Contents
Chapter 22
Overview
In the wake of Tom Robinson’s conviction, Jem grieves while Atticus promises an appeal. The Black community thanks Atticus with food, and Miss Maudie argues Maycomb made a small step by keeping the jury out so long and by Judge Taylor choosing Atticus. The chapter ends with Bob Ewell spitting on and threatening Atticus, escalating tensions.
Summary
Leaving the courthouse, Jem cries in anger over Tom Robinson’s conviction. At home, Aunt Alexandra shows rare tenderness to Atticus, while Jem questions how a jury could do such a thing. Atticus, exhausted, says injustice has happened before and will again, noting that only children weep.
By morning, Atticus reassures Jem there will be an appeal. The family discovers the kitchen laden with food from the Black community, including a chicken from Tom’s father. Atticus is moved but insists Calpurnia tell them not to sacrifice during hard times, then heads to town.
Miss Maudie invites the children for cake and encourages Jem, explaining that some people, like Atticus, are born to do hard things for others. She reveals Judge Taylor likely chose Atticus deliberately, and that keeping the jury out so long was a small but real step forward. Outside, Dill copes by vowing to become a clown who laughs at people.
News sweeps in that Bob Ewell confronted Atticus on the post office corner, spit in his face, and swore revenge. The threat underscores lingering hostility after the trial and foreshadows further conflict.
Who Appears
- Jem FinchDevastated by the guilty verdict; questions adult morality; begins seeing Maycomb differently.
- Atticus FinchCalm after the trial; promises an appeal; moved by community’s thanks; confronted and threatened by Bob Ewell.
- Scout FinchNarrates events; observes family dynamics and town reactions; accompanies Jem and Dill.
- Miss Maudie AtkinsonComforts the children; explains Judge Taylor’s choice and the jury’s delay as a small step forward.
- Dill HarrisReports Miss Rachel’s reaction; copes by declaring he’ll be a clown who laughs at people.
- Aunt AlexandraShows concern for Atticus and Jem; admonishes Dill’s cynicism; calls the children inside.
- Miss Stephanie CrawfordGossips about the trial and later publicizes Bob Ewell’s assault on Atticus.
- Mr. AveryPresent with neighbors during post-trial gossip; reacts to town news.
- Miss RachelDill’s guardian; upset about his absence; warns of danger after Ewell’s threat.
- Bob EwellSpits in Atticus’s face and vows revenge, escalating post-trial tensions.
- CalpurniaPrepares the gifted food and relays the community’s gratitude to Atticus.