Tom Robinson is sent to Maycomb's jail prior to his trial. Atticus is worried about him, so he keeps watch one night outside of the jail. Scout, Jem, and Dill sneak out to spy on Atticus. They want to know what he is doing. They see him waiting outside of the jail, reading a book. Shortly after the children spot Atticus, several cars drive into town and stop nearby. Men get out of the cars and gather near Atticus. An angry mob forms of men who wish to harm Tom Robinson.
Atticus stands his ground. Scout, watching at a distance, becomes concerned. She leaps from her hiding place and goes to her father. Atticus orders Scout and the boys to go home, but they refuse.
Tensions rise with the mob. Suddenly, Scout recognizes a familiar face among the strangers: Mr. Cunningham, the father of her classmate, Walter. Scout tells Mr. Cunningham to pass along her greetings to Walter. He does not respond at first, but then he bends down to speak to Scout. Something softens in him:
Then he straightened up and waved a big paw. "Let's clear out," he called. "Let's get going, boys" (Chapter, 15).
The men leave. Scout's friendly words to Mr. Cunningham cause something to change in him. He seems to reevaluate his role in the mob.
No comments:
Post a Comment