The author chose to have the jury take several hours to decide Tom Robinson's fate in order to show that they did not hastily make the decision.
One possible reason why the author chose to have the jury take several hours to decide Tom Robinson's fate is to emphasize the seriousness and complexity of the decision they were making. By taking their time, the jury members had the opportunity to carefully consider the evidence presented during the trial and weigh the arguments from both the prosecution and the defense. This suggests that they were not simply making a snap judgment based on initial impressions or biases.
Another reason could be to highlight the tension and suspense surrounding the trial. By prolonging the deliberation process, the author creates a sense of anticipation for both the characters in the story and the readers. This heightens the emotional impact of the eventual verdict and adds to the overall dramatic effect of the narrative.
Furthermore, by showing that the jury deliberated for several hours, the author may also be commenting on the flaws and biases within the justice system. This prolonged deliberation could be seen as a reflection of the racial prejudice and injustice that was prevalent during the time period in which the story is set. It suggests that even with overwhelming evidence in favor of Tom Robinson's innocence, the jury still struggled to reach a fair and just decision due to societal biases.
In summary, the author's choice to have the jury take several hours to decide Tom Robinson's fate serves multiple purposes. It emphasizes the gravity of the decision, creates tension and suspense, and highlights the flaws and biases within the justice system.