Wednesday, January 11, 2012

In To Kill a Mockingbird on what page does Jem think they're going to win and on what page does he say that his image of Maycomb is shattered?

During the deliberation of the jury, Jem asked the Reverend Sykes if Atticus did a good job on his final summation to the jury.  The Reverend replied that 


"..... he was mighty fair minded.....I thought he was leanin' a little to our side." (pg 208) 


At that time, Jem assures him, 


"He's not suppose to lean, Reverend, but don't fret, we've won it..... Don't see how any jury could convict on what we heard ..." (pg 208)


However, the jury does convict Tom Robinson and, at that time, Jem becomes very disillusioned. He cries on the way home and his first words to Atticus is that it just wasn't right.  Atticus agrees that it wasn't right and tells Jem that there are circumstances in Maycomb that make it almost impossible for Tom to get a fair trial.   Men on a jury must make a decision and that decision could have financial consequences or social consequences. Jem decides that juries should be outlawed, but Atticus says that must be addressed in the state legislature.   Atticus is actually surprised that the verdict took so long since, normally, a verdict like this would have taken just minutes.  He sees that as a hopeful sign. However, the events of the day weigh heavily on Jem and by the time they go to bed, he says 


"If there's just one kind of folks, why can't they get along with each other?  If they're all alike, why do they go out of their way to despise each other?  Scout, I think I'm beginning to understand something.  I think I'm beginning to understand why Boo Radley's stayed shut up in the house all this time.... it's because he wants to stay inside." (pg 227)


Jem's image of friendly and peaceful town, the town of his childhood,  has been shattered.  

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