Chattahoochee River
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Caroline Pipes TKAM Section 3
This section of the book was very exciting and at times, confusing. One detail in particular stuck out at me - the all-white jury present in the court proceedings for Tom Robinson. It reflects racial tensions and innate racism rooted in the southern United States well after slavery was abolished. The fact that Atticus allowed Aunt Alexandra to stay with the family is puzzling to me. He seems to be giving up a portion of his power to Alexandra. This may be due to the stress he's under due to the court case, as he doesn't have enough time to be a full time father to his children. It's interesting that Atticus allows Alexandra to dictate what his children do, but in a passive aggressive way.
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In my opinion, the all-white jury foreshadows a loss for the defendant, Tom Robinson. Do you see any connections between judicial treatment in the novel and judicial treatment in Ghettoside?
ReplyDeleteAlthough Atticus is not one to value power, I do not believe that he is "giving it up" when he lets Aunt Alexandra stay with his family. I believe the transaction was mutually beneficial. Not only was Alexandra able to support her brother by taking care of his kids while he was at trial, but she was also able to enjoy Maycomb as a social outlet. Thus, indirectly, Atticus strengthened family bonds and allowed for a feminine influence on Scout.
The judicial treatment in the novel seems to reflect continuing legal barriers faced by minorities in the United States. I didn't consider Alexandra's presence to be beneficial at all but your view makes sense and I understand how it could be a relief for Atticus to have her there.
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