Atticus Finch Trial

Question One: What is the significance of Scout’s connection of the mad dog scene to the trial?

Answer: The mad dog represents the madness that consumes Maycomb, and Atticus is the only person willing to attack this prejudice. When Tim Johnson stumbles down the street, Atticus is immediately appointed to kill him. He is reluctant to take the gun, but he is the only person that can shoot the dog in one shot. In the same way that Atticus is obligated to kill Tim, he is forced to defend Tom Robinson. Judge Taylor gives him the case because he is the only lawyer that will try his hardest to help Tom, regardless of his race. One notable statement that connects the two events comes from Atticus after he shoots the dog. Atticus tells Jem that “[the

Answer: Atticus is proactive in teaching his children to read, and their passion for education cannot be suppressed. Throughout the first few chapters of the book, Scout is chastised at school by her teacher because she is intellectually ahead of her classmates. Scout turns to Atticus to continue to learn, and she later discovers that the best form of learning is from her father. Not only does Atticus teach his children academically, but he also teaches them morally and socially. Through his lectures and the experiences that he endures with his children, he teaches Scout and Jem about the real world. They are faced with themes of discrimination, rape, injustice, and perspective, ideas that typical children are not exposed to. When Atticus is talking to his brother about how to interact with children, he tells Uncle Jack that, “‘[when] a child asks you something, answer him… [and] don’t make a production of it” (Lee 116). Through this quote, the reader is aware of Atticus’s mindset towards educating his children. He is extremely straightforward, and this is demonstrated when he allows his children to attend the trial and when he gives Scout the exact definition of rape. Education is essential in the Finch family, for it allows Scout and Jem to mature and understand the events of the world around

However, in one corner of the yard, “…[there are] six chipped-enamel slop jars holding brilliant red geraniums” (Lee 228). The geraniums symbolize the hope in every bad situation, and the flowers parallel Mayella’s circumstance. The red color is a sign of Mayella’s yearning for acceptance in the abusive environment of her home. Harper Lee directly implies that Mayella Ewell is a geranium, but upon further consideration, the reader concludes that there are many geraniums within the novel. There are six flowers in the Ewell yard, a representation of the six opposing minds of the community: Atticus, Jem, Scout, Ms. Maudie, Mr. Underwood, and Link Deas. For Atticus, the geraniums are seen as his integrity in the corrupt society of Maycomb. Atticus decides to defend Tom Robinson despite his community’s disapproval. In his case, the color red can be interpreted as his determination to prove Tom Robinson innocent. Similarly, Jem and Scout are geraniums due to their strong opposition towards injustice. During the trial, both children are adamant against Tom Robinson’s conviction. Ms. Maudie shows her resistance to prejudice by not attending the trial. Geraniums are resilient, and this trait is displayed by her strong personality. Mr. Underwood and Link Deas voice their opinions publicly in the fight against bias. Although it cannot be seen on the surface, there are many geraniums