At the start of the trial Harper Lee uses various techniques
to create a tense atmosphere, especially through the responses of the various
people of Maycomb, as well as Scout, Dill and Jem themselves, for example, as
Atticus repeated his questions to Heck Tate, with a purpose of proving his
point, as to why a doctor was not called, Jem seems to understand the point
Atticus is attempting to prove, as his "hand, which was resting on the
balcony rail, tightened around it. He drew in his breath suddenly." This
signals to Scout, and therefore also the reader, that this is a tense and
important moment, as she glances "below, I saw no corresponding reaction,
and wondered if Jem was trying to be dramatic". This shows us how little
she really understands the true situation and arguments of the court, her
childish inquisitiveness being demonstrated once again. Scout soon describes
the court as"utterly dull: nobody had thundered, there was no arguments
between opposing counsel, there was no drama; a grave disappointment at
present, it seemed.", suggesting to the reader that the court was serene
and calm, even though there had been tense conversations between Heck, Atticus
and Mr Gilmer, revealing hints about the defence Atticus would pick up later in
the court case. Prior to this, as Scout, Dill and Jem enter the courtroom, Lee subtly references the caste system in Maycomb once again, as the black people are in a separate seating area to the whites, and also, as Reverend Sykes brings the children over, 4 black people are quick to give up their seats. This not only describes the hierarchy in the Maycomb society, but also hints that Tom Robinson is at a disadvantage already, because of the way black people have been downgraded from society.
Later, as Robert
Ewell comes to the stand and reveals his version of the rape of his daughter,
Mayella Ewell, we learn the details of the case, and Reverend Sykes suggests
that Jem takes Scout and Dill home when the gruesome details of the story,
showing the reader that they are beginning to reach a climax in the courtroom,
and it is not suitable for the children to watch. Judge Taylor is then required
to silence the courtroom, and reject a request for the court to be cleared of
spectators, showing us again the severity of the situation, and the upcoming
climax. Finally, as it is revealed that Bob Ewell is left-handed, and Mayella had bruises on the right of her face, Atticus seems to be suggesting that Bob beat his daughter to frame Tom Robinson.
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This is a quiz testing your knowledge on To Kill a Mocking Bird, try it!- http://www.funtrivia.com/playquiz/quiz411184b7f18.html