Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Plot Summary:

In chapter 22, Bob Ewell spat on Atticus and cursed him. In chapter 23, everyone is worried about Bob Ewell's threat besides Atticus. Atticus explained to Jem and Scout that the only reason Mr. Ewell did this is because Atticus dissolved every last bit of Bob Ewell's credibility in the trial. Tom Robinson was sent to Enfiled Prison Farm, seventy miles away. Scout then asks Atticus what will happen if Tom is found guilty and he tells him that he will get the chair because rape is a capitol offense in Alabama. Jem and Atticus get into a conversation about changing the law so rape is not a capitol offense. Jem also asks Atticus why women can't serve on juries. Jem and Atticus also talk about the prejudiced of the jury in the trial. Atticus also explains to Jem and Scout that in court, a white man's word also beats a Negroes. Jem and Scout also are told that Mr. Cunningham was in the jury and the only one who wanted to acquit him. Scout comes up with the idea of having Walter Cunningham come over and stay the night but Aunt Alexandra shoots it down because she says that he is trash and the Finches do not associate with them. This infuriates Scout to the point that Jem has to take her to his room. Jem gives Scout a Tootsie roll and shows her his hair. The two talk about different kinds of people. Jem thinks there are four types; Ordinary people, people like the Cunninghams, people like the Ewells, and Negroes. Scout disagrees and thinks there is only one type of people, Folks. On the last page in the chapter Jem tells Scout that he thinks Boo Radley doesn't come out because he wants to stay inside.

Major Changes and Developments:

Jem- In this chapter Jem is maturing even more and his now having mature conversations with Atticus. They talk about the trials and the prejudices. They also talk about how they wish they could change the law so rape was not a capitol offense.

Significant Quotations:

Atticus to Jem and Scout:

“As you grow older, you'll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don't you forget it-whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine of a family he comes from, that white man is trash”(Lee295).

This is explaining the background of Maycomb and how prejudiced they are.

Atticus to Jem:

“If you had been on that jury, son, and eleven other boys like you, Tom would be a free man.”(Lee295)

This is Atticus saying that Jem is young enough that he has not seen and heard enough for anything to effect his decisions.

Literary Elements:

Vocab:

Critical Thinking:

1. Why does Jem say that Boo Radley wants to stay inside?

2. Why is Atticus unfazed by Bob Ewell's threat? Do you think Bob Ewell will really harm Atticus?