Chapters 20+21 TKAM

Chapters 20 and 21 of “To Kill a Mockingbird”, by Harper Lee divulges the final stages of the trial. Atticus makes his closing statement in chapter 20 where he makes a reference to Thomas Jefferson’s equality quote, and states that it is over used, but says “… there is one human institution that makes a pauper the equal of a Rockefeller and the stupid man the equal of an Einstein … that institution gentlemen, is a court.  In our courts all men are created equal.” (205). Atticus stressed the issue that the only reason why this trial is even taking place is because Tom Robinson is black.  He states that it is normal for any man to look at a woman with desire, but if a black person does it, they are taken to court.  It is actually really interesting to visualize and compare the difference between the prejudice town’s people and Atticus’ compassion and empathy.  Atticus’ mind set is so contrasting to everyone else’s during this time period.

Another thing that really interested me during the closing statement was when Atticus did something completely usual.  When Atticus is about to give his closing statement to the jury, “Atticus paused, then he did something that he didn’t ordinarily do. He unhitched his watch and his chain and put it on the table.”(202). He continued on and loosened his tie and shirt, something that he had never done anywhere before.  This confused me and I wondered why he would do this, and what it represented, but I think it may be that he wanted to show the jury that yes, it was ok to do something out of the ordinary without to much repercussion.  The jury should acquit the black man of this unjust proceeding and do the right thing and let him go home