What does she mean?
Answer: Scout means that prejudices are more powerful than the law.
Explanation:
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Tom Robinson is found guilty of raping Mayella Ewell despite the insufficient evidence to prove his guilt. He tried to escape from prison, but was shot dead.
When she said that Atticus had no case in ''the secret court of men's hearts'', Scout means that the final verdict reached by the jury will be largely influenced by their prejudices. People in Maycomb have deep racial prejudices, and Tom is a black man. Although Atticus gave his best to defend Tom, he had no real chance in court.
Could she have reached such a conclusion at the beginning of the novel? Why or why not?
Answer: It is unlikely that she could have reached such a conclusion at the beginning of the novel.
Explanation: At the beginning of the novel, Scout was not familiar with Tom Robinson's case. When it comes to racial inequality, Scout, as an innocent child, lived in complete ignorance. Learning about racial prejudices was a part of her growing up. Tom's case helped her understand that society can be very cruel. Although Tom was an innocent, family man, he tragically died only because of the color of his skin.
