To Kill A Mockingbird Chapters 12-15 Key Quotes

Important Quotations Explained CONTEXT- Mr Raymond (looked down on for having mixed race children) speaks to Jem, Dill and Scout outside the courthouse QUOTATION- “Cry about the simple hell people give other people—without even thinking. Cry about the hell white people give colored folks, without even stopping to think that they’re people, too.” (222) EXPLANATION- Mr Raymond comforts the children after being removed from court for getting emotional. As an outcast in the community, he points out the injustice within Maycomb, and dehumanising effect of racism-he is dehumanised and stigmatised for associating with black people

Key Quotation Analysis CONTEXT- Atticus shares his thoughts on race in his closing statements QUOTATION- “‘You know the truth, and the truth is this: some Negroes lie, some Negroes are immoral, some Negro men are not to be trusted around women—black or white. But this is a truth that applies to the human race and to no particular race of men.’” (226) EXPLANATION- Atticus blatantly calls out the racist attitudes in Maycomb and presents logical argument against it. Atticus shows his fair and just nature in his reasoned approach to humanity-shows his strong morals and disagreement with Maycomb’s ways

Key Quotation Analysis CONTEXT- Atticus speaks about the jury in his closing statements QUOTATION- “‘I’m no idealist to believe firmly in the integrity of our courts and in the jury …a court is no better than each man of you sitting before me on this jury. A court is only as sound as its jury, and a jury is only as sound as the men who make it up.’” (227) EXPLANATION- Atticus makes a final heartfelt plea to the jury to consider their humanity and their role in the justice system. He appeals to their sense of morality and shows his desperate hope for victory for Tom.

Key Quotation Analysis CONTEXT- The verdict of Tom Robinson’s trial QUOTATION- “I shut my eyes. Judge Taylor was polling the jury: ‘Guilty… guilty… guilty… guilty…’ I peeked at Jem: his hands were white from gripping the balcony rail, and his shoulders jerked as if each ‘guilty’ was a separate stab between them.’”(233) EXPLANATION- This key moment and the delivery of the verdict shows the unanimous decision of the jury against Tom-highlighting the doomed nature of this case, and the rigid wall of prejudice within the community. Jem and Scout’s reaction show their naivety and the pain caused by the realisation that this system cannot be changed.

Key Quotation Analysis CONTEXT- QUOTATION- “Atticus put his hand on Tom’s shoulder as he whispered…He did not look up….All around us and in the balcony on the opposite wall, the Negroes were getting to their feet.” (pg 233) EXPLANATION-

Key Quotation Analysis CONTEXT- Atticus explains the verdict to his children QUOTATION- “‘As you grow older, you’ll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don’t you forget it—whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that white man is trash.’” (243) EXPLANATION- Here Lee uses Atticus as the voice of reason within the novel-his exasperation at the loss of the case and loss of hope is shown, however he is still mindful of his role as moral compass to his children. Atticus retains his belief in what is right and just treatment of others, and ensures his children do not lose hope

Key Quotation Analysis CONTEXT- Jem speaks to Scout about Boo’s reclusive nature QUOTATION- “If there’s just one kind of folks, why can’t they get along with each other? If they’re all alike, why do they go out of their way to despise each other?...I think I’m beginning to understand why Boo Radley’s stayed shut up in the house all this time…it’s because he wants to stay inside.” (Pg 251) EXPLANATION- Jem is maturing, and in turn, becoming sickened as he realises the reality of living in Maycomb and Maycomb’s corrupted values. This causes him to feel sympathy towards Boo as an outsider who has chosen to isolate himself from this morally bankrupt society.