Because Atticus respects Tom Robinson and his wife and family, he personally brings Helen the sad news that Tom has been shot trying to escape. Tom is shot 17 times by the guards at the prison as he was trying to climb (with one good arm) the surrounding fence. Atticus tells Helen that he feels Tom understood he didn’t have a chance in an appeal so that is why he probably tried to escape. Tom’s escape attempt says a lot about Tom’s character who does not want to leave his family destitute and unable to provide for themselves. Atticus takes Calpurnia with him when he delivers the news in hopes that Calpurnia can give her some comfort. As Atticus breaks the news, Jem and Dill witness the tender respect Atticus gives to Tom’s family.
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