To Kill a Mockingbird: Tom Robinson's Trial

Questions and Answers

What was Mayella's account of the incident with Tom Robinson?

She said that she asked him to chop up a chiffarobe, and then he jumped her from behind and choked her while she screamed and struggled, and then he raped her.

What was Tom's side of the story?

He said that this didn't even happen recently, that he had chopped up a chiffarobe last year, and that he helped Miss Mayella often. Last year, he had done to chop it up but Mayella came onto him and kissed him, and Bob Ewell caught them so he ran away.

What was Tom's handicap? Why was it important to his case?

He had a shriveled and crippled arm, which meant that he couldn't have choked Mayella and made the hand-print bruises around her neck.

What do Dill and Scout learn from Mr. Raymond?

That people aren't always what they seem. Signup and view all the answers

What were Atticus' closing remarks to the jury?

He said to put all of their biases aside and judge the case fairly, so that their ruling might be fair and true. Signup and view all the answers

What was the jury's verdict?

They pronounced Tom guilty. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mayella's Account

Mayella claimed Tom Robinson attacked her after she requested help chopping up a chiffarobe.
She described a struggle where he allegedly choked her while she screamed, resulting in rape.

Tom Robinson's Testimony

Tom stated the incident was untrue and claimed to have helped Mayella last year with the chiffarobe.
He asserted that Mayella had kissed him, leading to Bob Ewell's confrontation, prompting his flight from the scene.

Tom's Disability

Tom Robinson had a crippled left arm, casting doubt on the possibility of him choking Mayella.
This detail was crucial to his defense as it contradicted the nature of the injuries reported on Mayella.

Lesson from Mr. Raymond

Dill and Scout learned from Mr. Raymond that individuals may not fit societal expectations or appearances.
This revelation encouraged them to question their perceptions of people.

Atticus's Closing Remarks

Atticus urged the jury to set aside their inherent biases for a just evaluation of the evidence.
His appeal emphasized the importance of justice and integrity in the legal system.

Jury's Verdict

The jury ultimately found Tom Robinson guilty, despite the evidence suggesting his innocence.
This decision highlighted themes of racial prejudice and injustice present in the society.

Description

Explore the key testimonies and events from Tom Robinson's trial in Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. This quiz covers important elements such as Mayella's claims, Tom's defense, and the lessons learned by Dill and Scout. Test your understanding of the characters and themes in this pivotal moment of the novel.