Chapters 20/21: Examine the final line of chapter 21. What is the significance?

The final line of chapter twenty-one defines respect at the time when Atticus just lost his case. As the jury was reading out the guilty verdict, Reverend Sykes, leader of the African American community, tells Scout to stand up because her father is passing by. In fact all of the African Americans in the courtroom were standing to show Atticus respect, despite his loss in the case to defend Tom Robinson. Most people in Maycomb gain respect from doing things like hunting or playing football. Earlier, Scout noticed that her father, Atticus, doesn’t seem to do what other fathers do, saying,  “Atticus did not drive a dump-truck for the county, he was not the sheriff, he did not farm, work in a garage, or do anything that could possibly arouse the admiration of anyone” (Lee 118). In fact Atticus gained respect by trying his hardest even when he knew he would fail. This reminds the reader about Mrs. Dubose, who also tried her hardest until the end. Atticus gains respect from the African American community and Scout by what he did, namely giving dignity and honor for all.

Chapters 8/9: Discuss Atticus' explanation of the case to Scout. What does Atticus mean by "Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win?"

    When Atticus and Scout are talking about Atticus defending a Negro (Tom Robinson) at a trial, Atticus says that, "Just because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win" (Lee 101) to explain that just because something was basically decided already, doesn't mean that you shouldn't try and win it still. They were talking about this because Tom Robinson is a Negro accused of a crime, so the jury is going to be prejudiced and call him guilty just for the color of his skin. Even so, Atticus wants to try, for that small, small chance that they will win. The town of Maycomb thinks that Atticus should not try very hard to defend Tom, but he is still going to attempt to win, hence the insults thrown by Cecil Jacobs (Lee 102) and Francis(Lee 110 and 112). It shows that Atticus is a one of a few people that have no problem with others based on race. The rest of Maycomb is not so nonchalant about it though. But why do Aunt Alexandra and Francis, think differently? What is it that makes African-Americans so bad, that they shouldn't even be defended correctly?  And what did Tom Robinson do?