The Trial of Tom Robinson

In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Tom Robinson is a married Black man with three children who
is unjustly accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell, by both Mayella and her abusive father,
Bob Ewell. As the book is set in the Jim Crow Era 1930's south, the only lawyer in town willing to take
the case, Atticus Finch, knows that he is fighting a losing battle from the moment he begins
representing Tom Robinson. However, due to his morals and beliefs in the equality of all, he does not
question taking on the case. His only flaw is in the fact that although he knows he will lose, he seems to
hold out hope for the United States justice system to acquit an innocent man. Most of the novel is from
the perspective of Atticus' eight-year-old daughter, Scout Finch, who watches the trial from the balcony.

Four witnesses are called upon to testify: Sheriff Heck Tate, Bob Ewell, Mayella Ewell, and Tom
Robinson.

As Atticus cross-examined Sheriff Heck Tate, it became increasingly clear that Sheriff Tate had not
taken the necessary measures befitting the alleged crime. When he arrived at the Ewell shack, he did
not call the doctor even though Mayella was lying on the ground significantly beaten. Atticus questions
why a doctor was not called, and the Sheriff responds stating, ''Something sho' happened, it was
obvious.''

Atticus then questions the Sheriff on Mayella's injuries. While they were numerous, the Sheriff is
confused over whether it was her left or right eye that bore the brunt of the hit. However, he comes to
the conclusion that it was her right eye. As the Sheriff states this, a realization becomes clear to both
the Sheriff and Atticus. As the Sheriff looks at Tom Robinson, he quickly covers his steps by asking if
Atticus wishes to know about her other bruises. Atticus removes him from the stand.

Next to take the stand is Bob Ewell, Mayella's father. Bob Ewell is first questioned by the prosecutor
(Mr. Gilmer). Ewell explains that as he was walking home, he heard Mayella screaming and saw her
being raped by Tom Robinson. Due to Ewell's continual crass commentary of a sexual nature, he is
severely reprimanded by the judge, which puts into question the answers that Ewell gave Mr. Gilmer.

Atticus politely asks to question Mr. Ewell. His first question is regarding why Mr. Ewell did not get a
doctor for Mayella, which placed into question his care for his daughter's well-being. His second
question is regarding Mr. Ewell's literacy. Grabbing an envelope and pencil from his pocket, he asks Mr.
Ewell to write his name. After Mr. Ewell does so, the judge comments, ''You're left-handed, Mr. Ewell.''

The final witness, prior to Tom Robinson, Mayella Ewell, took the stand. In her account, her father had
asked her to break down the chifforobe (a dresser) for kindling. She felt too tired to do the work, so
when saw Tom Robinson passing, she offered him a nickel to break it down for her. When she went into
the house, he came in behind her and took advantage of her. When Atticus gets up to question her, she
despises his gentle treatment of her. Atticus uses his next questions to show the jury the cruel realities
of her home life.
Finally, he asks her if Tom Robinson ever hit her. She doesn't know how to answer, but finally answers
in the affirmative. In this climax of the book, Atticus asks Tom Robinson to stand, and asks, ''Is this the
man who raped you?'' The court sees Tom Robinsons left arm for the first time; he is clearly disabled.
The Reverend Sykes leans down to Scout and mentions that Tom had shredded his left arm in a cotton
gin when he was young. Mayella answers again in affirmation. Atticus responds, ''How?'' Through an
onslaught of her tears, Atticus' questions show that he is of the belief that it was her father who harmed
her, not Mr. Robinson.

Tom's Testimony
When Tom Robinson is called to the stand, Atticus asks Tom whether he had been to Ewell place
before. Tom explains that he needs to go past the Ewell place to go to and from work. The first time he
went to the Ewell place was when Mayella asked him to break down the chifforobe the spring
beforehand, many months before she said the event with the chifforobe had occurred. He took no
money from her, as he noticed that she got no help from her father or her siblings. In the following year,
he helped her with numerous projects, but he was always invited and left as soon as the project was
finished.

When asked about the event on the night of November 21st, he explained that Mayella had asked him
to fix a door inside the house. When he went into the house, none of the other children were present.
Mayella mentions to him that she saved up seven nickels so that they could get ice cream and be out of
the house. She then tries to hug him and asks him to kiss her, which is when her father sees them
through the window. He tries to resist her advances, making sure never to hurt her like he knew her
father did, and ran out the door. Atticus respectfully asks, ''Why did you run?'' Tom replies, ''I was
scared, suh.''

When Mr. Gilmore gets up to cross-examine Tom Robinson most of his questions revolve around why
Tom would repeatedly help a woman when he was tired from his own work. Tom replies, ''I felt sorry for
her.'' The entire crowed is shocked by his answer, as it meant that a Black man felt sorry for a white
woman. Mr. Gilmer, angry at Tom's response, continued his questioning trying to get Tom to outright
declare that Mayella lied to the courtroom. Tom Robinson, knowing the trap Mr. Gilmer was setting,
states, ''I don't say she's lyin', Mr. Gilmer, I say she's mistaken in her mind.'' Tom knows that if he were
to blatantly state that Mayella, a white woman, had lied, his verdict would be guilty simply for the
impudence of thinking someone of a superior race could possibly tell a falsehood. At this point in the
story, Scout's friend, Dill, is so sickened by Mr. Gilmer's treatment of Tom that he and Scout leave the
balcony.
Atticus' Defense
From the beginning, Atticus chose a simple approach to defending Tom Robinson. Because Tom was
an innocent man, Atticus chose to point out the obvious flaws in the Ewells' stories.

● Atticus pointed out the injustice in the assumptions made against Tom by Sheriff Tate.

● Atticus' questioning of Bob Ewell showed that he cared little for his daughter's well-being.

● Atticus showed the courtroom the truth behind Mayella's beating by having Bob Ewell write with
his dominant hand: his left hand.

● Atticus asked Mayella if Tom had hit her; she affirmed the question, which was clearly a lie due
to Tom's disability.

● Atticus had Tom Robinson give his honest testimony.

Throughout the defense, Atticus chose to show the jury the injustice, rather than tell them about the
injustice. This is clear when he asks Tom to stand, clearly showing his disability to the jury. As Scout
realizes, '' Atticus was trying to show . . . if her right eye was blacked and she was beaten mostly on the
right side of the face, it would tend to show that left-handed person did it.''

What happened to Tom Robinson

Because the trial is from Scout's perspective, there is a somewhat limited point-of-view regarding
the trial. Sentences are more straightforward than in previous chapters, and it almost reads as if the trial
were viewed by the court stenographer, rather than by a little girl confronted with the realities of racism.
Throughout the trial, it becomes increasingly clear that Scout is conflicted between her previous social
acceptance of white superiority and the clear injustice that she sees occurring in the courtroom.
Because she is young, she has the ability to question the racism in the social system, but the reader
can tell she does not quite know what to do with that knowledge.

The Verdict
When Scout returns to the court room, she hears her father say, ''This case is as simple as black and
white.'' However, while the Tom's innocence was clear, the institutionalized racism regarding Black
people was anything but simple. The jury deliberates much longer than Atticus expects; however, in the
end, juror after juror give a guilty verdict. In a clarifying realization, Scout shuts her eyes,
demonstrating her coming to terms with the injustice of the law towards an innocent Tom Robinson.

How did Tom Robinson die?

While Atticus remained hopeful of an appeal, Tom Robinson lost hope in his situation. During the
exercise period, he ran in front of the guards and started climbing the fence. When their warning shots
did not deter him, the guards killed him. In Atticus' words, ''I guess Tom was tired of white men's
chances.'' In both the play and novel, Scout does not see Tom's gruesome death, but she is told later by
Atticus.

Themes of Law in To Kill A Mockingbird

In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch represents what the law should be: fair, impartial, and just. Yet,
there is a constant theme that the law is not fair, impartial, or just due to the prejudice of the people in
the courts. In his closing address to the court prior to Tom's verdict, Atticus expresses that the only
''human institution'' that views all men as equal is the court system of the United States. However, even
Atticus knows that the courts are fallible. He states that ''A court is only as sound as its jury, and a jury
only as sound as the men who make it up.'' Throughout the book, Atticus shows his frustration at the
difference between the ideal of what the courts should uphold and the reality that he faces in Tom
Robinson's trial.

Lesson Summary
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee shows the injustice of racism in the United States. Through the use
of Scout's point-of-view, the author was able to show the progression of a young child's mind as they
realize the realities of living a life where not all people are seen as equal. While Atticus fights the good
fight in regard to acquitting the innocent Tom Robinson, it is not enough to persuade the prejudiced jury.
In the end, Harper Lee makes it clear that Tom Robinson died the minute he ran from Mayella Ewell's
shack. This shows that while the courts in the United States are here to serve a purpose, they did not
serve that purpose for anyone of color. In the words of Jem, Atticus' son, ''It ain't right, Atticus.''

Quiz: The Trial of Tom Robinson

Instructions: Answer each question in complete sentences, providing detailed explanations and
examples where applicable.

1. How does Atticus Finch demonstrate his belief in the equality of all individuals throughout the
trial?

Answer:

Throughout the trial, Atticus Finch demonstrates his belief in the equality of all individuals by
treating everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their race or social status. He takes on the
case of Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman, despite knowing that the
odds are stacked against him. Atticus diligently cross-examines the witnesses, highlighting
inconsistencies and biases in their testimonies. He also presents a strong defense for Tom
Robinson, emphasizing his innocence and challenging the racial prejudices of the jury. Atticus's
unwavering commitment to justice and equality is evident in his actions and words throughout the
trial.

2. Describe the flaws in Sheriff Heck Tate's handling of the alleged crime. How does Atticus bring
attention to these flaws during his cross-examination?

Answer:

Sheriff Heck Tate's handling of the alleged crime has several flaws. Firstly, he did not call a doctor
immediately after finding Mayella Ewell beaten and injured. This lack of medical attention raises
questions about the seriousness of the injuries and casts doubt on the accuracy of the events as
described by the prosecution. Atticus brings attention to this flaw during his cross-examination by
questioning why a doctor was not called and suggesting that the injuries may not have been as
severe as claimed.

Additionally, Sheriff Tate is unsure about which eye of Mayella's was injured, which raises doubts
about the accuracy of his observations. Atticus seizes on this inconsistency and asks the Sheriff to
clarify, further undermining the credibility of the prosecution's case. By highlighting these flaws in
Sheriff Tate's handling of the alleged crime, Atticus aims to create doubt in the minds of the jury
and challenge the reliability of the prosecution's evidence.

3. Explain the significance of Bob Ewell being left-handed and how Atticus uses this information to
challenge his credibility.

Answer:

The significance of Bob Ewell being left-handed is that it contradicts Mayella Ewell's testimony
about the identity of her attacker. Mayella claims that Tom Robinson, a black man, assaulted her
with his left hand. However, Atticus reveals during his cross-examination that Bob Ewell is
left-handed. This information challenges Bob Ewell's credibility and raises the possibility that he
may have been the one who caused Mayella's injuries.

By highlighting Bob Ewell's left-handedness, Atticus suggests that Mayella's injuries were likely
inflicted by her own father, not Tom Robinson. This revelation undermines the prosecution's case
and further supports the defense's argument that Tom Robinson is innocent. Atticus uses this
information to cast doubt on the credibility of the Ewell family and to challenge the assumption that
a black man is automatically guilty based on the word of a white person.

4. Analyze Mayella Ewell's testimony and Atticus' questioning of her. How does Atticus attempt to
reveal the truth behind her injuries and the identity of her attacker?

Answer:

Mayella Ewell's testimony is crucial to the prosecution's case against Tom Robinson. She claims
that Tom Robinson assaulted her and attempted to rape her. However, Atticus's questioning aims
to reveal the truth behind her injuries and the identity of her attacker.

Atticus begins by establishing Mayella's difficult home life and her strained relationship with her
father, Bob Ewell. He then questions Mayella about her injuries, focusing on the fact that she was
beaten predominantly on the right side of her face. Atticus asks Mayella if Tom Robinson ever hit
her, to which she hesitantly answers in the affirmative. This response is significant because Tom
Robinson is disabled and has a non-functioning left arm, making it physically impossible for him to
have caused the injuries on Mayella's right side.

Through his questioning, Atticus attempts to reveal that Mayella's injuries were likely inflicted by
her father, Bob Ewell, rather than Tom Robinson. He highlights the inconsistencies in Mayella's
testimony and presents evidence that challenges her credibility. Atticus's goal is to expose the truth
behind Mayella's injuries and to establish reasonable doubt regarding Tom Robinson's guilt.

5. Discuss Tom Robinson's testimony. What evidence does he provide to support his innocence?
How does he respond to Mr. Gilmer's cross-examination?
Answer:

Tom Robinson's testimony is crucial in establishing his innocence. He provides several pieces of
evidence to support his claim that he did not assault or rape Mayella Ewell. Tom testifies that he
had been to the Ewell place before, but only to pass by on his way to and from work. He explains
that the first time he entered the Ewell property was when Mayella asked him to break down a
chifforobe several months before the alleged assault. Tom states that he did not accept any money
from Mayella and that he helped her with various tasks out of pity, as he noticed she received no
help from her father or siblings.

During Mr. Gilmer's cross-examination, Tom maintains his innocence and remains composed. He
responds honestly to the questions, emphasizing that he felt sorry for Mayella and that he did not
harbor any ill intentions towards her. When Mr. Gilmer tries to provoke Tom into declaring that
Mayella lied, Tom tactfully states that she may be mistaken in her mind rather than outright
accusing her of lying. This response showcases Tom's understanding of the racial dynamics at play
and his awareness that openly challenging a white person's testimony would likely lead to a guilty
verdict. Tom's testimony and his composed demeanor in the face of cross-examination contribute
to the defense's case and further support his innocence.

6. Evaluate Atticus' defense strategy throughout the trial. How does he choose to present the
injustice to the jury rather than simply telling them about it?

Answer:

Atticus' defense strategy throughout the trial is focused on presenting the injustice to the jury
through his actions and the evidence he presents, rather than simply telling them about it. He
understands that the jury's preconceived biases and prejudices may cloud their judgment, so he
aims to challenge their assumptions and create doubt in their minds.

Atticus cross-examines the witnesses, highlighting inconsistencies and biases in their testimonies.
He questions Sheriff Heck Tate about his handling of the alleged crime, exposing flaws in the
investigation. Atticus also brings attention to Bob Ewell's left-handedness, challenging his
credibility and suggesting that he may have been the one who caused Mayella's injuries. By
presenting these facts and inconsistencies, Atticus allows the jury to draw their own conclusions
and question the validity of the prosecution's case.

Furthermore, Atticus presents Tom Robinson's honest testimony, emphasizing his innocence and
highlighting the racial prejudices at play. He strategically asks Mayella Ewell if Tom ever hit her,
knowing that her affirmative response would contradict the physical evidence of Tom's disability.
Atticus also asks Tom to stand, revealing his disabled left arm to the jury, further challenging the
assumption of his guilt.

By presenting the injustice through his actions and the evidence, Atticus appeals to the reason and
empathy of the jury, hoping to overcome their biases and secure a fair verdict for Tom Robinson.

7. Describe the verdict of the trial and its impact on Scout. How does she come to terms with the
injustice of the law?

Answer:
The verdict of the trial is guilty, despite the overwhelming evidence of Tom Robinson's innocence.
The jury, influenced by racial prejudice, delivers a verdict that reflects the deep-seated inequality
and injustice prevalent in society. This verdict has a profound impact on Scout, who witnesses the
trial from the balcony. She is initially hopeful that the jury will recognize the truth and acquit Tom,
but the guilty verdict shatters her faith in the fairness of the law.

Scout struggles to come to terms with the injustice of the law and the racial prejudice that led to
Tom's conviction. She grapples with the realization that the color of one's skin can determine their
fate, regardless of their innocence. This realization forces Scout to confront the harsh realities of
racism and inequality, challenging her previously held beliefs about the world.

Over time, Scout begins to understand the complexities of the situation and the limitations of the
justice system. She learns to navigate the injustices she witnesses, guided by her father's moral
compass and the lessons he imparts. While the verdict deeply affects Scout, it also serves as a
catalyst for her growth and development, shaping her understanding of the world and her
commitment to fighting for justice.

8. Explain how Tom Robinson's death occurs and Atticus' perspective on the situation. What does
this reveal about the racial prejudice in the justice system?

Answer:

Tom Robinson's death occurs when he attempts to escape during an exercise period in prison. He
runs in front of the guards and starts climbing the fence. Despite warning shots, the guards shoot
and kill him. Atticus's perspective on the situation is one of sadness and resignation. He believes
that Tom's death was a result of his loss of hope in the justice system and the realization that his
chances of receiving a fair trial were slim.

Tom's death reveals the deep-seated racial prejudice in the justice system. It demonstrates that
even when an innocent black man is given a trial, the system is inherently biased against him.
Tom's attempt to escape reflects his desperation and the lack of faith he had in the system to
deliver justice. Atticus's comment that Tom was tired of "white men's chances" highlights the
systemic racism that denies people of color equal opportunities and protection under the law. Tom's
death serves as a tragic reminder of the racial injustice that permeates society and the dire
consequences it can have for innocent individuals.

9. Discuss the theme of law in To Kill a Mockingbird. How does Atticus represent the ideal of a fair
and just legal system? How does the reality of racism challenge this ideal?

Answer:

The theme of law in To Kill a Mockingbird explores the tension between the ideal of a fair and just
legal system and the reality of racism. Atticus Finch represents the ideal of a fair and just legal
system. He is a principled lawyer who believes in the equality of all individuals and upholds the
principles of justice and truth. Atticus demonstrates his commitment to these ideals by taking on
Tom Robinson's case and providing a strong defense, despite knowing the odds are stacked
against them.

However, the reality of racism challenges this ideal. The deeply ingrained racial prejudices of the
society in which Atticus operates hinder his efforts to secure justice for Tom Robinson. The jury's
guilty verdict, despite the overwhelming evidence of Tom's innocence, highlights the influence of
racism on the legal system. Atticus recognizes the limitations of the system and acknowledges that
the court is only as sound as the people who make it up. The reality of racism forces Atticus to
confront the inherent biases and prejudices that pervade the legal system, challenging his belief in
its fairness and justice.

10. Reflect on the overall message of the trial and its portrayal of racial injustice. How does Harper
Lee use the trial to highlight the inequality and prejudice faced by people of color in the United
States?

Answer:

The trial in To Kill a Mockingbird serves as a powerful portrayal of racial injustice and the inequality
faced by people of color in the United States. Harper Lee uses the trial to highlight the deeply
ingrained prejudices and biases that permeate society and the legal system.

Through the trial, Lee exposes the stark contrast between the ideal of justice and the reality of
racism. The trial demonstrates how racial prejudice can override evidence and reason, leading to
the wrongful conviction of an innocent man. The guilty verdict reflects the systemic racism that
denies people of color equal rights and opportunities.

Furthermore, the trial showcases the courage and integrity of Atticus Finch, who stands up against
the prevailing racism and fights for justice. Atticus's defense of Tom Robinson serves as a powerful
symbol of resistance against racial injustice and a call for equality.

Overall, the trial serves as a poignant reminder of the inequality and prejudice faced by people of
color in the United States. It challenges readers to confront their own biases and to strive for a
more just and equitable society.