A Brief Comparison Of Atticus Finch And Rosa Parks

Whether it be with long capes or a strong opinion, every hero possesses ambition. Rosa Parks was a black women in the 1950’s during the time where segregation was evident everywhere. The black community suffered silently and unjustly below the “superiority” of white people. When it seems like conditions will never change, Parks does the unspeakable and sparks a revolution against black and white segregation in Montgomery, Alabama. Atticus Finch; although not real, he is a character in the novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” that displays the same traits as Parks. Atticus is white lawyer who is asked to defend a black man in court. His efforts in encouraging the black man’s success in the trial is frowned upon in the small town of Maycomb during

the time period of the Great Depression. The definition of ambition is the strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring hard work and determination.

Accordingly, this definition suits Atticus Finch and Rosa Parks perfectly, but the question is how do their actions contribute to this trait and how does this make them heroes? Atticus Finch and Rosa Parks are heroes because of their great display of ambition in acting against social norms and facing consequences to achieve their goals.

Rosa Parks and Atticus Finch can be compared to each other as being heros because of their ambition in acting against social norms. In 1955, racial segregation was supported by most people in Alabama where Parks resided. Her famous act of refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on the bus displays her character. When a group of white people boarded the filled bus, Rosa said that, “The driver wanted us to stand up, the four of us. We didn’t move at the beginning, but he says, ‘Let me have these seats.’ And the other three people moved, but I didn’t (Pettinger 1).” Social formalities hold a grip on society’s minorities. Even though they know they are being treated unfairly, black people in the 50’s did nothing to try to stop the discrimination against the colored community. Parks was filled with

the ambition to end the prejudice and acted out against the odds of white authority. Her small act sparked a revolution for black people everywhere and put an end to segregation. While not making a real life difference, Harper Lee’s made up character Atticus Finch in the novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” shows the same ambition to make a difference. Atticus had worked hard in his trial to prove that Tom Robinson did not rape the young, white Mayella Ewell. All black v.s white trials have resulted in an unjust loss for blacks because of the way the citizens perceive colored people. In Atticus’ closing remarks he says, “Our courts have their faults, as does any human institution, but in this country our courts are the great leveler and in our courts all men are created equal ( Lee 205).” Atticus is a lawyer in the small, racist town of Maycomb. While most people in the Depression discriminate against blacks, Atticus sees the cruelty in this behavior. Atticus agrees to defend the black man, Tom Robinson, because of his desire to try to make people see the injustice. He believes that all men are created equal and should have equal rights. Therefore, he works hard and uses ambition to prove he is not guilty and for everyone to see past the prejudice.
Rosa Parks and Atticus Finch can be described as heroes because of their ambition to fight for what they believe and accept the consequences.

After Rosa refuses to move from her seat, she remembers, “I only knew that, as I was being arrested, that it was the very last time that I would ever ride in humiliation of this kind (Pettinger 1).” Parks was willing to sacrifice her freedom in prison to end her segregation for everyone else. Her ambition drove her to disregard the consequences for her actions because she was fighting for what she believed and for what the African Americans needed. Little did she know she would spark a revolution resulting in the end of segregation. All of this because of her ambition for change. In the same way, Atticus was criticized for sincerely defending Tom Robinson in court by the residents in Maycomb. The town and Atticus knew he wouldn't win the case because of how the town’s social system works. When scout asks why he bothers he says, “ Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win (Lee).” Atticus is willing to lose the case to try to help gain rights for the colored people of Maycomb. His ambition causes him to fight for what is right no matter what he will face. Much like Rosa Parks, he is more focused on the well being of others. In addition, he was ambitious enough to express his views on segregation to a pessimistic town, not open to

change.
Because of their ambitious actions, Atticus Finch and Rosa Parks can be considered heroes. Was it displayed for her Road qualities by acting for the well-being of blacks against social norms and except the consequences of going to jail. Rosa Parks was a hero to the black community by helping start the banning of segregation. Her ambition guided her to act for others and lose a small part of her freedom in return. She went to jail because of her ambition to make a change, And saved many black people from discrimination. Atticus Finch is relative to Rosa Parks and that they were both were heroes. Except Atticus was specifically one for defending a black man in a racist town and knowing that he wouldn't win the case. Although not to the town, Atticus was a hero to the black people of Maycomb because of his drive and ambition to give African Americans a voice. He knew his actions put his reputation at risk and may cost him the trial, but Atticus knew he was doing the right thing. The black community thanked Atticus for sticking up for them and being their hero by giving him gifts.
Although neither Rosa Parks, nor Atticus Finch wore capes, they are both still considered heroes in the fact that nothing may have happened if it weren't for their actions and traits. They both had the desire to achieve equal rights for African Americans in a time where they were looked at as inferior to the white race. Their ambition to do something about the ignorance of society had a major effect on black people who were very grateful. Without their motivation, no one may have done anything to change the discrimination and could still be like that today. These two people saved black people from a life they didn't deserve and saved society’s view on the treatment of African Americans. In conclusion, a hero can not become a hero without the initial ambition to help others, and that's exactly what Atticus and Rosa had.