Miss Maudie means that Maycomb may be gradually overcoming its racist ideology. As evidence for her hopeful attitude, she notes that people like Judge Taylor and Heck Tate had tried to help Tom. She mentions that Judge Taylor's appointing Atticus to defend Tom was no accident. He gave the job to Atticus because he knew that if anyone could hope to persuade the jury of Tom's innocence, Atticus would be that person. Most importantly, because the jury took so long to decide, it indicates that Atticus indeed was successful in changing the men's attitude a little.
A) Maycomb is overcoming racism
B) Judge Taylor and Heck Tate support Tom
C) Atticus is successful in changing attitudes
D) The jury deliberates for a long time
