-- To Kill A Mockingbird Paragraphs -- (12-20)

In what is perhaps the most critical section of the entire book, Scout has the opportunity to see a variety of different perspectives, opinions, and outlooks. She begins to learn a little bit more about the worldviews of the different people of Maycomb, and begins to understand what Atticus was trying to say when he talks about considering things from another point of view.

At church with Calpurnia, both Scout and Jem see a different community and way of looking at the world. They are surprised to learn that Calpurnia, a part of both communities, presents herself differently depending on the circumstances she is in. When Aunt Alexandra comes to stay, she also brings completely different ideas. She wants Scout to become a lady, to wear skirts and attend society teas. She also wants Jem and Scout to learn about their family name. Though you can see that Aunt Alexandra has good intentions, you can also see that Scout doesn’t take very well to them.

The most important event in these chapters, the trial of Tom Robinson, shows the completely different perspectives of the town. At first, you can clearly see where the farmers and workers are coming from. Learning that Tom Robinson raped a young girl would cause anyone to be furious, and rightly so. However, once the trial begins, it becomes very clear that this was not what happened. All the evidence points to a different story; Mayella fell in love, or at least felt curious about being with a black man, who already had a wife and family. He felt sorry for her because of the terrible circumstances and home life she faced, and one day as he came in to help her do something, she came onto him. Her father, seeing this, attacked her. He and Mayella both told the sheriff that it was Tom who caused her harm. Even after this, Tom Robinson is convicted, and Scout and Jem both learn about the prejudice in Maycomb. You can also put yourself in the perspective of both Mayella Ewell and Tom Robinson, and as Atticus reads his final testimony it is clear he has already.  The trial is hard for all involved, and in the end, Tom Robinson’s story is a tragedy.