Atticus Finch is a well-rounded and respected resident of Maycomb County, Alabama. In the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus takes on the duty of being an attorney and a single father of two adventurous children. He believes in equality among races, although a lot of Maycomb County’s white community thinks they are high and mighty compared to the black folk. In a time of injustice, Atticus represents an innocent black man accused of rape making him respected among the black community. At home, Atticus taught his children important life lessons about equality and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. This character represents the importance of morality and reasonability. Throughout the novel, Atticus has very good morals and In the time that this novel takes places, the black community was seen as lower than the white community. Although Atticus was white, he believed in equality and was the lawyer for a black man accused of rape and abuse named Tom Robinson. Atticus taught Scout and Jem about how it was wrong the kill a mockingbird because they’ve caused no harm. Tom Robinson is a mockingbird to Atticus, so he stands up for what he believes in. It was apparent to Atticus that they would rule Tom guilty. Although the verdict turned out to be guilty, Atticus knew that Judge Taylor and others in the courthouse knew that the Ewell family were lying, and had hope that Tom would be able to get released from jail despite the color of his skin. Another example of when Atticus showed optimism was after the trial when Bob Ewell spat on Atticus. Others were shocked by this occurrence, but Atticus told them that he accepted it. Atticus could’ve easily gotten revenge on Bob, but instead he said, “He had to take it out on somebody and I’d rather it be me than that houseful of children out there.” (Lee, 1960, p. 293). Atticus knew the types of things that Bob Ewell did to his children at home, so he let him spit on him in hopes that he wouldn’t harm his children. Atticus’s optimism shows what a caring father and all around person he In every situation Atticus would be truthful, no matter what or who it would hurt. In the courthouse, both Mayella and Tom Robinson had sworn to tell the truth, and nothing but the truth. It was clear that Mayella was lying about what happened the day of the alleged assault, but Atticus made sure that Tom told the truth about everything that happened because he knew in the end, the truth always prevails. A tremendous example of Atticus’s honesty was the night his children were attacked by Bob Ewell. When Heck Tate arrived at the Finch residence, he delivered the news that Bob Ewell had been stabbed and was laying under a tree, dead. This brought Atticus to the conclusion that his son, Jem had killed Bob Ewell, based on the story Scout told him. Atticus thought that Jem had gotten a hold of Bob’s knife while they were fighting and stabbed him, but Heck Tate said Bob Ewell had fallen on his own knife. Atticus thought that Heck Tate was trying to cover for Jem, which he appreciated, but he didn’t want Heck Tate to cover up for Jem. Atticus said to Heck, “I’m sorry if I spoke sharply, Heck, but nobody’s hushing this up. I don’t live that way.” (Lee, 1960, p. 365). From what he thought, Atticus didn’t even want to protect his own son from the law and potential consequences if it meant he wouldn’t show honesty. This goes to show just how strongly Atticus stands by his
Atticus Finch is a lawyer and father of two children whose names are Jem and Scout. In the novel, Atticus chooses to defend a black man named Tom Robinson who is accused of raping a white woman, even though most of Maycomb is against Tom Robinson due to its racist time setting. He understood that racism was inhumane and innocent people must be defended no matter what race they are. Atticus holds his ground and tries his best to defend Tom Robinson in court, despite the community being against him. Atticus even reminds his children to steadfast during this time of challenge regardless of what other people tell them.
Compassionate, dramatic, and deeply moving, Harper Lee's, To Kill a Mockingbird takes readers to the roots of human behavior, to innocence and experience, kindness and cruelty, love and hatred, and the struggle between blacks and whites. Atticus Finch, a lawyer and single parent in a small southern town in the 1930's, is appointed by the local judge to defend Tom Robinson, a black man, who is accused of raping a white woman. Friends and neighbors object when Atticus puts up a strong and spirited defense on behalf of the accused black man. Atticus renounces violence but stands up for what he believes in. He decides to defend Tom Robinson because if he did not, he would not only lose the respect of his children and the townspeople, but himself as well.
Atticus Finch is a character of stability in an unstable society. He is a balanced figure who is able to cope with the unreasonable and highly emotional town in which he lives. He can manage the prejudiced white masses and still deal justly with the underprivileged Negro population of Maycomb. He is one of the few people who understand the individual worth of a person regardless of the color of his/her skin. This enables him to defend Tom Robinson based solely on the concept of justice and equality. In his closing argument, Atticus explains that, “there is one place all men are created equal. That place is in a court room” (Lee 205). This justifies the fact that Atticus believes in equality in a society, the equality not only of race, but also of sex, class, and religion as well. His view of equality and justice is a symbol of his own psychological stability throughout the novel. Accordingly, in the final analysis of the story, Atticus represents the “justice” in the community of Maycomb. His stability throughout the book is one of the many characteristics that depict Atticus Finch as the novel’s core.
Atticus did what no other person would do in Maycomb, he defended a negro man in court. In the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, Atticus is a lawyer that has to defend Tom Robinson because Tom was accused of raping a white lady. Others in Maycomb don’t agree with Atticus because he took a black man’s words over a white woman’s word. Atticus is a man of morals with integrity, so he did the right thing and took Tom Robinson’s side. It makes sense for Atticus to take a stand to defend Tom Robinson because he follows his morals and the golden rule.
This quote shows how fair Atticus is, he’s trying to understand other people in different situations. His advice is very true and is valid throughout the entire book, it could even be considered a theme on it’s own. Atticus’ quality of respect is very high and continues on into the trial further into the book which helps him during the case and helps Lee build to the theme: “‘Gentleman,’ he was saying ‘I shall be brief, but I would like to use my remaining time with you to remind you that this case is not a difficult one, it requires no minute sifting of complicated facts, but it does require you to be sure beyond all reasonable doubt as to the guilt of the defendant. To begin with, this case should never have come to trial. This case is as simple as black and white,” Lee 271 Atticus voices in his final words at the trial.
Intro: In the To Kill A Mockingbird novel by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch is a well-respected man through the city of Maycomb. He is a highly praised figure who is trusted, wise and grateful, but is also a man who is respected by his companions and other residents. This is shown when Atticus is given responsibilities and duties, when he is praised for his efforts and when he obtains the black peoples and white peoples respect at the same time.
Atticus shows great compassion and tolerance when he stands up for the Negroes. He stands up and represents Tom Robinson because he believes that everyone should be treated equally in the court of law. He knows that because Tom was a Negro there would be a slim chance of winning. That fact never discouraged him though because he says that the main reason he is representing Tom is because, ' if I didn't I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this county in the legislature'; (75). He recited a speech, which clearly states that Tom Robinson is not guilty. In that speech he says, 'our courts have their faults, as does any human institution, but in this courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are created equal'; (205). He believed that prejudice and stereotyping is wrong and he tries to teach these morals to Scout and Jem.
The Ewells are also a low class in Maycomb County, but this family has no honor and no respect. They go to school once a year, and Mr.Ewell is a very mean alcoholic. Atticus and Bob first interact at the trial, Bob claims that Tom Robinson raped Mayella, and Atticus is the lawyer trying to prove him wrong. Though Tom was said to be guilty, Atticus had made it seem like Bob was and had made himself a new enemy. This angered Bob Ewell so much that he had spit on Atticus, not to add he threatens Atticus’s life, but Atticus ignores him and keeps on walking. Bob Ewell threatened a lot of people including Jem and Scout; Atticus’ kids. On the night of the pageant, while Jem and Scout were walking home, he attacked the two kids with a knife. Arthur Radley comes from “out of the blue” and luckily he kills Bob Ewell and saves the
Atticus demonstrates his character by defending Tom Robinson. Atticus leads by example, showing the highest respect for everyone in Maycomb, not discriminating by color or class. His serious defense for Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman, proves his high ideals. Atticus fights a hopeless battle against the racism in the town. Atticus not only shows his non prejudice through the trial of Tom Robinson, but also through his everyday dealings with Calpurnia. Atticus refutes Aunt Alexandra persistent attempts to fire Cal and claims that she is one of the family.
Atticus is fighting for equal rights. In chapter 20, Atticus says ,”There is not a person in this courtroom who has never told a lie,.. never done an immoral
The town gossip, Miss Stephanie Crawford, tells Atticus’ children what she overheard in downtown Maycomb: “Atticus was leaving the post office when Mr. Ewell approached him, cursed him, spat at him, and threatened to kill him.” This shows that he is furious with Atticus that he would go so far as to curse and spit and threaten him in broad daylight where anyone could watch and hear. Atticus then explains why Bob Ewell did these horrible things: “Jem, see if you can stand in Bob Ewell’s shoes for a minute. I destroyed his last shed of credibility at the trial, if he had any begin with. The man had to have some kind of comeback, his kind always does. So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that’s something I’ll gladly take. He had to take it out on somebody and I rather it be me than that household of child.” This explains why Atticus did nothing at the post office and will do nothing against Bob Ewell. Later, Bob realizes that Atticus is not about to do anything back at him, so he kicks it up a notch and goes after his children instead. He almost got his revenge, but Arthur Radley came and saved the children from
Atticus Finch represents a strongly principled, liberal perspective that runs contrary to the ignorance and prejudice of the white, Southern, small-town community in which he lives. Atticus is convinced that he must instill values of equality in his children, counteracting the racist influence. Lee makes use of several images and allegories throughout the novel to symbolize racial conflict. The children's attitudes about Boo, for example, represent in small scale the foundation of racial prejudice in fear and superstition. The rabid dog that threatens the town has been interpreted as symbolizing the menace of racism. Atticus's shooting of the rabid dog has been considered by many critics as a representation of his skills as an attorney in targeting the racial prejudices of the town.
When he is confronted by awkward issues Atticus never tries to hide or cover up the truth. He tells Uncle Jack at Finches landing that when a child asks you something, “answer him, for goodness sake.” After Atticus is confronted by the mob outside the county jail, he doesn’t try to pretend that they weren’t there to hurt him. He admits that Mr Cunningham might have “hurt me a little.” When Scout asks Atticus if they are poor, the usual response would be to say no, so as not to scare Scout.
Few people are the same as they are on the street in their homes. Few people can treat others equally; no matter what colour their skin is. Atticus Finch is one of those precious few. Racism in the town of Maycomb is nothing but disguised by the polite smiles and ladies missionary meetings; although it is the strongest belief that each person of the town holds apart from some such as Atticus. Racism is an issue of great importance, yet to the eye of a visitor waltzing through, it's just a slight whisk of air.
In Harper Lee's novel To Kill A Mockingbird the protagonist Scout face offenses by others because of her father's justice for defending an African American in court. Scout Finch lives with her brother Jem, and their father Atticus, in the sleepy town of Maycomb during the Great Depression. As Atticus, the father of the protagonist faces the moral dilemma in chapter 29-30 of the incident with Bob Ewell. Atticus moral dilemma will reveal his character and his beliefs. Bob Ewell attempted to hurt Atticus children in order to get revenge on Atticus for defending the African American who was accused of raping his daughter in court. Atticus has a hard time of choosing whether to tell the town that Bob Ewell died of an accident, or his son or Boo Radley killed Bob Ewell. Atticus is a famous lawyer in Maycomb and he believes in legal justice.