Here we come to the pivotal climax of the book, known as Tom Robinson's trial. Early in the trial, we notice some confusion in testimony with Mr. Heck Tate, the county sheriff. He can't seem to figure out which of Mayella Ewell's eye was blackened. Also, Mayella's own testimony is a contradiction. At first, she doesn't recall Tom hitting her, but then she remembers her story and says, "Yes, he hit me!"
The injuries that the sheriff describes suggest that whoever beat Mayella Ewell led his blows almost exclusively with his left hand. Tom's left arm is unusable. "Got it caught in a cotton gin when I was 12 years old." I don't think he could have done such an act, even if he desired to. He's physically unable.
Yet, the jury are prejudiced against black people. The verdict is guilty as charged, and no, it's not right. If we can learn not to look at the color of a man and judge him for that, we're that much better off. Although he didn't win his case, the entire black balcony rises in respect for him as he leaves the courtroom. This is possibly one of the best moments in the entire book to me.
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