In regards to the trial, Atticus explains that no matter how ridiculous Bob and Mayella appeared on the stand, a white man's word will always outweigh a black man's word. However, knowing that Mr. Cunningham wanted to acquit Tom, Atticus feels that times are slowly changing, and has hopes that in the appeals courts, away from town and the influence of knowing your neighbors, Tom stands a chance of being released.
In regards to Bob Ewell's outburst, Atticus again explains that it is necessary to step into another man's shoes. He understands that he made Ewell look like a fool on the stand, and that Ewell needs to regain his self-esteem. Spitting on Atticus was his revenge, and allowed him to regain the upper hand.
Unfortunately, Atticus underestimates the depth of Ewell's anger towards him, as readers later discover.
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