How Does Atticus A Character Sketch

Atticus: A Character Sketch

Atticus is an honourable and well respected man. As a high-class lawyer and loving father to two children, Scout and Jem, he sets good examples and gives perceptive moral judgements. Set in the Alabama town of Maycomb during the 1930¡¯s, Harper Lee¡¯s ¡°To Kill a Mockingbird¡± deeply portrays Atticus¡¯s character, illustrating him as a concise and benevolent being. Harper has created him from the base of her imagination, yet his fullness is as great and complete as a living human being. His personality aspects are one of a heroic figure ¨C he is always willing to help someone in need. His displays of gallantry range from filling a poor boy¡¯s stomach to defending a racially discriminated African-American in a

He treats everyone equally and fairly, despite harsh words sneered in his direction. Life in the 30¡¯s was demanding and troublesome, and by agreeing to defend Tom Robinson, an African-American accused of rape, Atticus puts his own life on the line¡£ If an African-American was found near the scene of crime, they would be castigated because the mere color of their skin. Atticus, having this in mind, stands up for righteousness and justice rather than being dragged along by the ideas of the majority. Rather, he follows his heart¡¯s intuition, fearless of the consequences. He insists on viewing individuals much deeper than the eye

During the case of his client (the defendant) Tom Robinson vs. Mayella Ewell (the plaintiff), Atticus says to the jury these words during his closing statement: ¡°My client has the temerity to say he feels sorry for a white woman.¡± This declaration indicates that he feels that race should not make a difference in a court of law; that it is appropriate for an African-American man to pity a Caucasian woman. By articulating these words, Atticus demonstrates his boldness, for the citizens of Maycomb pale at such a preposterous proclamation. In their minds, African-Americans will always be at the bottom of the scale, as futile as animals. In declaring such an assertion, they begin to contemplate how ever an animal could have the means of commiseration for a human with a life. Atticus vindicates otherwise.

Alas, bigotry won over justice; Tom Robinson was found guilty of rape. As Atticus is leaving the courtroom, the African-Americans on the balcony stand up in respect for this imposing figure. Although the case was lost, they appreciate what he had done. This was something no other Caucasian lawyer would have done. It took real audacity to be able to accept the case in the first