Question

The men apparently have come to the jail to lynch Tom Robinson. As they move toward

the jailhouse door, one of them asks, "He in there, Mr. Finch?" He is obviously referring to Robinson. Another says, "You know what we want...Get aside from the door, Mr. Finch." Their words, combined with their menacing movements, imply that they intend to harm Tom Robinson. It is likely that they mean to kill him. Lynching was still a very real threat in America in the 1930s, especially for a black man accused of raping a white woman. The threat of a lynch mob explains why Heck Tate had been uneasy when he spoke to Atticus earlier in the evening. This is the kind of "trouble" he had been expecting.

Answer 1

During the 1930s, African Americans in America faced discrimination and violence, including the threat of lynching. Lynchings were carried out by mobs who would torture and execute their victims, often without punishment. Victims were usually innocent and subjected to these acts because of their race.

Step-by-step explanation:

African Americans in America during the 1930s faced discrimination and violence, including the threat of lynching. Lynching was when a mob illegally seized and executed a person, often innocent victims. The mob would subject the victims to torture and mutilation before hanging and shooting them. Lynchings were rarely punished, and the victims' race played a significant role in these crimes.

Answer 2

The men outside the jailhouse, addressing Mr. Finch and indicating Tom Robinson, suggest their intention to harm or potentially kill Robinson, reflecting the pervasive threat of lynching faced by black individuals accused of crimes, particularly in the racially tense climate of 1930s America.

Step-by-step explanation:

The scene in "To Kill a Mockingbird" where the men approach Atticus Finch at the jail portrays a tense moment charged with racial animosity. Their inquiry about Tom Robinson's presence, coupled with their insistent demand for Atticus to step aside, conveys an ominous threat. Lynch mobs were a terrifying reality in the 1930s, especially for African Americans accused of crimes against white individuals. This pervasive threat explains the unease felt by Heck Tate earlier.

The men's menacing demeanor and direct references to Robinson indicate their intent to harm or potentially kill him, underscoring the racial prejudices and dangers prevalent in that era. The men outside the jailhouse intended to harm or potentially kill Tom Robinson, reflecting the pervasive threat of lynching faced by black individuals accused of crimes, especially in the racially tense 1930s America.