The purpose of the collection plate in the novel is multifaceted:
* Symbolic of the Church's Role in the Community: The collection plate represents the church's responsibility to care for its members, both spiritually and materially. It symbolizes their communal effort to support those in need.
* Reflective of the Town's Hypocrisy: The collection plate, while intended for charitable giving, becomes a symbol of hypocrisy in Maycomb. The church community claims to be devout and Christian, yet they are quick to judge and discriminate against those who are different, like Tom Robinson.
* Foreshadowing of the Trial's Outcome: The collection plate foreshadows the outcome of Tom Robinson's trial. The jury, many of whom are members of the church, ultimately convict Tom, despite the overwhelming evidence of his innocence. This suggests that the town's "charitable" actions are superficial and ultimately fail to address the real issues of prejudice and injustice.
* A Social Ritual: The collection plate represents the routine and social aspect of church attendance in Maycomb. While the actual purpose of the plate is to collect money, it also acts as a way for the congregation to interact and connect.
Ultimately, the collection plate in *To Kill a Mockingbird* serves as a powerful symbol of the town's complex relationship with religion, justice, and community.