Chapters 22-25 Analysis

Consequences of the Verdict

Falling Action

• The excitement of the trial ends, and life in Maycomb returns to normal.
• The black community shows gratitude towards Atticus despite the guilty verdict:
  • They stand in respect as he leaves the courtroom.
  • They bring food to his house the next day.

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Themes

Love and Caring

• Aunt Alexandra disapproves of Atticus defending Tom but comforts him after the verdict.
• Miss Maudie reassures the children, saying the jury's delay in convicting Tom is a sign of progress in society.

Empathy

• Atticus tells Jem to see the situation from Bob Ewell's perspective after Ewell spits in Atticus' face.

Innocence and Loss of Innocence

• Scout and Jem realise the court is unjust, reflecting deep racial prejudice.
• Tom's death is compared to the senseless killing of songbirds, symbolising the destruction of innocence.

Racism

• Tom is found guilty simply because he is a black man accused by a white woman.
• His innocence is evident, but racial bias influences the verdict.

The Law

• The trial proves Atticus' belief that the justice system is flawed and not all people are treated equally.

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Tone

• Begins with thankfulness, as the black community appreciates Atticus.
• Shifts to fear when Bob Ewell threatens Atticus.
• Ends in a shocked tone when Atticus delivers the news of Tom's death.

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Chapter Summaries

Chapter 22

• Jem is angry at the unfair verdict.
• The black community gives food to Atticus to thank him.
• Bob Ewell threatens Atticus for embarrassing him in court.
• Scout and Jem struggle to accept the injustice of Tom's conviction.
• Miss Maudie comforts the children, explaining that the jury's long deliberation is a small step towards progress.

Chapter 23

• Atticus dismisses Bob Ewell's threat, joking about it.
• Jem, Scout, and Aunt Alexandra discuss juries and social classes in Maycomb.

Chapter 24

• Aunt Alexandra hosts a Missionary Circle meeting at the Finch house.
• Atticus arrives with the tragic news: Tom Robinson is dead—shot while trying to escape prison.
• Calpurnia accompanies Atticus to inform Helen Robinson.

Chapter 25

• Scout recalls how Jem and Dill went with Atticus to tell Helen about Tom's death.
• Mr Underwood writes an article condemning the injustice of Tom's death.
• Scout realises that despite the trial, Tom was doomed the moment Mayella accused him.

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Key Vocabulary & Definitions

Chapter 22

• Cynical (adjective): Unwilling to believe that someone has good intentions.
• Fatalistic (adjective): Accepting that nothing can change the outcome.
• Feral (adjective): Wild or savage (often used for animals that were once domesticated).
• Heathen (adjective): A person without religious beliefs or morals.
• Impassive (adjective): Showing no emotion.
• Overstepping (verb): Doing something beyond what is appropriate (e.g., Calpurnia worries that community members bringing gifts to Atticus might be seen as inappropriate).
• Ruefully (adverb): Expressing regret or sorrow.

Chapter 23

• Acquittal (noun): A verdict declaring someone not guilty of a crime.
• Circumstantial evidence (adjective + noun): Clues that suggest something is true but do not prove it.
• Commutes (verb): Reduces a legal sentence.
• Dry (adjective): Appearing serious while making a joke.
• Furtive (adjective): Sneaky or secretive.
• 'Go to the chair' (phrase): A reference to the electric chair as a method of execution.
• Infantile (adjective): Childish.
• Statute (noun): A written law.
• Vehement (adjective): Full of strong emotion.
• Wary (adjective): Cautious.
• Wryly (adverb): With sarcastic or ironic humour.

Chapter 24

• Apprehension (noun): Fear or anxiety.
• Bellows (noun): A device that pumps air (e.g., for a musical instrument).
• Bovine (adjective): Resembling a cow (slow, dull, or heavy).
• Brevity (noun): Shortness or conciseness.
• Charlotte (noun): A fruit-based dessert made with bread or cake.
• Devout (adjective): Deeply religious.
• Hypocrites (noun): People who pretend to have moral standards they do not follow.
• Impertinence (noun): Disrespect or rudeness.
• Largo (noun): A musical term meaning very slow (used to describe Mrs. Merriweather's slow speech).
• Squalid (adjective): Miserable or wretched.
• Squalor (noun): Filth or very dirty conditions.
• Yaws (noun): A contagious tropical disease.

Chapter 25

• Drowsily (adverb): Sleepily.
• Roly-poly (noun): A small insect that curls into a ball.
• Scowling (verb): Looking at someone with an angry expression.

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Important Context & Themes

Chapter 24 - Social & Historical References

• Birmingham: A city in Alabama known for its role in the civil rights movement.
• Mrs Roosevelt: Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1884-1962), was known for her activism.
• 'People up there set 'em free': A belief that Northern states were responsible for the end of slavery in the U.S.
• 'Tryin' to sit with 'em': A reference to Eleanor Roosevelt defying segregation laws by sitting with Black attendees at a conference in 1939.

Chapter 25 - Symbolism & Meaning

• English Channel: A sea separating Britain and France, used metaphorically by Scout to describe gossip in Maycomb, comparing Miss Stephanie to a trade route of rumours.

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Exam Tips

• Themes: Pay attention to key themes such as racial injustice, hypocrisy, and moral growth.
• Symbolism: Understand the meaning behind symbols like the mockingbird (innocence) and Mr Underwood's editorial.
• Character Development: Note how Jem matures and becomes more aware of the deep-seated racism in Maycomb.