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"Cry about the simple hell people give other people—without even thinking. Cry about the hell white people give coloured folks, without even stopping to think that they’re people, too.” (p.g. 269)

Question prompt:
It shows Racism will always be a bigger problem, and we should be worrying about that just as much as other things.

Inferences Made:
Coloured people are still people and it teaches them about how to  have humanity.

Jusmeen and Gurveer

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“Atticus pauses and took out his handkerchief. Then, he took off his glasses and wiped them, and we saw another “first” : we had never seen him sweat - he was one of those men whose faces never perspired , but now it was a shinning tan.” ( 273 )

Atticus sweating on his face was unexpected , because he apparently never did that, and now his face was a “shinning tan”.

Atticus was sweating because he was most likely nervous, because a black man had never won a case like this before. This is very out of character for Atticus because he’s typically very calm, and never has a personal connection with his cases.

Jayden and Katie

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"" was him I couldn't stand[...]" Dill said. 'that old mr. Gilmer doin' him that away, talking so hateful to him[...] Well, Mr. Finch didn't act that way to Mayella and that man Ewell when he cross- examined them. The what he called him 'boy' all the time an' sneered at him, an' looked around at the jury every time he answered-"" (p.g. 265-266)

The way Dill felt upset for Tom Robinson was unexpected. It was unexpected because he's usually a cheery boy and seeing him so distraught is surprising.

Dill may have felt this way because he felt empathetic and didn't agree with how Mr. Gilmer's method. Dill may have felt this way also because he feels it's unfair for Mr. Finch to be so polite then Mr. Gilmer is belittling Tom Robinson when he's questioning him.

This also related to the theme of empathy because Dill is "getting under someone else's skin" and he feels upset for Tom Robinson

-Jocelyn

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"Mr. Tate blinked and ran his have though his hair. "Let's see," he said softly, then he looked at Atticus as if he considered his question childish." (p. 225)
Response to Question:
Atticus was questioning Heck Tate during his testimony when he could not recall part of the story.
The memory that came to Heck's mind was which eye was blackened by a supposed punch from Tom Robinson.
Inferences:
This is important in the story because Tom Robinson only has one strong arm. The arm in question would not be able to provide a blow to Mayella's right eye. This is part of the proof against Mayella later on.
An & Sim

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Words of the Wiser

"The state has not proved one iota of medical evidence that the crime Tom Robinson is charged with ever took place. It has relied instead upon the testimony of 2 witnesses whose evidence has not only been called into serious question on cross-examination, but has been flatly condradicted by the defendant. The defendant is not guilty but someone in the courtroom is.”

This is a words of the wiser moment because Atticus shared lots of information that is true. Atticus gives key points that help defend Tom who is innocent. Many people in the courtroom are lying but Atticus decides to tell the truth and speak off facts which proves he is a good lawyer.

The life lesson is to not lie or accuse somebody of something without evidence to support your accusations.

-Armaan and Josh

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“Did you call a doctor, Sherif? Did anybody call a doctor” asked Atticus. “No sir,” said Mr. Tate. “Didn’t call a doctor?” “No sir” repeated Mr Tate.

Description:
While Atticus was cross examining Mr. Tate, Atticus asked three times about whether or not a doctor was contacted. In response the sheriff continues to express that nobody called a doctor.

Question Prompt:
This question was repeated for emphasis. It demonstrates that the Sheriff and Mr. Ewell were not truly concerned about Mayella’s physical condition.

Inference:
It can be inferred that nobody called a doctor for Mayella for one of two reasons. Firstly, Mayellas injuries could be less severe than what was described in court. Or, Mayella could have gotten her injuries a different way. This will allow the jury to question the honesty and values of the Ewell family. Ultimately, building Tom Robinson’s case.

Abby

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Aha moment

"It was no accident[... ]Atticus Finch won’t win, he can’t win, but he’s the only man in these parts who can keep a jury out so long in a case like that. (Lee 289)

The words that showed it would be an aha moment was “Atticus Finch won’t win, he can’t win.” because Jem then realizes that no matter what Atticus proves to the jury that Tom Robinson is innocent he will not win and Robinson will be convicted guilty because he’s black which Jem believes is unfair.

This realization is important to the story because it’s not only a moment of realization but it could become a moment filled with multiple different emotions that could possibly encourage a protest started by Scout, Jem, Dill, etc. for Tom Robinson because of how unfairly the trial has been handled because of Robinson’s race.
-Nya

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"Judge Taylor was polling the jury: “Guilty...guilty...guilty...guilty...” I peaked 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 )

The word guilty keeps coming up again and again. The author may have used this to empathize the fact that the jury ignored Atticus and his evidence and were not able to put aside their racial bias.

This shows how it affected the characters, mainly Jem with it saying that every guilty felt like a stab in the shoulders. This also shows that he is learning injustice because there was so much evidence pointing to how he wasn’t guilty.

Jayden and Katie

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“Then Atticus did something I never saw him do before or since, in public or in private: he unbuttoned his vest, unbuttoned his collar, loosened his tie, and took off his coat.” (Lee 271)

The action that was unexpected was that Atticus loosened his clothes. He is usually a very reserved person, and very professional. Later, when he finished his statement, he was sweating, which was another “first” for him. He talked and acted around/to the jury like they were just having a casual conversation on any given day. This was so unexpected especially because it was such an important, professional case, and Atticus acting so casually was so absurd.

This happened because Atticus wanted to prove a point about racism. This quote relates back to the theme of racism, because Atticus is trying to explain to the jury why this case was so unjust. He wanted to talk to them in a common way, a way they’d understand. Atticus acting so casual about this could also be an underlying act of showing that racism is a day to day issue that black people deal with, as well that it is a common problem that needs to be fixed.
Remy

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"Reverend Sykes leaned across Dill and me, pulling at Jem's elbow "Mr. Jem," he said, "you better take Miss Jean Louise home. Mr Jem, you hear me?"
Jem turned his head. "Scout, go home. Dill, you'n Scout go home."" (p. 231).

I think that the author keeps repeating the word "home" because she is trying to emphasize that Scout should not be present at the trial since there will be a graphic discussion about the rape of Mayella Ewell.

This signpost makes me think that Scout may become uncomfortable or troubled by what she is about to learn during the trial, which suggests her loss of innocence.

Post by: Miss Curtis