To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 20 Summary, Flashcards & Quizzes
Notes
Overview
In Chapter 20 of 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Scout and Dill meet Mr. Dolphus Raymond, who reveals that he pretends to be a drunk to justify his unconventional lifestyle. The chapter contrasts Mr. Raymond's views on societal prejudice with Atticus's courtroom defense of Tom Robinson, highlighting themes of race, innocence, and morality.
Mr. Raymond's Secret: A Sip of Coca-Cola
Chapter 20 Overview
- **Setting**: The scene takes place in a park area near the courthouse where Mr. Dolphus Raymond offers Dill a drink from a paper sack.
- **Characters Present**: Scout, Dill, Mr. Dolphus Raymond, references to Atticus Finch and Aunt Alexandra.
Mr. Raymond's Character
- **Appearance and Behavior**: Described as an evil man by Scout, but he has a charm that intrigues Dill and Scout.
- **Reputation**: He pretends to be a drunkard to provide an excuse for his lifestyle choices, which includes mingling with people of different races.
- **Philosophy**: He believes that people need reasons to justify others' behaviors, hence his facade of drinking alcohol.
Key Themes
- **Social Prejudice**: Mr. Raymond explains the societal pressures that lead him to pretend to be a drunk, illustrating the themes of racism and social expectations.
- **Innocence and Understanding**: Mr. Raymond entrusts his secret to the children, believing they can understand it better than adults. This highlights the theme of lost innocence as Dill and Scout grapple with complex societal issues.
- **Truth and Lies**: The discussion of Mr. Raymond's lifestyle raises questions about honesty and the facades people maintain to navigate societal judgments.
Atticus's Courtroom Speech
- **Context**: Atticus is addressing the jury in the trial of Tom Robinson, emphasizing the lack of evidence against him.
- **Main Arguments**:
- The case is straightforward and relies on questionable testimonies.
- Atticus implores the jury to recognize their biases and the moral responsibility they hold.
- **Key Quotes**:
- “This case is as simple as black and white.”
- “A court is only as sound as its jury.”
- **Appeal to Justice**: Atticus encourages the jury to look beyond racial prejudices and make a fair judgment based on the evidence presented.
Conclusion of the Chapter
- **Dill's Response**: Dill feels comforted by Mr. Raymond's drink, highlighting the innocence of children amidst adult corruption.
- **Calpurnia's Entrance**: The chapter ends with Calpurnia approaching Atticus, indicating a shift back to the serious events of the trial.
Study Questions
- What does Mr. Raymond's character reveal about societal norms and expectations?
- How does Atticus's speech reflect his values and the theme of justice?
- In what ways do Dill and Scout's perceptions of adults change throughout this chapter?
Flashcards (24)
Study all 24 flashcards below. Tap each card in the interactive viewer to flip between question and answer.
Card 1: Who offers Dill a drink to settle his stomach?
Mr. Dolphus Raymond offers Dill a drink from his paper sack.
Card 2: What beverage does Mr. Raymond actually drink?
Mr. Raymond drinks Coca-Cola, not alcohol.
Card 3: What does Mr. Raymond say about pretending to drink alcohol?
He pretends to drink whiskey so that people will have a reason for his lifestyle and not judge him harshly.
Card 4: Why does Mr. Raymond think it helps people to have a reason for his behavior?
He believes it helps people understand his choices and gives them a way to rationalize their opinions about him.
Card 5: What does Atticus Finch say is worse than cheating a white man?
Atticus says that cheating a colored man is ten times worse than cheating a white man.
Card 6: What does Mr. Raymond imply about the way people treat others?
He implies that people often give others hell without thinking, especially regarding race.
Card 7: What does Scout find fascinating about Mr. Raymond?
Scout finds it fascinating that Mr. Raymond chooses to pretend to be something he is not to protect himself from judgment.
Card 8: What key event are Scout and Dill missing while talking to Mr. Raymond?
They are missing the crossexamination in the courtroom.
Card 9: How does Atticus Finch present his case in court?
Atticus presents his case calmly and logically, appealing to the jury's sense of justice.
Card 10: What does Atticus say about the evidence against Tom Robinson?
He states that the state has not produced any medical evidence and relies on questionable witness testimonies.
Card 11: What does Atticus claim is the real motive behind Mayella Ewell's accusations?
Atticus claims that Mayella's guilt over breaking societal codes motivated her to accuse Tom Robinson.
Card 12: How does Atticus describe the societal code that Mayella broke?
He describes it as a rigid and time-honored code that results in severe punishment for those who break it, especially regarding race.
Card 13: What does Atticus mean when he says 'some Negroes lie, some Negroes are immoral'?
He means that these traits are human traits that apply to all people, regardless of race, and should not be generalized.
Card 14: What institution does Atticus say makes all men equal?
Atticus states that the court system makes all men equal, regardless of their social status.
Card 15: How does Atticus appeal to the jury during his closing argument?
He appeals to their sense of justice and integrity, urging them to review the evidence without passion.
Card 16: What does Atticus do with his clothing during his speech?
He loosens his tie, unbuttons his vest and collar, and takes off his coat, which is unusual for him.
Card 17: What does Atticus mean by saying the case should never have come to trial?
He believes the evidence is so weak that it should not have been brought before the court in the first place.
Card 18: What does Atticus say about the assumptions made about Negroes?
He criticizes the jury for assuming that all Negroes lie and are immoral, emphasizing the need for individual judgment.
Card 19: What does Atticus call Mayella Ewell's actions towards Tom Robinson?
He refers to her actions as an attempt to destroy the evidence of her guilt by accusing Tom Robinson.
Card 20: What does Dill notice about Calpurnia at the courthouse?
Dill notices Calpurnia walking up the middle aisle toward Atticus.
Card 21: What is the significance of Atticus saying 'in the name of God, do your duty'?
This plea emphasizes the moral responsibility of the jury to deliver justice based on the evidence presented.
Card 22: What childhood perspective does Mr. Raymond offer about Dill's instincts?
He suggests that Dill's instincts will change as he grows older, implying that he will learn to cope with societal injustices without crying.
Card 23: How does Mr. Raymond describe the perception of his lifestyle by others?
He explains that people think he is in the clutches of whiskey, allowing them to justify his unconventional lifestyle.
Card 24: What is Atticus's view on the jury's role in the courtroom?
Atticus believes that the jury's integrity is crucial for the court's functioning, as a court is only as sound as the jury that constitutes it.
Quiz (23 Questions)
Test your knowledge with all 23 multiple-choice questions. Select your answer for each question to check your understanding.
Question 1: What does Mr. Dolphus Raymond offer Dill to settle his stomach?
Correct Answer: Coca-Cola
Explanation: Mr. Raymond offers Dill a paper sack with Coca-Cola in it, pretending it is something stronger to help maintain his reputation.
Question 2: Why does Mr. Raymond pretend to drink alcohol?
Correct Answer: To give people a reason for his lifestyle
Explanation: Mr. Raymond explains that he pretends to drink alcohol so people can perceive his lifestyle choices as a result of being in the 'clutches of whiskey' rather than understanding his true desires.
Question 3: What does Dill realize after drinking from the straws?
Correct Answer: It was just Coca-Cola
Explanation: Dill discovers that the drink is actually just Coca-Cola, which surprises him and highlights Mr. Raymond's deception.
Question 4: What does Atticus Finch argue is the main issue in Tom Robinson's trial?
Correct Answer: Lack of evidence
Explanation: Atticus emphasizes that there is no medical evidence supporting the charges against Tom Robinson, making the case fundamentally flawed.
Question 5: What does Atticus say about Mayella Ewell’s actions?
Correct Answer: She acted out of guilt
Explanation: Atticus argues that Mayella's actions were driven by her guilt over breaking societal codes, which led her to falsely accuse Tom Robinson.
Question 6: What does Atticus mean by saying 'all men are created equal'?
Correct Answer: The court treats everyone equally
Explanation: Atticus asserts that while not everyone is equal in terms of wealth, intelligence, or opportunity, the court serves as the great leveler where everyone should be treated equally under the law.
Question 7: How does Mr. Raymond view people's perception of him?
Correct Answer: He sees it as a necessary facade
Explanation: Mr. Raymond believes that pretending to be a drunk helps others rationalize his unconventional lifestyle, allowing him to live as he wishes without facing their judgment.
Question 8: What does Dill's innocence represent in the conversation with Mr. Raymond?
Correct Answer: Naivety
Explanation: Dill's innocence demonstrates a child-like perspective that has not yet been tainted by the harsh realities of prejudice and societal expectations.
Question 9: What does Atticus do that surprises Scout and Jem during his speech?
Correct Answer: He takes off his coat
Explanation: Atticus loosens his clothing, which is unusual for him and signifies a moment of vulnerability as he speaks sincerely to the jury.
Question 10: What does Atticus suggest is the true nature of the witnesses against Tom Robinson?
Correct Answer: They are biased and untrustworthy
Explanation: Atticus points out that the witnesses have presented their testimony with the expectation that they will not be questioned due to their racial biases.
Question 11: What is the significance of Atticus’s statement about the court?
Correct Answer: It emphasizes its importance
Explanation: Atticus asserts that the court is the one institution that can level the playing field, making it crucial for justice in society.
Question 12: What does Mr. Raymond imply about the world when he talks to the children?
Correct Answer: It is complicated and unfair
Explanation: Mr. Raymond shares insights about the injustices faced by people, particularly in terms of race, implying that the world is not as simple as it seems.
Question 13: Why does Atticus believe Mayella Ewell is not entirely innocent?
Correct Answer: She broke societal codes
Explanation: Atticus argues that Mayella knowingly crossed societal boundaries by engaging with a black man, which was considered unacceptable in their society.
Question 14: How does the atmosphere of the courtroom change during Atticus's closing arguments?
Correct Answer: It is filled with tension
Explanation: As Atticus speaks, the gravity of the situation creates a tense atmosphere, as everyone is aware of the life-and-death stakes involved.
Question 15: What is Dill’s reaction to Mr. Raymond’s drink?
Correct Answer: He enjoys it
Explanation: Dill enjoys the Coca-Cola, finding it to be 'mighty settlin', which shows his innocence and the simplicity of childhood pleasures.
Question 16: What does Atticus say about human nature in his closing remarks?
Correct Answer: Everyone has lied or sinned
Explanation: Atticus acknowledges that everyone, regardless of race, has flaws and has made mistakes, underscoring the shared humanity of all people.
Question 17: What does the phrase 'the simple hell people give other people' refer to?
Correct Answer: Social prejudice
Explanation: Mr. Raymond is referring to the societal cruelty and judgment that individuals face, particularly in the context of racial inequality.
Question 18: What is Atticus’s primary goal in his defense of Tom Robinson?
Correct Answer: To uphold justice
Explanation: Atticus aims to ensure that justice is served and that the jury sees the truth of Tom Robinson's innocence, rather than being swayed by racial biases.
Question 19: What does Atticus mean by saying that 'a court is only as sound as its jury'?
Correct Answer: Juries determine the truth
Explanation: Atticus is emphasizing that the quality and integrity of the jury directly affect the outcomes of trials, highlighting the importance of their decisions.
Question 20: What does Scout notice about the jury's reaction to Atticus's speech?
Correct Answer: They are attentive
Explanation: Scout observes that the jury is listening to Atticus with interest and respect, indicating the impact of his arguments.
Question 21: What theme is primarily explored through Mr. Raymond's conversation with the children?
Correct Answer: Deception and truth
Explanation: Mr. Raymond's discussion about his facade illustrates the theme of how truth can be obscured by societal expectations and prejudices.
Question 22: What does Atticus suggest is the consequence of Mayella Ewell's actions?
Correct Answer: Tom Robinson will be convicted
Explanation: Atticus argues that Mayella's guilt and the societal norms lead to the wrongful accusation and potential conviction of Tom Robinson.
Question 23: What is the significance of Atticus taking off his glasses during his speech?
Correct Answer: It symbolizes vulnerability
Explanation: Atticus's action of removing his glasses signifies a moment of vulnerability and sincerity as he connects with the jury on a human level.
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