocence

Judgement (Mayella & Bob)

Forcing Tom Robinsons Judgement Juding Blacks

Racial Prejudice

Comments about Black Community Use of language

Black/White Divide

Difference between blacks/whites (where they live) Random lifestyle

UNDERSTANDING MEANING
The dialogue within the courtoom and the characters of Maycomb County who attend underline the themes and plot of To Kill a Mockingbird.

To Kill a Mockingbird
Chapters 16-19

Dolphus Raymond

Married black woman Mulatto children

Divide between B&W

Foot-Washers
Bob Ewell Link Deas Dill

Detest Miss Maudies gardens Likely protest black people

Difference of Opinion

Robert E. Lee Ewell (History) Irony of Character (What people think of Ewell yet he is still believed) Defending his employee (going against the grain Represents a progressive society Reaction to testimony: Crying represents childhood innocence

Highlighting Hatred

Innocence / Judge Not

Childhood Lessons