Respect and Appreciation

     Atticus Finch was representing a black man, Tom Robinson, in a case in which Tom was being accused of raping a white girl. Because Atticus was representing Tom in this case, the other blacks showed their gratitude towards Atticus in several ways. 

     The blacks showed their support by appearing at the trial and watching intently from in the balcony. Despite everyone else's doubt and unbelief that Tom had not raped Mayella Ewell, Atticus stuck with the case. He made many strong points on how Tom could not have committed the crime that he was being accused of. Tom's friends and family greatly appreciated Atticus' determination and faithfulness, even though he knew he would most likely lose.

     Atticus made many good points during the trial, and it seemed so likely that he would win. Nonetheless, after several hours, the jury finally decided that Tom Robinson was indeed guilty. Even though everyone knew it would end that way, it was still a disappointment. Right after the trial ended, Atticus made his way down the isle toward the door. As he walked down the isle, the black people in the balconies stood up in respect. Even though they lost, they still respected Atticus and was very appreciative of him for standing up for and representing Tom Robinson.

    The morning after the trial, Calpurnia told Atticus that Tom Robinson's father had sent the Finch family a chicken as a token of thanks. He wasn't the only one, however. Rolls had been sent from someone at the hotel, and others left on the back porch hunks of pork, tomatoes, beans, and even scuppernongs and pickled pigs' knuckles! Atticus was brought to tears by the thanks and appreciation people had for him. Despite the odds of him losing the trial, Atticus fought with everything he had. And although he did lose, the blacks very much appreciated and thanked Atticus for doing everything he could to help their friend, Tom Robinson.