I am reading the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. In the recent chapters we learn about the Ewell’s life at home. I also read about the Tom Robinson case and the court hearing which covered every chapter read within the time frame of this journal. Within this journal I will be characterizing Tom Robinson as considerate and meek. Throughout the book Tom Robinson can be characterized as considerate and meek. There is strong evidence of Tom being considerate in the book. The first piece of evidence of Tom being considerate is when he agrees to do chores for Mayella when she asks him. This proves he is considerate because Mayella asks Tom to do multiple chores, and he does them without complaint. Tom does not have to do these chores …show more content…
Men do not hit or push women, especially black men of this time. Tom can also be characterized as meek. The first reason Tom can be considered meek is, he does not show anger. This quote helps to demonstrate this, “I say Miss Mayella lemme outa here an’ tried to run but she got her back to the door an’ I’da had to push her. I didn’t want to harm her, Mr. Finch, an’ I say lemme pass” (Lee 260). In this quote Tom was trying to get away from Mayella who attacked him, and instead of lashing out he asks her to move out of the way demonstrating his ability to not become angered. Another reason Tom can be considered meek is he shows respect for his betters. In court Tom answers to the questions posed by Atticus and Mr. Gilmer by following each answer with “suh” (Lee 255). This is showing he is respectful towards his betters because in the 1930s whites were black mens’ betters, and showing he is meek by giving this respect. The final reason Tom can be considered meek is because he did not fight back when he was in a fight. Here is the quote from the book explaining what happened, “‘You were given thirty days once for disorderly conduct, Robinson?’ asked Mr. Gilmer. ‘Yes suh.’ ‘What’d the nigger look like when you got