Atticus Finch Social Justice

Through the writing of critically acclaimed author Harper Lee, her characters represent themselves in the aspect of being a part or piece of a larger whole. In Harper Lee’s first and only novel, the historical fiction To Kill a Mockingbird, there is a strongly represented theme of social justice and how corrupt it was. The definition of social justice is “the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within a society”(dictionary.com) Atticus finch is the father of Scout and Jem Finch, as well as being the Maycomb County lawyer who was appointed as the defense attorney for Tom Robinson. He wasn’t like other lawyers who would have just dropped the case immediately, Atticus Finch stuck through the case and continued to prove Tom Robinson’s

innocence. Tom Robinson was being tried for the rape and assault of Mayella Ewell, and Atticus Finch set out to help win the case when prejudice and other obstacles tried to stop him.

In the historical fiction novel To kill a Mockingbird, the theme of social justice is revealed through the sincerity and forthright nature of Atticus Finch.

Atticus Finch demonstrates the idea of sincerity by standing up and defending Tom Robinson when no one else wanted to take his case because he was a negro. In the novel, Atticus states to Scout, “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win”(Lee 101). Here, Atticus is trying to explain to Scout that just because the African-American community related cases don’t tend to succeed in court in the past, doesn’t mean that the Tom Robinson case will meet the same end. Aticus’ statement demonstrates his stance on racism in court and his sincerity in wanting to help Tom Robinson and the African-American community with this case. The social justice system in Maycomb and prejudice goes to

such extreme measures that people are honestly afraid to go against the social norm. Atticus proves to be the light during this dark time and wants things to change not only for the community but for his children to live in a better world in the future. Another thing Atticus had said was that, “I couldn’t go to church and worship God if I didn’t help that man”(Lee 139). Atticus believes that it is his duty and opportunity to god to help Tom Robinson. He interprets that no good man can worship his or her God in good faith when they still want to treat African-Americans with such prejudice and disrespect. The social justice system is unjust towards the African-American people in this day and age. Atticus Finch is the man willing to risk everything to try to set the system straight and teach them that the biased nature in court is unprofessional and unjust. Although Atticus had lost the Tom Robinson case, it never derailed or tainted his spirit and faith for a second. Atticus continued to fight for what he knew in his heart was the right step to take towards changing the system.
Atticus Finch is a forthright type of person meaning he doesn’t sugar coat the truth and tells it how it is.

He shows this especially to Jem and Scout with the details on the Tom Robinson case. One day Scout had been told some crude things about her father and the Tom Robinson case. She went to Atticus and he had said, “You might hear some ugly talk about it at school, but do one thing for me if you will: you just hold your head high and keep those fists down”(Lee 101). Here and throughout the book it shows the difference between Atticus and Scout. While Scout prefers to use force and physical action, Atticus uses verbal actions to solve a problem. Atticus wants Scout to know that she will get some negative comments made about Atticus’ case. He just wants to make it clear and that Scout will have to learn not to fight out her problem. Atticus also doesn’t lie to her and say that everything will be fine. In that way he knows that Scout will understand the truth of the situation. Another instance would be when Atticus and Mr. Tate were having a conversation about the case and Scout was eavesdropping. It is assumed Atticus knew she was standing there when he said, “Do you really want to move there, Scout?”(Lee 195). Atticus had presumably known she was there but continued talking anyway. He knew that Scout would have found out anyway so instead, he let her hear what she needed to. Atticus doesn’t want to hide his case from Scout and he knows that she is old enough to somewhat

understand what is going on. The prejudice of the social justice system in Maycomb is something Scout grew up with. Atticus wants to be forward in the hopes she will understand that it is unjust and hopefully do something about it in the future. Atticus has and presents many traits, one being his understanding of people and their situations as well as telling the truth no matter the effect it will have. He trusts that Scout understands enough to be able to form an opinion, so Atticus doesn’t lie to her as to not give a biased opinion.
Atticus Finch shows that social justice and the court system in Maycomb is completely one-sided in the way that it only supports the “white people.” He shows his difference in opinion and opposition to these unspoken rules by showing compassion to the African-American side of society and the Tom Robinson case. Atticus has a way of showing his kindness through his sincerity in his actions and his forthright nature of conversation. As an individual ask yourself, would you agree with Atticus’ actions, the townspeople’s, or another way. Atticus wanted nothing more than a more equal world for his children to live in. He was willing to risk his career, even his life in defending Tom Robinson. He showed compassion when no one else would, would you have risked so much?