Do you agree with Miss Maudie that Maycomb has advanced as a result of the Tom Robinson case?
Uploaded by Lin on Aug 11, 2002
“And I thought to myself, well, we’re making a step-it’s just a baby step, but it’s a step.” Do you agree with Miss Maudie that Maycomb has advanced as a result of the Tom Robinson case?
To Kill a Mockingbird, crafted expressly, intricately and beautifully by Harper Lee exhibits the unrelenting Maycomb, a small town with big issues. This classical marvel along with its “authentic humour,” is intertwined with the bigot and prejudice views of the township. The commencement of the Tom Robinson trial, in which a Negro is unjustly charged with the sexual assault of a young white girl triggers an onslaught towards blacks by the white people with horrific outcomes. But, it is one white man’s attempt to make things just with all people that leads to remarkable results. Atticus Finch sets a standard of morality and wisdom. Through his influence and although his case is lost, Miss Maudie utters that the town is “making a step” (p.238). This factual response is justifiable, as we notice the abnormal amount of discussing taking place behind the jury doors, some characters new analysis of the Negroes and foretelling that the younger generations can bring new hope for the “disease” infested town of Maycomb.
Throughout much of the depression, Negroes have suffered from frequent massacres, threats and sexual assaults. Worse still is the ongoing ridicule the blacks faced even after they had been set free. Since the early years of freedom and when blacks were allowed to defend their name and innocence in court, they received harsh jail terms –even if they were innocent. As the astute Reverend Sykes puts it, he had “…..(never) seen any jury decide in favour of a coloured man over a white man.” (p.230)
The higher power, in this case, the white people, always seemed to prevail. Thus, meaning it took the jury less than four or five minutes to make their final decision.
The Tom Robinson trial was relatively different from the other predictable cases. The case in itself was significant. This particular case came along with a message, which would someday banish all prejudice between the two races.
The duration of the trial is exceptionally protracted. This factor fortifies the dreary hopes of the black people. It was very atypical for the jury to take as long as two hours to come to a decision. Even the poignant Atticus had his expectations rise after seeing the jury out for...