Tkam Trial Evidence Chart Answers Chapter 17 19
Introduction
To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic novel written by Harper Lee that tells the story of a young girl named Scout and her experiences growing up in a small Southern town during the 1930s. One of the main themes of the novel is racial injustice, which is explored through the trial of Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman.
In chapters 17 to 19, the trial begins and the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense is examined. In this article, we will provide answers to the Tkam trial evidence chart for these chapters.
Chapter 17: Evidence for the Prosecution
In chapter 17, the prosecution presents its case against Tom Robinson, calling several witnesses to the stand. First, Mr. Heck Tate testifies that he was called to the Ewell residence on the night of the alleged rape and found Mayella Ewell bruised and beaten.
Next, Bob Ewell takes the stand and testifies that he saw Tom Robinson raping his daughter through a window. However, under cross-examination by Atticus Finch, it becomes clear that Bob Ewell is left-handed, while the person who beat Mayella was right-handed. This casts doubt on his testimony.
Finally, Mayella Ewell takes the stand and tells her version of events. She claims that Tom Robinson came into the house and attacked her when she asked him to chop up a chiffarobe. However, when Atticus questions her, it becomes clear that she is lying and that Tom Robinson is innocent.
Chapter 18: Evidence for the Defense
In chapter 18, Atticus begins presenting his case in defense of Tom Robinson. He calls several witnesses to the stand, including Sheriff Tate and Tom Robinson himself.
Sheriff Tate testifies that when he arrived at the Ewell residence on the night of the alleged rape, he found no sign of struggle or forced entry, suggesting that Mayella was not attacked by an outsider. Tom Robinson takes the stand and tells his version of events, which matches Sheriff Tate's testimony.
Atticus also cross-examines Mayella Ewell, asking her why she didn't scream when Tom Robinson allegedly attacked her. She becomes flustered and admits that she was too scared to scream.
Chapter 19: Closing Arguments
In chapter 19, Atticus gives his closing argument, urging the jury to look past their prejudices and judge Tom Robinson based on the evidence presented in court. He points out that there is no medical evidence to support the prosecution's claim that Mayella was raped, and that Bob Ewell is a known liar and an abusive father.
The prosecution gives their closing argument, emphasizing the racial tensions in the town and urging the jury to find Tom Robinson guilty to maintain the status quo. However, the evidence presented by Atticus is too strong, and the jury finds Tom Robinson not guilty.
Conclusion
The trial in To Kill a Mockingbird is a powerful examination of the racial injustice that was rampant in the American South during the 1930s. By examining the evidence presented in chapters 17 to 19, we can see how Atticus Finch was able to prove Tom Robinson's innocence and challenge the deeply ingrained prejudices of his community.
