In Chapter 22 of To Kill a
Mockingbird, Atticus Finch assures his children, Scout and Jem, that he has
not yet given up on Tom Robinson, who was found guilty of rape the evening before. As
he informs them that he will appeal on Robinson's behalf, he is sidetracked by the
unusual breakfast Calpurnia serves him, which includes chicken. The black community
shows their appreciation for Atticus's work by sending him food, since they are unable
to afford to show their gratitude in other ways. Atticus is truly touched by the gifts
he receives, especially knowing that those families must have sacrificed in order to
thank him.
Atticus leaves in the middle of his breakfast,
but Dill takes his place and enjoys devouring Atticus's leftovers. As he eats, Dill
tells the Finch children his aunt's opinion of Atticus's
efforts.
"...which was: if a man like Atticus Finch wants
to butt his head against a stone wall it's his
head."
Clearly, Rachel
believes that Atticus has a right to do as he chooses, but that his efforts will go in
vain.
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