In Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, is Atticus's summation in Tom Robinson's trial more argumentative or more persuasive?

The difference between persuasive and argumentative speaking or writing is whether both sides of the issue are addressed or not. In persuasive speeches, for example, there won't be any mention of opposing arguments or claims--only one side of an issue is presented. In argumentation, though, opposing views are mentioned, addressed, and answered with rebuttals. As far as Atticus's speech in chapter 20 is concerned, it is argumentative because he addresses the claims presented during the trial and responds with counter-claims and rebuttals. Again, persuasive speeches only discuss one side of the issue.

First of all, Atticus offers a new theory, or counter-claim, during his summation based on the accusations and claims presented by the prosecution. He responds to allegations of physical abuse and rape by suggesting that Mayella Ewell is to blame for what happened between her and Tom Robinson on the night in question. For example, Atticus says the following:

"I have nothing but pity in my heart for the chief witness for the state, but my pity does not extend so far as to her putting a man's life at stake, which she has done in an effort to get rid of her own guilt" (203).

Atticus goes on to say of what Mayella is guilty, which is lowering her standards according to Maycomb's social rules of conduct to kiss a black man. He also argues that Bob Ewell's claims are false because he is the one who probably tried to cover it up by beating his own daughter and blaming a black man for it all. Atticus cites the following evidence as follows:

"What did her father do? We don't know, but there is circumstantial evidence to indicate that Mayella Ewell was beaten savagely by someone who led almost exclusively with his left . . . and Tom Robinson now sits before you, having taken the oath with the only good hand he possesses--his right hand" (204).

Atticus provides more answers to defend his client against the false accusations of the prosecution, but the above-mentioned citations prove that his speech is argumentative. The very end of the speech is persuasive because he challenges the jury to do the right thing by reminding them that a courtroom should be the one place that a person should get a fair hearing; but for the most part, Atticus's summation is argumentative.