J.T.+TKAM+journal+2

1) Last night, at approximately ten o’ clock, a loud raucous was heard from outside the Maycomb jail. __On__ a closer look, I discovered that it was a group of lynch men, led by the likes of Mr. Cunningham, wishing access to the jail, in order that they might get a hold of the young Tom Robinson. __Showing his true belief in Tom Robinson’s innocence__, Mr. Atticus Finch was seen outside the jailhouse refusing to grant the mob access to the jail. __From this__, it is seemingly apparent that all should revere Mr. Atticus Finch for the work he is doing in defending the young Robinson. He is going against the public’s view and defending a man whom he feels is innocent. __However__, is there a breaking point with Mr. Finch? Can he indeed stay strong through such drama as a lynch mob? __On this occasion__, by circumstance he did stay firm to his beliefs and stood there until the mob respected his wishes and left the premises of the jail. It should be admired that Atticus Finch is willing to put his life at stake for the sake of another, and his willingness to defend his client sets an example that all men should learn to follow.

2) Dear Sir of the Maycomb Times (Response to E.M): I am writing in regards to an article in last weeks paper regarding Tom Robinson and the trial he is undergoing. I am one of those people who are “living under a rock” as you call it, and therefore was unaware that such a trial was going on. What I can say is that having been updated on the trial, I wish for Tom Robinson’s sake that the trial does not receive a biased result. We all know that when cases go before court, there is a good chance it will not be treated as a simple trial, but a biased trial due to color of Tom Robinson’s skin. I feel if this occurs, this is an outrage to the human race, and each and every one of us must hold our heads in shame. However, I have faith in the lawyer Atticus and his ability to prove Tom Robinson’s innocence. After all, he is one the renowned lawyers in the United States at this time. I hope for the sake of mankind that the outcome of this case is fair, and does not reflect poorly upon an innocent being in any way whatsoever.

3) If these chapters were to be described in one word, it could perhaps be the word innocence. While in the courtroom, we see that both sides of the heated debate, Mayella and Tom Robinson, seem in their own ways, innocent. Tom Robinson, a young Black man, was innocent from the beginning of the trial, yet gets accused for a crime he did not commit. Mayella, on the other hand, lives a miserable existence that sort of allows her to join the novel's numerous innocent victims. She too, is a kind of innocent mockingbird, injured beyond repair by ugliness, poverty, and the hatred applied to her from her father, Mr. Ewell.

4) Scout: I know you are having an inner conflict regarding the trial and the class you just had, where you spoke of the mistreatment of Jews. I understand that Miss Gates within the classroom talked of equality, but when she left the courtroom spoke nothing but the contrary. I think the reason for this is that Miss Gates is required to teach equality within the classroom in regards to the Holocaust, but upon leaving the classroom, fails to bring the moral values with her and apply them to this court case. I feel the best thing for you to do would be to keep your nose out of Miss Gates business and not challenge her on it, as she seems a very twisted lady, but remember to keep your moral values as your priority. As long as you keep your values straight, you are doing nothing wrong. 5) Dear Jem: Thank you for those words of advice. I agree with you that I must stand firm to what I believe, but I still find it hard to comprehend the reasoning behind a teacher teaching something she does not necessarily believe. It just goes to show you how twisted this world really has become. It seems to me that Thoreau was right in thinking that the only place for a just man in an unjust world is prison. Because our world today certainly isn’t just, and the way this court case looks a just man might be locked up for doing absolutely nothing wrong. My heart goes out to Tom Robinson, but I revere his ability to stay strong and stay firm to his beliefs.