Jem's Diary

Dear Diary,

Sneaked up to the trial of Tom Robinson today with Dill and Scout. We sat at the coloured balcony with Reverend Skye.

Mr. Bob Ewell and Miss Mayella sure can lie. But Atticus got some skill. He revealed Miss Mayella had nobody be proper with her when he asked her if she had any friends! And Mr. Ewell does things to her, she said so herself.

Tom Robinson said Mayella jumped on him. I believe hi. Atticus showed it at the beginning when he asked about the last time he went to jail. I really thought we got him innocent. But that jury sure has some shadow of doubts. They charged him guilty! I don't think it's fair.

Why charge him because he's not our colour? Atticus told me it's because the world is full of ugly things. And that what I had seen today was just the start. He says when a white man charges a black man, the white man is trash. I hope they don't take Tom's life. Atticus says he has a good chance of another trial. But it will always be his color that will be judged.

Funny thing though. Calpurnia found lots of food outside the house. She said all of them were from all of the friends of Tom Robinson. I think they were thanking Atticus for his attempt, althougth he could not win the case. And Mr. Ewell gave him a real good wash of his spit. He said he was going to get Atticus. But I don't believe his; he's only angry, that's why.

-J.E.M.