In Chapter 9, Atticus has a conversation about the trial with his brother, Jack. Jack asks Atticus how bad he thinks the trial will be, and Atticus says,
"It couldn't be worse, Jack. The only thing we have is a black man's word against the Ewells'. The evidence boils down to you-did—I-didn't. The jury couldn't possibly be expected to take Tom Robinson's word against the Ewells'" (Lee 116).
Atticus' assessment of the trial...
In Chapter 9, Atticus has a conversation about the trial with his brother, Jack. Jack asks Atticus how bad he thinks the trial will be, and Atticus says,
"It couldn't be worse, Jack. The only thing we have is a black man's word against the Ewells'. The evidence boils down to you-did—I-didn't. The jury couldn't possibly be expected to take Tom Robinson's word against the Ewells'" (Lee 116).
Atticus' assessment of the trial is bleak, to say the least. Uncle Jack suggests that Atticus choose not to defend Tom and let this case pass from him. Although the case is unwinnable, Atticus is a morally upright individual and says that he wouldn't be able to live with himself if he chose not to defend Tom. Atticus goes on to tell his brother that he hopes Jem and Scout do not become bitter and listen to the prejudiced community members, but instead, choose to come to him for their answers.
At the beginning of Chapter 15, Sheriff Tate and several community members visit Atticus at his house before the trial. Link Deas comments,
"—don't see why you touched it in the first place...You've got everything to lose from this, Atticus. I mean everything" (Lee 195).
Atticus is fully aware of the weight of his decision to defend an African American in a prejudiced town. Atticus' reputation is at stake, and he is essentially setting his family up to for discrimination throughout the community. He understands that the majority of Maycomb will view him with contempt, and there is a chance his career as a lawyer and statesman will be ruined, but Atticus has the courage to face the adversity.
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