Why do you think Chapter 24 is in the book?
Chapter 24 is in the book to further demonstrate the hard times that the black community in MAycomb is facing. Tom Robinson was so desperate that he escaped the moment that he could, without formulating a proper plan, and ultimately getting shot. The blacks in Maycomb are fed up with having lies told about them and to them. "'We had such a good chance,' [Atticus] said. 'But I couldn't in truth say that we had more than a good chance. I guess Tom was tired of white men's chances and preferred to take his own.'" (315)
Tom Robinson was not treated like a human when he was shot seventeen times. "'What was one more Negro, more or less, among two hundred of 'em?'" (315) To the guards, he was not worthy of human flesh. This is also further characterized in chapter 25. "N***** always come out in 'em." (322) Maycomb talks about blacks as if they are animals: Even if they dress and act like humans, they will always be beasts.
Maycomb's ways of racism have been seen so far as irreversible in the current generation, but is there hope? Will the black community strike back, or keep to their own business because it is part of the "Maycomb way"? And what of Boo Radley, now that Tom Robinson is dead?
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ReplyDeleteIn response to Issay's first question, I think that there is a shed of hope for the black community, not much, but some. When Atticus was talking to Jem and Scout about how quick the juries decided that Tom was guilty, he said that normally in a case like this the jury would have its mind made up in minutes, but for some reason, the jury really considered the facts of Tom's case. "...well, this may be the shadow of a beginning. The jury took a few hours. And inevitable verdict maybe, but usually it takes 'em a few minutes." (297). Also when Miss Maudie was talking about how Atticus is not the only one in Maycomb who wants Tom to win, she talks about how Judge Taylor picked Atticus so that Tom would have a better chance of winning. "Jem grinned ruefully. 'Wish the rest of the community though that.' 'You'd be surprised how many of us do'" (288). People are changing. Maycomb altogether is very racist, but with some individuals who really believe in the black community I believe that eventually the racism can be eliminated, but it will take more people like Judge Taylor to step out and try to make a change.
ReplyDeleteDo you think there are any more people (other than Judge Taylor and Atticus) that secretly support Tom Robinson and want him to win. Do you think that if Atticus had made it more positive to Tom (if he had said they would definitely win the case) he wouldn't have tried to escape and therefore been killed?
In answer to Issay's second question, I believe that the black community will strike back, but with inspiration from white people like Atticus. The Maycomb Way is more directed at how white people should live and act towards black people. Blacks never really are though of as in or out of the Maycomb Way. As we will learn in history and hopeful already know, blacks did strike back. But I believe that in places like Maycomb, most of the hard work was done by people like Atticus not following the Maycomb Way and bringing awareness to the racism in Maycomb. Atticus says, "She is the victim of cruel poverty and ignorance, but i cannot pity her:she is white." (272) Atticus knows he will not be able to win the court case or fix racism, "Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed." (323) but he still tried anyway.
ReplyDeleteIf Atticus hadn't stood up, would anyone who supports Atticus be willing to? WIll anyone if the town be willing to change their views?