In the novel Jem and Scout visit Calpurnia's church and experience a different side of their beloved nanny. They are surprised to see that the church is in a "streaked and ancient paint," and that the congregation is made up of African Americans. Despite their initial discomfort, they are welcomed with open arms by the community. During the church service, Calpurnia takes on a different persona, "her hand was as wide as a bed slat and twice as hard," and she sings with a powerful voice. This scene shows the depth of Calpurnia's character, as she is able to balance her roles as a caregiver and member of the African American community. As Scout reflects on the experience, she notes that Calpurnia is "an enigma" and that she now sees her in a different light after seeing her interact differently with the African American Community. This scene underscores the racial divide of the time and highlights …show more content…
Discuss the courtroom scene. What are the key facts concerning this case? How does Atticus use his wisdom to get to the truth? The courtroom scene in "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a pivotal moment in the novel that showcases Atticus Finch's unwavering commitment to justice and truth. The key facts of the case are that Tom Robinson, a black man, has been accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell. Despite overwhelming evidence in favor of Tom's innocence, including the fact that he is physically incapable of committing the crime, the all-white jury ultimately finds him guilty. Atticus uses his wisdom and moral integrity to reveal the truth of the situation. He highlights the inconsistencies in Mayella's story, emphasizing that she is likely lying to cover up her own shame and guilt. He also brings attention to the deep-seated racism present in Maycomb and exposes the flawed and biased justice system. As Atticus states in the book, "In our courts, when it's a white man's word against a black man's, the white man always wins. They're ugly, but those are the facts of life"