To Kill A Mockingbird Chapter 17-19 Trial Evidence Chart Answers
Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a classic novel that has been enjoyed by readers for decades. The story takes place in the small, fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930s. The novel's central character, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer who defends a black man accused of raping a white woman. Chapters 17-19 focus on the trial and the evidence presented in court. In this article, we will explore the trial evidence chart answers in these chapters.
Chapter 17: Witnesses for the Prosecution
In Chapter 17, Atticus cross-examines the witnesses for the prosecution. The first witness is Sheriff Heck Tate, who testifies that he was called to the scene of the alleged crime and found Mayella Ewell beaten and bruised. He also testifies that he saw Tom Robinson running away from the Ewell property.
The second witness is Bob Ewell, Mayella's father. He testifies that he saw Tom Robinson raping his daughter through a window. Atticus questions Bob Ewell's reliability as a witness, pointing out that he is left-handed and that his daughter's injuries are on the right side of her face.
The third witness is Mayella Ewell herself. She testifies that Tom Robinson came into her house to do some work, but then attacked and raped her. Atticus tries to show that Mayella's injuries could have been caused by someone who is right-handed, not by Tom Robinson, who is left-handed.
Chapter 18: Witnesses for the Defense
In Chapter 18, Atticus calls his own witnesses to the stand. The first witness is Tom Robinson himself. He testifies that he was asked to do some work for Mayella Ewell, but that she then tried to kiss him. He says that he ran away when he realized what was happening, but that he did not rape Mayella.
The second witness is Heck Tate, who testifies that there were no bruises on Mayella's right side, indicating that she was not beaten by a left-handed person. He also testifies that he believes that Bob Ewell, not Tom Robinson, is responsible for Mayella's injuries.
The third witness is Atticus's final argument, in which he explains to the jury that the evidence presented by the prosecution is circumstantial and unreliable. He argues that Tom Robinson is innocent and that the real culprit is Bob Ewell, who is seeking revenge against Atticus for humiliating him in court.
Chapter 19: The Verdict
In Chapter 19, the jury deliberates and returns a guilty verdict against Tom Robinson. Despite the lack of reliable evidence, the jury is swayed by the racial prejudices of the time and convicts Tom solely because he is black.
Atticus is heartbroken by the verdict, but he tells his children that he did his best to defend Tom and that they should always stand up for what is right, even if it means going against the majority.
Conclusion
"To Kill a Mockingbird" is a powerful novel that explores themes of racism, injustice, and the importance of standing up for what is right. The trial in Chapters 17-19 is a pivotal moment in the story, showing the deep-seated prejudices and biases that existed during that time. By examining the trial evidence chart answers in these chapters, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues at play in the novel.
