Monday, December 8, 2014

What was the reaction of the majority of Maycomb County to Tom's death? (Chapters 19-22)Why do you think the author presented opposing points of...

The two opposing viewpoints we get to see are those of Mr. Underwood and Mr. Ewell.  I think the opposing viewpoints show the true sentiments of the American public as we've moved from slavery to Civil Rights.  I also believe these are two points of view that still exist today.


Mr. Underwood represents the part of society that may not have been brave enough, like Atticus, to take on the task of defending Tom, but who nevertheless believed he was innocent.  Mr. Underwood writes in the paper that Tom's death was "like the senseless slaughter of songbirds."  Mr. Underwood's reaction shows that there is forward movement in the minds of some - towards racial tolerance and equality.


Mr. Ewell's response on the other hand is is "one down, about two more to go."  Mr. Ewell represents the group of people who will never learn tolerance for racial (or other) differences.


Ironically, aside from the comments concerning the fact that he was "running" there isn't a lot of comment on how many times he was shot - and the fact that it was all in the back.  This is a subtle detail Harper Lee throws in, presumably as an additional shock to a modern audience.

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