TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD Chapter 17
Chapter 17
The trial begins. Atticus has told the children not to go to the courthouse, but Jem, Scout and Dill sneak into the courtroom. They sit upstairs, on the balcony, where the black community must sit. The courtroom is very full. The people are hot and quiet. They look at the front of the room where the judge sits.
The first man to speak is Sheriff Heck Tate. He is a big man, and he sits on the chair for the witnesses. Mr. Gilmer, the lawyer for the state, starts to ask questions. “Sheriff,” Mr. Gilmer says. “Tell the court what you saw on the night of November twenty-one.”
Sheriff Tate says that Bob Ewell came to his house and told him that his daughter, Mayella, was hurt. “I went to the Ewell house quickly,” the Sheriff says. “It is far from town.” “What did you see at the Ewell house?” asks Mr. Gilmer.
“I saw Miss Mayella. She had many cuts. She was hurt. Her right eye was very dark and big. It was completely black. I asked her who hurt her. She said that Tom Robinson had beaten and raped her.”
“Did you call a doctor for her?” “No, sir,” Tate answers. “I asked her father if he wanted a doctor. He said no. He said she was only bruised. So I went to Tom’s house. I brought him back to the Ewell house. She identified him. Then I arrested him.”
Judge Taylor asks Atticus if he has any questions. Atticus stands up. He is quiet, but he asks important questions. “Sheriff, did you call a doctor for Mayella?” “No, sir,” answers Sheriff Tate. “You didn’t call a doctor?” “No, sir,” he repeats.
“Sheriff,” Atticus says gently, “which side of her face was hurt?” “The right side, Mr. Finch. Her right eye was bad.” “So, it is true that the person who hurt her hit the front of her face. The right side was hurt the worst. Is that right?” “Yes, sir, that is true.” Sheriff Tate looks at Tom Robinson, and then at Atticus. It seems that he has just realized something important about the attack.
Then Atticus asks, “Were there any other injuries to her, Sheriff?” Sheriff Tate thinks for a moment. “Yes, there were,” he says. “There were injuries on her neck.” “Injuries on her throat?” says Atticus. “Would you say there were injuries all around her throat?” “Yes, sir, there were. All around her throat,” answers Sheriff Tate. Atticus says, “Thank you, Sheriff. I have no more questions.”
The next man to sit in the witness chair is Bob Ewell. He is Mayella’s father. He is a small man, but proud. He looks angry and dirty. He speaks loudly.
Every town like Maycomb has a family like the Ewells. They always live in poverty, even when the town economy is strong. Their children are always in trouble at school, and the town always has to spend money to help them. Mr. Gilmer asks Mr. Ewell to tell his story from that night.
“I came home from the woods,” Bob Ewell says. “I heard Mayella screaming. I ran to the house, and I saw that nigger there raping my daughter.” The white people in the courtroom begin to yell and shout in anger. The thought of Tom Robinson raping Mayella made them very angry. The judge banged his gavel for many minutes before they became quiet. The black people watching from the upstairs balcony also began to be angry.
“What did you do then, sir?” Mr. Gilmer asks. “I ran into the house to stop him. But he ran out the front door before I could get to him. Then I ran fast to get the Sheriff, Mr. Tate. I told him everything I saw.”
Mr. Gilmer says, “Can you point to the man in this room who you saw attacking your daughter?” Bob Ewell points a finger at Tom Robinson. “That is the man. He is the one.” “I have no more questions, Your Honor,” says Mr. Gilmer.
Atticus Finch stands again. He walks to Mr. Ewell. “Mr. Ewell,” Atticus begins, “You heard what the Sheriff said about your daughter’s injuries. Do you agree with what he said? Was her right eye injured badly?” “Yes, I agree with everything the Sheriff said,” answers Mr. Ewell.
“You do? I just want to make sure. Now, Mr. Ewell,” Atticus continues calmly, “do you know how to read and write?” Bob Ewell does not understand the question. He looks confused. “What does that mean? What does that have to do with anything?” he asks. “I mean, Mr. Ewell,” Atticus explains, “can you read and write?”
“Well, I can write,” Ewell replies, a little angry now. “I know how to sign my name to get the relief checks from the town.” Atticus gives him a piece of paper and a pencil. “Please write your name for the court, Mr. Ewell.” Bob Ewell takes the pencil in his left hand. He slowly writes his name. The court sees clearly that Bob Ewell is left-handed.
Atticus looks at the judge. The fact is clear: A left-handed person hits hardest with the left hand, and that hand would hit the right side of the face. Jem realizes what this means. He seems happy and satisfied. Scout is not so sure what has happened. Atticus looks at the Judge. “No more questions for this witness.”
