At the end of chapter 15 Mr. Underwood comes out of the darkness with a double barreled shotgun, saying that he was protecting Atticus all along. Yet, at the start of chapter 16 it is revealed that Mr. Underwood is a racist man who would not even stand by a black man near him. "You know it's a funny thing about Braxton... He despises Negroes, won't have one near him" (Lee 178). He was also named after a confederate general named Braxton Bragg, but did injustice to that name. Underwood's parents and family did not approve of black people and wanted them to have less rights. It is peculiar that Mr. Underwood would want to help Atticus to protect Robinson as he is not in favor of blacks. This has to do with the idea of courage shown in this book. Even though Mr. Underwood does not support blacks, he still wants Tom Robinson to have an equal trial whether he is guilt or not. In the end of chapter 15, Mr. Underwood and Atticus share a private moment to talk. I believe that they talked about the mob that had come to the jail center and what could happen to Tom Robinson in this case. This act of courage that is shown by Mr. Underwood will most likely spark inspiration into other white people that may have been hurtful to blacks in the past. Having the racist past that Mr. Underwood has, I hope that Robinson will have a fair trial and more whites will support Mr. Underwood's views and have a fair mind for Robinson's trail.
What do you feel that the greater white population feels about the case? Do you believe that Robinson has any chance to be claimed innocent by the white jury?
I agree with you that Mr. Underwood is courageous for trying to protect Atticus, even when he doesn't necessarily agree with him in regards to the Tom Robinson case. I think, however, that Mr. Underwood does not represent the rest of the white population of Maycomb. He may be able to protect Atticus even when he strongly disagrees with his opinion, but I don't think the rest of the white population would be willing to do this. They voice their opinions out loud, and insult the Finch kids as they walk by. "Your father's no better than the niggers and trash he works for!" (Lee 135). They could never be openminded enough to change their opinion even if Atticus may even be right. Mr. Underwood's courage and open mind are unique to himself, and are two traits that the majority of the other white people in Maycomb do not have. If they did, Atticus might actually have a chance of winning his case. The verdict relies solely on people's ability to change their opinions, and their open mindedness.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Mr. Underwood is courageous for trying to protect Atticus, even when he doesn't necessarily agree with him in regards to the Tom Robinson case. I think, however, that Mr. Underwood does not represent the rest of the white population of Maycomb. He may be able to protect Atticus even when he strongly disagrees with his opinion, but I don't think the rest of the white population would be willing to do this. They voice their opinions out loud, and insult the Finch kids as they walk by. "Your father's no better than the niggers and trash he works for!" (Lee 135). They could never be openminded enough to change their opinion even if Atticus may even be right. Mr. Underwood's courage and open mind are unique to himself, and are two traits that the majority of the other white people in Maycomb do not have. If they did, Atticus might actually have a chance of winning his case. The verdict relies solely on people's ability to change their opinions, and their open mindedness.
ReplyDeleteMr. Underwood is one of the best examples of courage demonstrated so far in this novel. He stands up for what he believes in, and while he contradicted his racist views by protecting Atticus and Tom Robinson, he shows that there are some biases that precede others. In this example, he shows that he is a friend of Atticus, and he has the good sense to realize that relationships that have been nurtured precede the opinions based on beliefs. His character is portrayed in a positive light, both by the narrarator and Atticus, right up there with Ms. Dubose.
ReplyDeleteThis passage also reveals that Mr. Underwood is very loyal. Atticus knows that Mr. Underwood is racist, and Atticus says himself that Mr. Underwood "despises Negroes, won't have one near him," (Lee 209). Mr Underwood still covers for Atticus, and is waiting to shoot anyone that lays a hand on him. While he is doing this, he is also supporting the cause of Tom Robinson, a Black man, just by being on Atticus's side. Although Mr. Underwood might not support Tom Robinson, he does support Atticus. He is able to put aside his pride to show that his friendship is more important than his racist beliefs.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Delila that Mr. Underwood is different from the rest of the white population in Maycomb. Maycomb is in the South, and in the South, at the time period of the book, white generations were taught that they were better than black people. I personally believe that due to this upcoming very few whites will side with Atticus. "Well, I'm sure Cal knows it. Everybody in Maycomb knows it," (Lee 209). In this quote Atticus is explaining how it is not a secret in the Maycomb society that Mr. Underwood does not like black people. So, when saying everybody in Maycomb knows it shows that Maycomb is a community in which society members openly dislike black people. It seems to me that this also suggests it would be very big news that people in Maycomb do like black people. This helps me to understand that Robinson does not have a chance at winning the case.
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