Chapter Discussion Take out a sheet of paper and reflect on the following questions based on your reading: Atticus, Aunt Alexandra, Jem, and Scout discuss classifications of people in Chapter 23. Do you think that people should mix with others of the same social class and/or race? Are class/race divisions good or bad for societies? What can you learn from the women of Maycomb about proper and improper behavior in Chapter 24?

Reactions of Maycomb You were to have found evidence of the reactions to Tom Robinson’s trial in Maycomb County. Based on your findings… What similarities in reactions do you see? Differences? Why do you think these are present? What is Harper Lee’s purpose in having a variety of reactions? Does your reaction to the trial align with any of the characters? Why? How did society shape or influence the individuals?

The Scottsboro Boys When Harper Lee was a child, the Scottsboro Trials took place in Alabama. These trials are commonly thought to be the inspiration for To Kill a Mockingbird, though Lee denies this. Nine black youths (ages 12-19) were accused of raping two white women on a train from Chattanooga to Memphis, Tennesse

The Scottsboro Boys On March 25, 1931, the nine black young men, as well as several white young men, rode a train illegally. The boys got into a fight, and the black boys were kicked off the train. They told station masters at the closest stop they had been beaten by the black boys. Police arranged to arrest them at the next station (Paint Rock, Alabama).

The Scottsboro Boys At the next stop, to avoid being punished themselves, Ruby Bates and Victoria Price – both prostitutes -- claimed the black boys raped them. On March 30, 1931, all of the Scottsboro Boys were formally charged with rape by an all-white jury. Trials began a few days later, with several boys on trial at once.

Ruby Bates (17) and Victoria Price (21) in 1931

The Scottsboro Boys Because their parents could not afford good lawyers, all were convicted and sentenced to death – except 12-year-old Leroy “Roy” Wright. The cases quickly became famous, causing rallies and riots.

The Scottsboro Boys In November 1932, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned all the convictions on the ground that due process was not followed. The new trials began in March 1933, with each defendant tried separately. Sam Leibowitz agrees to take the case without fees. There was a total of four rounds of trials. Ruby Bates later recanted her story.

Haywood Patterson (18) Friends with Eugene Williams, Roy Wright, and Andy Wright Electric chair sentence Commuted to 75 years Survived a jail stabbing Escaped prison July 1948 Later caught by FBI, but not sent back to Alabama Scottsboro Boy 1950 autobiography Later arrested for a bar fight December 1950 Died in prison 1952

Andrew Wright (19) Sentenced to 99 years Paroled January 1944 Imprisoned again after returning to testify at Patterson and Powell’s parole hearings (1946) Paroled June 1950 Arrested again on charges of rape (8 months jail time) "Everywhere I go, it seems like Scottsboro is throwed up in my face. I don't believe I'll ever live it down," he lamented.

Leroy “Roy” Wright (12) Spent 6 years in jail Released in 1937; charges dropped Died August 1959

Eugene Williams (13) Convicted at Scottsboro Supreme Court struck down his conviction based on his age Released in 1937 after 6 years without a retrial

Charlie Weems (16) Sentenced to death Commuted to 75 years served 20 In a case of mistaken identify, he was stabbed in jail but survived Tear gassed in his cell for reading

Ozzie Powell (16) Sentenced to death Assaulted a sheriff when being transported from Patterson’s trial Shot in the head and survived Rape charges were dropped Sentenced to 20 years for assault Paroled in June 1946

Olen Montgomery (17) nearly blind found alone at the end of the car at the time of the alleged crime 1937 rape charges dropped; released from jail

Willie Roberson (16) Suffered from syphilis at the time of the alleged crime that he could hardly walk Released in 1937 after 6 years without a retrial. In a bar when a fight broke out. Although not involved, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.

Clarence Norris (19) Sentenced to death Sentence commuted to life in prison January 1944 released on parole September 1944 in violation of parole – sent back to jail Paroled in September 1946 later wrote book about his ordeal Pardoned October 1976 Died 1989 (last Scottsboro boy)

Summary: Nine African American young men were accused of raping two white women. In spite of evidence of the men’s innocence, 8 of the 9 were sentenced to death. After many appeals, new trials, and Supreme Court involvement, 4 were freed and the rest served long prison terms.

Reflection 1.How were the motivations of Ruby Bates and Victoria Price from the Scottsboro case similar to the Ewell’s in the Tom Robinson case? What did both parties have to gain and lose? 2.What disadvantages were the nine boys facing? 3.How did the time period contribute to the trouble that arose? 4.How did the actions of society shape the individuals involved in the Scottsboro trial?

Atticus’ Closing Argument Reread Atticus’ closing argument from Chapter 20 (handout provided) In the margins, identify the main point of each paragraph What rhetorical strategies does Atticus incorporate into his message? Which are the most persuasive? Why?

Homework Read Chapters Answer Study Guide Questions