To Kill a Mockingbird Group

Question:

lrothman
lrothman
Student
High School - 10th Grade

In chapter 21, Scout has a certain impression while waiting for the return of the jury. It reminds her of one she had the winter before. Explain.

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Posted by lrothman on Sunday May 4, 2008 at 4:17 PM and tagged with atticus, chapter 21, heck tate, impression, scout, tim johnson, to kill a mockingbird, tom robinson.

Answers:


  1. podunc Teacher
    College - Sophomore

    eNotes Editor

    The moment before Tom Robinson's verdict is read reminds Scout of the "cold February morning" when Atticus shot the rabid dog, Tim Johnson. She remembers that "the mockingbirds were still . . . and every wood door in the neighborhood was shut as tight as the doors of the Radley place. A deserted, waiting, empty street, and the courtroom was packed with people. . . . Atticus had stopped his tranquil journey and had put his foot into the bottom rung of a chair. . . . I expected Mr. Tate to say any minute, "Take him, Mr. Finch. . . ."

    This is exactly what Mr. Tate said to Atticus before he shot Tim Johnson the winter before. The two situations are similar because there is an atmosphere of danger and breathless anticipation, and within it, Atticus stays completely calm. There is also an affinity between Tom Robinson and Tim Johnson because they are both innocent creatures who will nonetheless die for their actions.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/mockingbird/

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    Posted by podunc on Sunday May 4, 2008 at 7:12 PM