1. Highlight the hypocrisy of the community:
* The missionary circle, obsessed with the plight of "poor, unfortunate" people in faraway lands, completely ignores the injustice happening in their own community. They are concerned with the salvation of African tribes but blind to the prejudice and suffering of Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of rape.
* This juxtaposition exposes the hypocrisy of the white community, who claim moral superiority while perpetuating racism and injustice.
2. Emphasize the moral decay of Maycomb:
* The missionary circle embodies superficial piety and self-righteousness, their concern for others a mere facade to hide their own prejudices.
* The trial scene, on the other hand, reveals the brutality and cruelty that exists beneath the surface of Maycomb's seemingly idyllic life.
* This contrast starkly illustrates the moral decay that pervades the town, despite the facade of social respectability.
3. Create a sense of irony:
* The juxtaposition creates a sense of irony, as the reader witnesses the stark contrast between the superficiality of the missionary circle and the gravity of the trial scene.
* The hypocrisy of the community becomes even more glaring when juxtaposed with the genuine compassion and empathy displayed by Scout and Jem, the children who are trying to make sense of the world.
4. Foreshadow the outcome of the trial:
* The missionary circle's focus on distant problems foreshadows the lack of empathy and compassion that will prevail in the courtroom.
* The community's apathy towards the real injustice happening in their midst ultimately determines the outcome of the trial.
5. Highlight the importance of perspective:
* The juxtaposition forces the reader to question their own perspectives and preconceived notions about justice and morality.
* The contrast between the two scenes challenges the reader to examine the hypocrisy of their own society and the importance of recognizing and combating injustice wherever it exists.
Ultimately, the juxtaposition of these two seemingly disparate scenes serves to amplify the central themes of the novel – racial prejudice, social hypocrisy, and the importance of individual conscience. It exposes the moral decay hidden beneath the facade of Southern charm and forces the reader to confront the uncomfortable truths about the world around them.