Analyzing Atticus’s Closing Argument: Audience and Impact

In Chapter 20 of "To Kill a Mockingbird," Atticus Finch delivers a powerful closing argument during Tom Robinson’s trial. His speech is heard not only by the jury but also by his children, Scout and Jem, and many members of the Maycomb community who are watching from the balcony. For this assignment, you will write an argumentative paragraph analyzing the intended audience and the impact of Atticus’s words.

Write a well-developed argumentative paragraph in response to the prompt below. Your paragraph must include:

• A clear topic sentence
• Supporting evidence from Atticus’s closing argument, embedded and cited correctly in MLA format
• At least three commentary sentences that analyze the evidence and connect it to your argument
• A strong concluding sentence

Prompt: To what extent is Atticus's argument designed for the jury, and to what extent is it designed for his children and the rest of the Maycomb community watching from the balcony? Argue which audience is more deeply affected by his speech.

To what extent is Atticus's argument designed for the jury, and to what extent is it designed for his children and the rest of the Maycomb community watching from the balcony? Argue which audience is more deeply affected by his speech. Write an argumentative paragraph that includes a clear topic sentence, supporting evidence from the text embedded correctly in MLA format, at least three commentary sentences, and a strong concluding sentence.