To Kill a Mockingbird, Chapter 20 Analysis

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In chapter 20 of “To kill a Mockingbird”, Harper Lee wrote about the great divide between black and white people in Maycomb County, and why the public should not judge them too harshly. The Author explains all this through Atticus who is fighting on Tom Robinson’s behalf, that Tom did not rape Mayella Ewell. Atticus tried to persuade the jury beyond reasonable doubt, that Mayella was simply claiming Tom had raped her, to cover up for her wanting to kiss and tempt Tom Robinson (A black man). Atticus explained that Mayella had obviously broken no law, but “a rigid and time-honoured code of their society” and whoever broke this code would be “hounded from their midst as unfit to live with” (page.224). Atticus explains that guilt was her motivation, Mayella was just one among thousands that would be ashamed to have any relationship with a black man, other than him being a “servant”. Mayella simply did not want to be tormented or seen as a “Negro lover”, so she decides to get rid of the evidence, Tom Robinson’s life. It is also clear, that Atticus believes in Tom Robinson’s innocence with a passion. Atticus is not defending the man just because judge Taylor appointed him, he is defending him out of his own moral principles. Not because he has to, but because he wants to and its what he believes is right. Atticus refers to Tom as a “quiet, respectable, humble Negro” (page.225). Even though Atticus tries to be on good terms with all people, he has a dislike for people who fall under the category of “white trash”. However his view on people like this is incredibly different to the stereotypical view, which is shown more by his sister Alexandra. Alexandra, like many others, believes that if people are from a poor family or a family that had a “bad streak”, then they are not worthy to be friends with people like the Finches. Atticus’ view is completely opposite. He sees people for their qualities and not possessions, people like Bob Ewell, he sees as trash, because of the way he abuses his children and the way he abuses the law. So it is clear why Tom is even respected by Atticus, because he is polite and would never harm another human being unless in the defence of someone. So, in Atticus’ point of view, sentencing Tom Robinson as guilty and to receive the capital punishment, would be similar to killing a mockingbird, something he believes, is a sin.

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