Description of the Trial Scene from The Crucible

Description of the Trial Scene from The Crucible

The entire town of Maycomb is excited about the trial. However, this

excludes the prejudice less people like Miss Maudie who doesn't want

to see someone on a trial for his life. She considers it like a Roman

Carnival. On the day of the trial, a vast crowd camps in the town

square to eat lunch. They all have gathered to witness the incident

that is about to take place. Jem, Scout and Dill also have come to see

the trial. When the crowd starts to enter the courthouse, the children

take this opportunity to their advantage to slip into the courtroom

without Atticus noticing. They succeed in getting seats in the black

balcony. The Finch children along with Dill are welcomed there. From

the conversation of the people below them, Scout finds out that

Atticus was actually appointed to defend Tom Robinson. It was the

impartial Judge Taylor who appointed Atticus.

The trial begins with the prosecutor Mr. Gilmer questioning Heck Tate,

the sheriff. He asks Mr. Heck Tate to recall his encounter, on the

night of November twenty first. Mr. Tate explains that Bob Ewell urged

him to go to his house as "some nigger'd reaped his girl". Later on in

the house, he found the girl lying on the floor, beaten up with

bruises. The girl told him that it was Tom Robinson and so, arrested

Tom. Atticus cross-examines the witness who admits that no doctor was

summoned. Further questioning reveals that, Mayella's bruises were

concentrated on the right side of the face. This piece of information

is used by Atticus to prove the fact that, it is Bob who is guilty. Mr

Tate is then asked to leave and Bob Ewell is called on.

Mr. Gilmer questions him first. Bob is asked to testify the events. He

explains; one day, after returning home from the woods, he saw Tom

Robinson in the window, "ruttin'" on Mayella. According to him, Tom

fled and he ran to the sheriff for help. In the cross examination,