The trial is the most gripping, and in some ways the most important, dramatic sequence in To Kill a Mockingbird. Tension, is first seen through racial discrimination, this is shown with the obscure seating arrangements of the court. It is clearly seen normal, that black people sit at the top on balconies, and white people sit in front of the judge. as Jem, Scout and Dill are eager to see the case, they a bought along by Reverend Sykes to sit on the balcony, and immediately, three black people offer up their seats to the three children. this racial injustice, typifies all that is wrong with Maycomb. This creates tension as this action of sitting near someone of a different race, is considered an abnormal, but due to their lack of knowledge, they have no apparent issue with this, all they want to do is see the case.
Harper Lee further creates tension with the interaction of the children and Miss Maudie Atkinson regarding the case. During this, Dill asks Miss Maudie if she will be attending the case. She quickly replies with a firm 'no', because "just because it's public, I don't have to go". Tension is created here as Miss Maudie does agree that Tom should be on trial publicly, and that the locals of Maycomb should not see this as entertainment, but for the serious case that it is.
http://www.gradesaver.com/to-kill-a-mockingbird/study-guide
This is a well considered reflection on the trial and the methods in which Harper Lee builds tension. Well done! :)
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