Discussion Topic
Sheriff Tate's Visit to Atticus and Community Sentiments
Summary:
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Sheriff Tate and other Maycomb citizens visit Atticus Finch to discuss concerns about Tom Robinson's transfer to the local jail, fearing a possible lynch mob led by the Cunninghams. While their visit appears supportive, it seems threatening to Atticus's children. Despite Atticus's confidence, the sheriff's fears prove valid when a mob arrives at the jail. However, Scout's innocent interaction with Walter Cunningham Sr. diffuses the situation, preventing violence.
Why do Sheriff Tate and others visit Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird and what are their feelings towards him?
Tate and the other men, including Link Deas and Dr Reynolds, come to visit Atticus to tell him that trouble might be brewing. Tom Robinson is being transferred to Maycomb County Jail just before the trial and there is the possibility that some men from the town will try to lynch him. Atticus doesn't appear unduly concerned, but his visitors inform him that the Cunninghams from Old Sarum will likely attempt violence.
The attitude of the men towards Atticus seems to be one of concern; they want to warn him, and are offering support. However it all begins to look distinctly 'ominous' to the children, who are watching from the window. From their perspective it seems as though the men are ganging up on Atticus:
There was a murmur among the group of men, made more ominous when Atticus moved back to the bottom front step and the men drew...
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nearer to him. (chapter 15)
Jem attempts to avert any trouble by shouting out that the phone is ringing. Atticus merely tells him to answer it, and the men laugh and begin to scatter. At this point the children realize that these are all familiar faces and that Atticus was never in any danger from them.
However, their warnings are well-founded and the Cunninghams from Old Sarum do indeed lead a lynching party to the jail at night. Atticus is there alone to defend Tom Robinson, until his children, drawn by curiosity, also come along. The situation is about to turn ugly but Scout unwittingly intervenes and defuses the hostility. This time the men are not familiar to the children - except for the father of Walter Cunningham, Scout's classmate. Unaware of what is really going on, she tries to make polite conversation and in her innocence completely turns him and the others away from their grim purpose.
Why does Sheriff Tate visit Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird?
With the Robinson trial impending, it becomes inevitably necessary that the
defendant, Tom Robinson, be kept in the Maycomb jail. Heck Tate, and some other
concerned citizens pay Atticus a visit to relay their worry and suspicion that,
should Tom be kept in the town, a lynch mob might form and violence might
ensue. When the Finch children later sneak out, they find Atticus keeping a
watchful eye in front of the jailhouse.
Just as Tate had feared, a mob does indeed come to the jailhouse, threatening
not only Tom with violence but Atticus as well. Scout, however, is able to
defuse the situation through sheer naïveté and luck. When she begins to
recognize members of the mob, she greets them by name. This causes shame to
overtake their anger, and their mob mentality breaks before they can act.
In Chapter 15, Heck Tate and a group of concerned citizens arrive at the Finch residence to discuss the possibility of a "change of venue" for the Tom Robinson trial. Heck Tate is worried that there might be some individuals that will cause trouble throughout the county and would like to see the trial moved outside of Maycomb. Mr. Link Deas mentions that the "Old Sarum bunch" might be planning something. Atticus is not worried about anyone causing trouble and thinks that it will be alright to house Tom Robinson in Maycomb's jail for one night. Later on in the chapter, Atticus decides to sit outside Tom Robinson's jail cell as a precaution. The Old Sarum bunch ends up coming to the jail house and attempts to harm Tom Robinson, but is unsuccessful.