Chapter 23 to kill a mockingbird. To Kill A Mockingbird: Novel Summary: Chapters 23 2022-10-08

Chapter 23 to kill a mockingbird Rating: 7,8/10 889 reviews

Chapter 23 of To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, is a poignant and powerful chapter that serves as a culmination of the themes and events of the novel. It begins with the trial of Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell. Throughout the trial, Atticus Finch, the lawyer defending Tom, has been fighting against the deeply ingrained racism and prejudice present in the town of Maycomb.

The chapter opens with Atticus delivering his closing argument, in which he addresses the jury and the audience in the courtroom. He speaks eloquently and passionately, reminding the jury of their duty to seek the truth and to treat all people equally under the law. He points out the inconsistencies in the testimony of the prosecution's witnesses, including Mayella and her father, Bob Ewell. Atticus also highlights the physical evidence that suggests Tom could not have committed the crime, as his left arm was severely injured and rendered useless.

Throughout the trial, Atticus has been a beacon of hope for Tom and his family, as well as for the black community of Maycomb. He has shown courage and integrity in the face of overwhelming odds and has stood up for what is right and just, even when it means going against the societal norms and expectations of the time.

However, despite Atticus's efforts, the verdict of the trial is a foregone conclusion. Tom is found guilty, and the chapter ends with him being taken away to prison. The injustice of the verdict is a crushing blow for Atticus, Tom, and the people of Maycomb, who had hoped that the truth would prevail.

The trial and its outcome serve as a microcosm for the larger issues of racism and prejudice that pervade the novel. It illustrates the power of fear, ignorance, and hatred to cloud people's judgment and to perpetuate injustice. It also highlights the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult, and the need for individuals to speak out against injustice and discrimination.

In conclusion, chapter 23 of To Kill a Mockingbird is a poignant and powerful chapter that serves as a culmination of the themes and events of the novel. It illustrates the struggle against racism and prejudice, the importance of standing up for what is right, and the devastating consequences of injustice.

To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 23 Summary

chapter 23 to kill a mockingbird

The subject then turns to jury trials and to how all twelve men could have convicted Tom. Aunt Alexandra insists that even if Walter were clean and dressed nicely, he would not be like Jem. Throughout the novel, liking fiddle music is code for being poor and provincial. Despite Jem's theory, Scout says, 'there's just one kind of folks. The judge, could have assigned Tom's case to the younger, more inexperienced district attorney as was customary. Each group hates the person who comes next on the list.

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To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 23 Summary and Analysis

chapter 23 to kill a mockingbird

Atticus also accused Bob in court of beating Mayella, which is something everyone suspects Bob does to all of his children when he is angry. Neither plan succeeds in convincing Atticus he is in danger. Tom lost this case but Atticus was confident that he would win on appeal. Scout thinks there's only one kind of folks—folks—but Jem isn't so sure. For the reader, the fact that these kinds of relationships exist in the Cunningham family point again to how close-knit the community is and how little new blood there is, which forms the basis for the tight and insular community that Scout recognizes.

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To Kill a Mockingbird Quotes: Chapters 23

chapter 23 to kill a mockingbird

That night, Scout had unknowingly diffused the situation and earned Mr. Jem proposes that there are four kinds of people in Maycomb County: normal people like them and the neighbors, people like the Cunninghams, ones like the Ewells, and black people. Aunty responds they may be 'good folks,' but they are 'not our kind of folks. We thought he was scary and weird, but it turns out he was our hero! Boo is a timid person who learns to express his bravery through… To Kill A Mockingbird Literary Analysis Essay To Kill a Mockingbird has multiple major themes that are outcomes of significant scenes throughout the book. After the community pageant, Scout and Jem were attacked by Bob Ewell, a poor farmer.

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In chapter 23 of To Kill a Mockingbird, it is mentioned that women could not sit on the jury in 1935. Atticus gives reason as to why that was the law....

chapter 23 to kill a mockingbird

He didn't expect Ewell to confront him about it and doesn't consider Ewell a threat, but this conflict will in fact prove fatal for Ewell later in the novel. Lesson Summary In this chapter, Harper Lee goes more in depth critiquing racism in the justice system. Jem Consoles Scout Scout begins to cry, and Jem pulls her away, into his bedroom. See eNotes Ad-Free Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts. There he tells her, Scout, Calpurnia, and Miss Maudie that Tom Robinson attempted to escape and was shot seventeen times. Heck Tate went out to the spot where the crime was, and there was Bob Ewell. Atticus Tries to Explain Chapter 23 opens with Atticus stating he wishes Bob did not chew tobacco, but he will not say any more.


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To Kill A Mockingbird Chapter 23 Analysis

chapter 23 to kill a mockingbird

Lee, 225 Historically, women in Alabama were prohibited from serving on juries until 1966. His ability to see that the men on the jury are still reasonable people comes from his desire to see good in everybody, since he recognizes that most people contain elements that are both good and bad. Scout remembers that Atticus is a good shooter, but Jem points out that Atticus does not believe in carrying guns. Question Answer Choices That he can't sleep without a nightlight That he has found a hair on his chest That he plans to fight anyone who says a bad word about Atticus That he is thinking of running away Submit. Atticus claims that if he saved Mayella, or one of the other children, from a beating, he is glad to be the recipient of Bob's anger. That respect carried over into the rest of the family.

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What literary devices are found in chapters 23 and 24 of To Kill a Mockingbird?

chapter 23 to kill a mockingbird

Double cousins are, importantly, a real thing—they are the children of sisters who each marry a brother from another family. Through Atticus, Lee argues the laws must be changed, and men must be treated equally. Chapter 23 is mostly about Jem, who is becoming a man and having to shed some earlier notions while acquiring some new ones. Scout does not describe having to be forced to wear the dress, which pleases Aunt Alexandra, and she offers to help Calpurnia without being asked, which shows a greater level of awareness. In fact, one man on the jury wanted to acquit—amazingly, it was one of the Cunninghams. An Evening Talking About the Law The children resume their normal summer activities.

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To Kill A Mockingbird: Novel Summary: Chapters 23

chapter 23 to kill a mockingbird

However, Jem and Scout are worried that Bob will attack their father, and they want him to arm himself. The Scout at the start of the novel would have fought hard against the injustice of wearing such an outfit, but by this point, Scout has more important things to worry about, which also reflects a growing maturity. Because Scout and Jem were at the trial, the verdict deeply affected their view on the goodness of the people of Maycomb. Atticus describes the situation, ". They discuss the class system—why their aunt despises the Cunninghams, why the Cunninghams look down on the Ewells, who hate black people, and other such matters.

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To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 23 Quiz

chapter 23 to kill a mockingbird

Women received full equality to serve on juries only after the case of Fay v. Latest answer posted April 19, 2008, 4:24 am UTC 2 educator answers Fear. Tate, for example, didn't have to warn Atticus that Tom was being transported to the town jail. I think I'm beginning to understand why Boo Radley's stayed shut up in the house all this time. Atticus tells them the men on Tom's jury are 'reasonable men in everyday life.


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