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Chapter 20
“Cry about the simple hell people give other people—without even thinking. Cry about the hell white people give colored folks, without even stopping to think that they’re people, too.”
In Chapter 20, Dill exits the courtroom in tears after watching the prosecutor’s treatment of Tom Robinson. Outside, they encounter Dolphus Raymond, the rich white man who lives among Maycomb’s Black community, something Maycomb’s white population believe to be a symptom of his drinking. Mr. Raymond tells them that Dill, once he grows up, won’t cry so much about injustice because he will have become accustomed to it. Read more about this quote in Quotes by Theme: Racial Prejudice.
“‘I’m no idealist to believe firmly in the integrity of our courts and in the jury system—that is no ideal to me, it is a living, working reality. Gentlemen, a court is no better than each man of you sitting before me on this jury. A court is only as sound as its jury, and a jury is only as sound as the men who make it up.’”
In Chapter 20, during his closing remarks, Atticus tells the courtroom he doesn’t believe the judicial system is perfect. A jury is made up of people, and people have shortcomings and biases.
Chapter 21
“I shut my eyes. Judge Taylor was polling the jury: ‘Guilty… guilty… guilty… guilty…’ I peeked at Jem: his hands were white from gripping the balcony rail, and his shoulders jerked as if each ‘guilty’ was a separate stab between them.’”
This quote from Chapter 21 captures the moment Tom Robinson’s fate is revealed. Jem’s physical reaction illustrates his innocence; unlike Atticus, who has maintained all along that they are going to lose and the best he can do is give Tom the best defense possible, Jem believed there was no way the jury would convict Tom after hearing the evidence. Reality leaves him shaken and disillusioned.
“‘Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father’s passin’.’”
In Chapter 21, though Atticus lost the case, the Black men and women sitting in the balcony stand up out of respect as he exits the courtroom, and Reverend Sykes instructs Scout to do the same.
