Calpurnia hands Atticus a note from Aunt Alexandra indicating the children are missing.
Discovery of the Children:
Braxton Underwood reveals Jem, Scout, and Dill are in the colored balcony.
Atticus's Response:
Atticus instructs them to go home.
Jem pleads to return; Atticus agrees, contingent on them having dinner first.
At Home:
Aunt Alexandra’s Reaction:
Shocked and disapproving of Atticus’s decision to let the children witness the trial.
Return to Courthouse:
Reverend Sykes:
Saves their seats in the colored balcony.
Waiting for Verdict:
Time passes; children begin to fall asleep.
Verdict Announcement:
Courtroom remains packed as the guilty verdict for Tom Robinson is read.
Scout’s Observations:
Dreamlike State:
Scout describes the scene as surreal.
Notes Atticus packing his briefcase, addressing Mr. Gilmer, and the court reporter talking to Tom Robinson.
Reverend Sykes’s Gesture:
Points out to Scout that Atticus is passing.
Notice everyone in the colored balcony stands to honor Atticus.
Themes and Analysis:
Small Community Dynamics:
Maycomb depicted as a tightly-knit community.
Highlights both positive traits and negatives, like racism and prejudice.
Maturity and Relationships:
Atticus allowing the children back shows a matured relationship.
Racial Politics:
Black community’s respect for Atticus contrasts with the racial prejudices of white citizens.
Climax of the Trial:
The verdict serves as a climax to the tension building in prior chapters.
Jem's disappointment reflects the inevitable outcome given the societal context.
Honor and Respect:
The black community's gesture of standing as Atticus leaves underscores the respect he commands for his efforts and morality, setting him apart from Maycomb’s norms.