B.S.+TKAM+journal+2

Journal One: Chapters 14-16 ** Court Room filled to the Brim; Is Tom Robinson’s Fate Sealed? ** Maycomb’s courtroom was filled to the brim today; citizens were left standing, children left to be held in their mother’s arms, all to see the start of Tom Robinson’s trial. As many know, Tom Robinson, was accused of raping Mr. Bob Ewell’s daughter, __and__ will be defended by the stern-faced and rather quite Atticus Finch. The morning alone was spent picking jury members, __and following__ a brief dinner recess, the courtroom filled again with citizen from all corners of Maycomb County. Many wonder, will Tom Robinson even be able to receive a fair trial, his fate is almost sealed __and__ it seems to many that he will be heading for the electric chair. Hoping to provide fair trial for Mr. Robinson is Judge Taylor, the seemingly casual man, whose informality in court, puzzles many. To many it may seem that he is not taking his job seriously, __but__ for those who’ve witnessed any of his trials know that he holds a firm grip on the proceedings.

Journal Two: Chapters 17-18

- Dear Editor, Let me begin by stating that I was one of the many citizens of Maycomb that jumped to conclusions and believed that Tom Robinson was guilty before the trial even started. However, while sitting in the courtroom today my mindset was swayed. Atticus Finch’s cross examinations of Heck Tate and Bob and Mayella Ewell were magnificent. Not only was Atticus able to make the witness quake, but he got the ordinary citizen of Maycomb to think and see the inconsistencies in the witness’s stories. I do, too, believe that the racial prejudice is the major component within the sad outcome of this trial. My only hope is that Tom Robinson’s innocence can be seen and Atticus’ appeal is won.

Journal Three: One Word-Chapters 19-21 I chose the word appearances for chapters 19-21. I chose this word because not everything appears to be what they seem in these selected chapters. In chapter 18, Atticus suggests that Bob Ewell was the one that beat Mayella, his daughter. In chapter 19, Atticus further shows this belief by bringing Tom Robinson to the stand, when he is brought up to testify, the jury and citizens of Maycomb are shown how useless his handicapped arm is, and can be shown how near impossible it would have been for him to beat Mayella. While the court is in recess Jem, Dill, and Scout meet Mr. Dolphus Raymond, the man who is described as having mixed children, and no real place in the white Maycomb society. He is also described as a drunk by many because he carries around a brown paper bag with some sort of bottle inside. He reveals to the children that it is not alcohol inside the brown paper bag but coke.

Journal Four: Chapters 22-24 Little Sis, do not be afraid of a man like Bob Ewell, like Atticus told you, he got his anger out of his system. What he said about Bob Ewell having a right to spit in his face was right too, Atticus did take away any credibility the man had left. Also, be thankful your father took the handled the incident so professionally, he could have fought back, even though it is against his nature, and if he had fought back there’s no telling what could have happened to either Atticus or Bob Ewell, but either way children would be without a father. Bob Ewell also did something amazing, instead of taking his anger out on those poor children, which it seems he does often, he took it on the person who is the root of his anger, someone old enough to handle and who wouldn’t be hurt by it, Atticus. Do not afraid of the threat of death, because Atticus can handle himself, enough people are there to protect him, and do not underestimate Aunt Alexandra. I feel that if someone was to try and hurt her brother, she would defend and that person would not know what hit them. I do not, however, blame you for being afraid because your love for father so is easily seen. But do not let this fear consume you, Atticus is an adult, an adult who can take care of himself, and an adult who can recognize something that he should be worried about.

Journal Five: Chapters 12-13: Advice Response (Response to EM’s advice to Scout) Dear sister, I whole heartedly agree with your advice regarding Jem’s attitude. I have realized that I should not force myself on him because he is growing older and he deserves his space. After reading your letter I also determined that your advice surrounding Aunt Alexandra’s arrival in Maycomb was well thought out and helpful as well. I now understand that Atticus’ agreement to let her stay with us was not to hurt us, but rather to help us, and me especially. Aunt Alexandra, though annoying at times could share her wealth of knowledge with me, and I will grow more in the woman I will become in the near future. I will also stay true to myself and my ideals as you advised. By staying true to myself, I may change in appearance as Aunt Alexandra shapes me more into a lady-like figure on the outside, but on the inside my personality and feeling and ways of dealing with events will not have changed. For these are the things that make me who I am, and no amount of change on the outside will change me on the inside.

