-
Essay / Who Was Responsible for the Death of Tom Robinson
Table of ContentsThe Trial: Injustice PrevailsThe Role of Atticus FinchThe Maycomb Company: A Breeding Ground for PrejudiceConclusion: A System of InjusticeBibliographyIn Harper Lee's classic novel « To Kill a Mockingbird”, the character of Tom Robinson faces a tragic fate. Accused of a crime he did not commit, Tom becomes the victim of prejudice and injustice. As readers, we must ask ourselves who ultimately bears responsibility for his untimely demise. This essay will argue that while multiple factors are at play, the primary responsibility lies with the deep-rooted racism and prejudice within Maycomb society. By examining the trial, the actions of various characters, and the overall social context, it becomes clear that Tom Robinson's conviction was the result of a system that perpetuated discrimination and denied him a fair chance at justice. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayThe Trial: Injustice PrevailsAt the heart of the story is the trial of Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raped Mayella Ewell, a white woman. . Despite overwhelming evidence of Tom's innocence, the racist attitudes of the jury and the community at large prevent him from receiving a fair trial. The keyword “What was Tom Robinson’s sentence” is crucial here, as it highlights the predetermined outcome of the trial. Tom is found guilty, simply because he is a black man accused of assaulting a white woman. The sentence is death, which further underlines the seriousness of the injustice inflicted on him. One of the key pieces of evidence in Tom's favor is his crippled left arm. It is physically impossible for him to have committed the crime described by Mayella Ewell. However, this evidence was thrown out by the jury due to their racial bias. This dismissal demonstrates the extent to which racism permeates Maycomb's justice system. The jury's decision to ignore the evidence and convict Tom is a clear indication of their willingness to sacrifice truth and justice in favor of upholding the racist norms of their society. The Role of Atticus Finch Although Tom Robinson's conviction was ultimately the result of systemic racism, it is important to consider the actions and motivations of individual characters. Atticus Finch, the defense attorney assigned to represent Tom, plays an important role in the trial. Despite his best efforts to provide a strong defense, Atticus is unable to overcome the jury's deep-rooted prejudices. He presents compelling evidence and arguments that expose the inconsistencies in Mayella Ewell's testimony, but his efforts are in vain. Atticus's decision to defend Tom, despite the almost certain outcome, is a testament to his moral integrity. He recognizes the injustice of the situation and takes a stand against the prevailing racism in Maycomb. However, his inability to secure Tom's acquittal highlights the limits of individual actions in the face of a deeply flawed and biased system. Atticus's noble intentions and skillful legal arguments are not enough to thwart the pervasive racism that leads to Tom's death sentence. Maycomb Society: A Breeding Ground for Prejudice The town of Maycomb itself plays an important role in the tragic fate of Tom Robinson. The townspeople's deep-rooted racism is evident throughout the novel, from the occasional use of racial slurs to the social ostracism of the Finch family for defending Tom. Maycomb Society perpetuates and reinforces a culture of prejudice and discrimination, making it almost impossible for, 1960.