The Negative Effects Of Tom Robinson’s Prosecution
One crucial trial changed the face of a small Alabama town. In 1930, many African Americans were falsely charged in trials. This injustice is perfectly illustrated in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. It is still a matter of debate whether or not this trial negatively or positively affected Scout, Jem and their families. Scout and Jem felt the negative effects of this trial. They were almost killed, their neighbors criticised them and they found themselves in dangerous situations.
Scout and Jem were both harmed in the trial. Bob Ewell grudged Atticus, his children, and Atticus for taking the trial. Jem, Scout and their playmate were walking home in darkness. Bob Ewell slowly followed the pair and, “…slowly took my breath (Scout),” (Lee 351). Bob Ewell would have killed Scout and Jem without Arthur Radley’s help. This directly threatens the safety of Scout and Jem. Scout and Jem could not have been in such dire circumstances if Atticus didn’t take the case. The Tom Robinson trial has influenced many neighbors. The neighbors began to harass Scout and Jem. Atticus has been a client of the Cunninghams and was helped by them. The Cunningham and Finch families have had a strong relationship until the trial. Cunningham was part of a mob which attempted to kill Tom Robinson. Scout and Jem felt unsafe because of this. Jem, Scout and Mrs. Dubose were always treated with suspicion when they walked by her home. When Mrs. Dubose described the future of the Finch family, “not just a Finch sitting on tables, but one in courthouse lawing to niggers!” (Lee 135), the name-calling escalated. Jem, Scout and I are angry and annoyed at Mrs. Dubose and we worry about going to her house. Scout and Jem are very protective of their dad. Mrs. Dubose is causing them to become more angry. Scout and Jem must pass Mrs. Dubose on their way to town. This limits the number of trips Scout and Scout can make to town. Jem, Scout and others were placed in peril by some of the neighbors’ protests.
Scout and Jem became very ill from the anger shown towards Atticus’s and Finch’s. The mob tried to take Tom Robinson to jail and this is an example of how it works. Scout and Jem met in the middle a mob of drunken and angry men. “…. was one of the mob members and grabbed Jem about the collar. He grabbed Jem around the collar and pulled him away from his feet. “Don’t touch him!” He kicked me quickly. (Lee, 203-204). This trial is dangerous. Jem & Scout had no influence on the outcome of this trial. They were nevertheless targeted because they are Atticus’ kids.
Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird shows the dangers that Atticus faces when he defends Tom Robinson. Bob Ewell harbored a grudge and thought Atticus was guilty of killing his children. Jem, Scout and their father were defending African Americans. They had to deal with a lot of abuse from classmates and neighbors. Jem & Scout were forced to endure more dangers, including being in amidst an angry mob. Let’s conclude.
Atticus made a very dangerous decision for his family. Scout and Jem had a terrible experience.