Chapter 21:Meghan Goode

Plot Summary:
In chapter twenty-one the court case starts to conclude. Calpurnia brings a note to Atticus saying that his children are missing. Mr. Underwood tells Atticus that Scout, Jem, and Dill have been sitting in the colored balcony since one pm. Atticus orders the kids to come downstairs, and when they do he orders them to go home. Before they leave Jem is almost positive that they have won the case, and convinces Atticus that they should be allowed to come back after supper. Calpurnia scolds Jem when walking home because he brought scout to the court case. Both Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra are astonished that the kids are allowed to go back after they eat. When the kids get back to the court Reverend Skykes had saved them their seats. The court patiently awaits the verdict, and Reverend Skykes tells Jem he has never seen a black man win against a white man. At this point Jem’s hope diminishes, and he becomes upset. Judge Taylor polls the jury, and it voted unanimously that Tom is guilty. When the verdict is read that Tom is guilty Scout and Jem are devastated. The colored balcony rises in respect for Atticus as he passes through the court. Atticus leaves immediately after.

Major Changes and Developments:
In chapter twenty-one many changes and developments occur. In this chapter the verdict is read, which resolves the direct conflict of the court case, but once this is resolved it furthers intensifies the conflict of the children with society. This reading of the verdict also intensifies Atticus and the kid’s conflict with the society of Maycomb. This is because they no longer see the good in society, after hearing this court case. Scout becomes more mature throughout this chapter. She learns how to behave in court, and when to not speak. The conflict of whether the children should be allowed to stay at the trial arises. Atticus is not opposed to the idea, but Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra are. The conflict is resolved when the kids return after supper with Atticus’s permission. She learns to ask when she does not understand in order to become more involved. Jem’s fragile emotions and empathy skills are further developed when scout sees him gripping the balcony, and upset as the verdict is being read.

Significant Quotations:
1. “A jury never looks at a defendant it has convicted and when this jury came in, not one of them had looked at Tom Robinson.”(282)
This quote helps demonstrate that the jury convicted Tom Robinson, and scout is upset by it. It reveals how racist the society in this setting was, because they convicted him even when the evidence proved him innocent.

2. “I shut my eyes. Judge Taylor was polling the jury: ‘Guilty…guilty…guilty…guilty…’ I peeked at Jem: his hands were white from gripping the balcony rail, and his shoulders jerked as if each ‘guilty’ was a separate stab between them”(282)
This quote displays how Jem is sympathetic, and desperately wants Atticus to win the court case. It shows how Jem is not like a typical Maycomb citizen, but he knows what is right, and that Tom is innocent. It shows how his innocence is being taken away from him and his exposure to the evils of prejudice.

Literary Elements:
1. Hyperbole:
“Miss Alexandra’ll absolutely have a stroke of paralysis when she finds out” (277)
Calpurnia says this to Scout and Jem as they are walking home. She says this to make Jem feel remorse about going. She also says this to demonstrate to him that it was a bad idea and Aunt Alexandra will be mad.

2. Foreshadowing:
Scout explains how she has a bad feeling before the verdict is read, and no one is looking at Tom Robinson.
This foreshadows how the verdict is that Tom is guilty. The people not looking at Tom foreshadows that verdict says he is guilty, because people do not look at the man they have convicted.

Vocabulary:
1. Indignant (277)-Adjective- a feeling or expression that shows strong disapproval
2. Droves-(277)-Noun- a large crowd
3. Acquit (277) - Verb- to release or discharge from crime

Critical Thinking
1. How do you think the jury’s conviction will affect Scout, Jem, and Dill?
2. Do you think it was right for the kids to hear the court case, and go back for the verdict?