What does Reverend Sykes represent in To Kill a Mockingbird?

As minister of First Purchase Church, Reverend Sykes is an authority figure in Maycomb’s African-American community. Like Santa Claus, he’s knows if you’ve been bad or good: at the service Scout and Jem attend, he’s not afraid to name names when it comes to the sinners in his congregation.

How would you describe Reverend Sykes?

He’s a kind and generous man, though Scout notes that like all preachers in her experience, he’s preoccupied with sin and insisting that women are somehow compromised.

Who is Sykes in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Bill Walker
Bill Walker: Reverend Sykes Jump to: Photos (3)

Why does Reverend Sykes tell Scout to stand up?

Reverend Sykes tells scout to stand up because Atticus is passing by them. He wants her to show respect, however she doesn’t understand why he wants her to stand. It shows the readers that Atticus is upset and he feels defeated.

What kinds of sins does Reverend Sykes highlight in his sermon?

However, Reverend Sykes’s sermon is very similar to the kind of sermon delivered in Scout’s church: “His sermon was a forthright denunciation of sin…he warned his flock against the evils of heady brews, gambling, and strange women…

Why does Reverend Sykes force them to leave?

Sykes force them to leave? Reverend Sykes felt that Scout and Jem had a right to hear their father stand up for what is right. They needed to witness how special and brave their father is. Also, Jem made up an excuse for Scout which convinced Reverend to let them stay.

Is Reverend Sykes a dynamic character?

Static Character: Reverend Sykes hasn’t changed much throughout the book, such as the during Tom Robinson’s trial, Sykes still withstood the same qualities shown during the first time we see him, and not much new either.

Why do Reverend Sykes and the rest?

Why do Reverend Sykes and the rest of the African American spectators stand for Atticus, even after his defendant Tom was found gulity? Reverend Sykes and the rest of the African Americans stood when Atticus walked past because he saw through the color Tom’s skin color and believed he was innocent.

Who do they blame for Tom’s death?

In prison, Tom was shot and killed because he was said to have tried to escape. While Mayella is the one who is saying that Tom raped her, the real person who should be to blame is her abusive father. As is quite apparent, Bob Ewell is the person who is most responsible for the death of Tom Robinson.

What surprises Scout most about the way Reverend Sykes runs his service?

Scout is quite surprised when Reverend Skyes makes her stand along with the rest of the balcony as her father passes by. Lee deftly adds to the impact of the respect the African American community has for Atticus by ending a chapter with this action.

Why did Reverend Sykes tell Jem to take Scout home?

Reverend Sykes asks Jem to take Scout home because of the explicit details of the rape given during the trial.