The purpose of Atticus' speech is to raise the issue of Tom Robinson's trial and to prove his innocence. He also acknowledges the jury's difficult position in having to overcome the racial prejudices and segregations in the society. Atticus strives to convince the jury to execute an impartial and just ruling.

Atticus attempts to put the case into terms with which the jury can identify with. For instance, he evokes empathy in the courtroom by making the analogy of the child that steals contraband. `She (Mayella) did something every child has done'. Here Atticus creates the allusion to compare Mayella's actions to a young child. Atticus also uses repetition to build up the impact of his arguments. For instance, he uses repetition whilst referring to Mayella; `She persisted in breaking it. She persisted,'. Here he uses repetition to emphasise his case and evidence. Atticus' speech revolves around...