Contents
Chapter 21
Overview
Calpurnia brings a note that Scout and Jem are missing; they are discovered watching from the balcony. After being sent home for supper, the children return to await the verdict as tension mounts. Despite Jem’s confidence, the jury convicts Tom Robinson. Atticus leaves quietly while the Black spectators stand to honor him.
Summary
Calpurnia enters the courtroom with a note from Aunt Alexandra, alerting Judge Taylor and Atticus that Scout and Jem are missing. Mr. Underwood reveals the children have been watching from the Colored balcony. Atticus orders them home with Calpurnia for supper but allows them to return if the jury is still out.
Back at the courthouse, Reverend Sykes has saved their seats. The jury is deliberating, and Jem confidently predicts acquittal, citing the evidence, while Reverend Sykes warns that juries do not favor Black defendants over white accusers. The courtroom settles into a long, tense wait as night falls.
Atticus paces quietly; Judge Taylor dozes; the crowd sits in churchlike silence. Hours pass until Heck Tate calls the court to order and Tom Robinson is brought back. The jury files in, avoiding Tom’s gaze—a sign Scout recognizes as foretelling conviction.
Judge Taylor polls the jury: guilty on all counts. Jem grips the rail in shock as the verdict contradicts his faith in fairness. Atticus calmly gathers his papers, speaks softly to Tom Robinson, and exits down the center aisle without looking up.
As Atticus passes, Reverend Sykes prompts Scout to stand. The Black spectators in the balcony rise to honor Atticus’s integrity, marking both Tom’s defeat and the community’s respect for Atticus’s stand.
Who Appears
- Atticus FinchReceives the note, allows the children to return, awaits the verdict, and exits solemnly after Tom’s conviction.
- Jem FinchConvinced of acquittal, debates the evidence, then is devastated by the guilty verdict.
- Scout (Jean Louise Finch)Observes the courtroom tension, recognizes the jury’s tell, and stands as Atticus passes.
- CalpurniaDelivers Aunt Alexandra’s note, scolds the children, and escorts them home for supper.
- Reverend SykesSaves the children’s seats, tempers Jem’s optimism, and prompts Scout to stand for Atticus.
- Judge John TaylorManages proceedings, charges the jury, and polls the guilty verdicts.
- Tom RobinsonReturned to court to hear the verdict; the jury avoids his eyes before convicting him.
- Heck TateCalls the courtroom to order and helps process the verdict’s formalities.
- Mr. UnderwoodReveals the children’s location in the balcony during the trial.
- Mr. GilmerWaits with the court officers and acknowledges Atticus after the verdict.
- Dill HarrisReturns with the Finches after supper and falls asleep during the wait.
- Aunt AlexandraSends the note about the missing children and silently disapproves of their return.
- Bert (court reporter)Passes time chain-smoking during deliberations; part of the tense courtroom tableau.