The circus-like atmosphere that surrounds the trial and the changes that Cates perceives in the people of Hillsboro both shock and sadden him. He "never thought it would be . . . like Barnum and Bailey (a circus) coming to town." Cates is observant and perceptive. People in the community treat him as though he is a murderer, as if he "had horns growing out of his head." Even his friends turn their backs on him. His reputation and respectability are slowly being destroyed. Despite his situation and the loneliness that he feels, Cates is determined to stand up for what he believes.
When Rachel testifies against Cates during the trial, he feels betrayed and scared because she reveals private conversations they shared. He is also angry because the truth is twisted in support of fundamentalism. Because Cates cares about Rachel, he puts his own interests and feelings aside and forgives her when he sees how distraught she is on the witness stand. He tells Drummond, "Don't plague her. Let her go."
Although the jury finds Cates guilty, he remains idealistic. In his statement to the court, he vows to continue to oppose the Butler Law in any way he can. He is proud of himself for standing up for academic freedom. He is also proud of Rachel when she arrives at the courthouse and shares her realization about how having the freedom to think is important. Cates and Rachel leave Hillsboro together.
