Chapter+21

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Summary: Jem, Scout and Dill were quietly watching Tom's trial without Atticus knowing, until Calpurnia came to the courthouse carrying a note from Aunt Alexandra. The note is to Atticus, telling him that Jem and Scout are missing. Mr. Underwood informs Atticus that the children are up in the balcony, and have been watching the whole trial. Atticus makes them go home with Calpurnia, but, after much begging from Jem, gives the children permission to come back to hear the verdict of the jury after they eat supper. Calpurnia is furious as they walk back home, but Jem and Scout are two distracted and excited by what will happen with the jury and Tom Robinson. They have supper and go back to the courthouse, where they sit in the same seats that Reverend Sykes saved for them. Jem is convinced that the jury will not convict Tom, by Reverend Sykes isn't so sure. It turns out that the Reverend is correct, and Tom is guilty on all charges. As Atticus walks down the aisle by himself, all the Negroes in the balcony stand as he passes.

Setting: The Maycomb County courthouse, where the trial is taking place, as well as the Finch house, where Jem, Scout and Dill go back for supper

Characters: Jeremy "Jem" Atticus Finch: Scout Finch's older brother by four years. Develops and matures mentally throughout the book, following the beliefs of their father Atticus, and looks up to Atticus. Is extremely disappointed when Tom is convicted, because Jem knows that Tom is innocent.

Jean Louise "Scout" Finch: Jem Finch's younger sister. Sometimes misunderstood and underestimated - people don't know how much she is capable of understanding sometimes. Knows and understands that it is unfair that Tom is convicted because of the evidence that Atticus presented.

Atticus Finch: Tom Robinson's attorney and Scout and Jem Finch's father. Is one of the few people in Maycomb who is not racist and truly believes in equality. Succeeds in proving that Tom is innocent, but fails to convince the jury to act against their instinctive racism.

Judge Taylor: The judge who is present during Tom Robinson's trial. Chooses Atticus to defend Tom because Judge Taylor knows that Atticus is the only one who would actually put up a fight and try to prove Tom's innocence.

Reverend Sykes: The reverend at the First Purchase Church. Helps the children get a seat in the balcony (where only the Negroes usually sit) and lets them sit there. Knows that Tom will be convicted despite the fact that Atticus proves that Tom was innocent.

Photo Bank: Courthouse:

Drugstore in 1930's.:

Jury Box:

Lumber jacket:

Vocabulary: acquit (vb.): clear of a charge; find not guilty charged (verb): Used in the sentence, "charged the jury," meaning that when Judge Taylor charges the jury, he gives them instructions in law before they go off to delierate or decide the case. exhilarated (adj.): cheerful, merry indignant (adj.): angry preliminary: introductory; preparatory relenting: to soften in feeling, temper, or determination; become more mild, compassionate, or forgiving. vengeance: the desire for revenge verdict: the finding or the answer of a jury given the court concerning a matter submitted to their judgement

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