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Why was Atticus at the jail?

Published in Literary Analysis 2 mins read

Atticus Finch was at the jail to protect Tom Robinson from a potential lynch mob on the night before his trial.

In Chapter 15 of Harper Lee's renowned novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus takes a solitary stand outside the Maycomb County jail. His presence was a deliberate and courageous act of defense for his client, Tom Robinson, who was unjustly accused and held there.

The Purpose of Atticus's Vigil

Atticus's primary reason for being at the jail was to act as a human shield against a looming threat. He anticipated the arrival of a mob intent on harming or killing Tom Robinson before the trial could even begin.

Key aspects of his presence included:

  • Preventing a Lynching: Atticus understood the deep-seated racial prejudices prevalent in Maycomb. He knew that some townspeople might attempt to take justice into their own hands, circumventing the legal process. By positioning himself directly in front of the jail, he aimed to deter any such attempt.
  • Protecting His Client: As Tom Robinson's defense attorney, Atticus felt a profound personal and professional responsibility to ensure his client's safety and right to a fair trial. His vigil was a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice.
  • Symbolic Stand: Beyond the practical aim of stopping a mob, Atticus's solitary presence was a powerful symbol of moral courage and resistance against mob mentality and injustice. It highlighted his unwavering belief in the rule of law, even when others sought to undermine it.

The Confrontation and Its Resolution

His presence led to a tense confrontation with a group of men from out of town who had indeed come to lynch Tom Robinson. This volatile situation was unexpectedly defused by the innocent intervention of his children, Scout, Jem, and Dill, who had followed him to the jail. Scout's direct address to Walter Cunningham Sr., a member of the mob, appealed to his humanity and sense of decency, ultimately causing the mob to disperse.

Atticus's decision to be at the jail underscores his character as a principled individual who stood firm for what was right, even in the face of significant personal danger and overwhelming societal prejudice.