In Chapter 17, Atticus begins by questioning Mr. Tate concerning the events on November 21st. Atticus is calm and collected, and asks Sheriff Tate specific questions regarding the location of Mayella Ewell's injuries. Scout mentions that the trial is "utterly dull" because there are no arguments, nobody is yelling, and there is no drama. Scout is disappointed thus far and compares Atticus' approach to defending Tom Robinson to that of settling a title dispute. She says, "With his infinite capacity for calming turbulent seas, he could make a rape case as dry as a sermon" (Lee 226). Scout is aware of her father's laid-back, didactic manner when he is involved in stressful, serious situations. Atticus is always able to maintain his composure and settle down intense situations when he is under pressure throughout the novel, and his performance during Tom's trial is no different. Scout, along with the rest of Maycomb's citizens, attended the trial to see the excitement and to be entertained. Atticus' calm, moderate demeanor upsets Scout because she wants to witness a thrilling case full of drama and suspense.
No comments:
Post a Comment