Friday, January 30, 2015

What does Calpurnia say to Miss Rachels's cook about Tom's despair in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Calpurnia tells Miss Rachel's cook that after the trial as Tom Robinson was being taken to the prison camp, he was overcome with despair. He said good-bye to Mr. Finch, and told him that there was nothing he could do now to help him, so there was no reason for him to try.


Tom's greatest fears have been realized. Ever since the charge of the rape of a white woman has been made against him, Tom has worried about how he would receive a fair trial. He admits to these fears in the courtroom when he tells Atticus that he would run also if people were after him in the way that Bob Ewell was after him. Later, Tom's worst fears have come to pass, and he finds himself in a prison. There, he completely despairs, according to what Calpurnia has heard. 


        She said Atticus tried to explain things to him, telling him that he must do his best not to lose hope because Atticus was doing his best to get him free.  But, presently, as Atticus arrives at the Missionary Tea, he explains that poor Tom has lost all hope as evinced by his escape attempt. Told to stop by the guards, Tom disobeys and is caught by seventeen bullets as he tries to go over the fence.

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