Contents
Chapter 20
Overview
Dill and Scout meet Dolphus Raymond, who reveals he only pretends to be drunk so the town can rationalize his unconventional life. They return as Atticus delivers a forceful closing argument exposing the lack of evidence, Mayella’s guilt, and the ideal of equality before the law. His plea to the jury ends as Calpurnia enters, signaling a shift.
Summary
Outside the courthouse, Dolphus Raymond invites Dill and Scout to share his paper sack, which holds Coca-Cola—not whiskey. He explains he pretends to drink so townspeople can excuse his choice to live with the Black community and have mixed children, trusting children to understand what adults refuse to.
Dolphus Raymond comforts Dill, saying his tears come from recognizing the casual cruelty people inflict, especially whites against Black people. Scout recalls Atticus’s view that cheating a Black man is worse than cheating a white man, and Dolphus Raymond praises Atticus as uncommon.
Scout and Dill hurry back to the balcony as Atticus begins his closing. Atticus removes parts of his attire, signaling unusual candor, and addresses the jury plainly: there is no medical evidence of a rape, the Ewells’ testimonies are contradicted, and Mayella’s actions sprang from guilt after breaking a rigid racial taboo.
Atticus argues that Mayella’s desire led her to accuse Tom to hide her offense and that circumstantial evidence points to a left-handed assailant, while Tom’s left arm is crippled. He condemns racist assumptions underlying the state’s case, insisting human failings are not racial.
Atticus asserts that the court should be the great leveler where all men are created equal, urging the jurors to honor their duty and restore Tom to his family. As he finishes—murmuring, “In the name of God, believe him”—Dill spots Calpurnia walking down the aisle toward Atticus, signaling an imminent development.
Who Appears
- Dolphus RaymondReveals he only pretends to be drunk; explains his choices and comforts Dill’s moral distress.
- Atticus FinchDelivers a frank, persuasive closing argument urging the jury to reject prejudice and acquit Tom.
- Scout FinchObserves Dolphus Raymond’s revelation and Atticus’s summation; returns to court with Dill.
- Dill HarrisSoothed by Dolphus Raymond’s Coca-Cola and perspective; watches Atticus’s closing.
- Jem FinchConfident in Atticus’s case; follows the closing argument from the balcony.
- Tom RobinsonDefendant; sits at counsel table as Atticus argues the evidence exonerates him.
- Judge TaylorPresides over court; grants Atticus leeway during his closing argument.
- Mr. GilmerProsecutor; his cross-examination is mostly missed as the children return.
- Reverend SykesSaves the children’s seats in the colored balcony.
- CalpurniaEnters the courtroom at the end, heading toward Atticus, foreshadowing news.