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Is the justice system fair
Awareness of difference in social class in how to kill a mockingbird
To kill a mockingbird symbolism
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What is taking a stand? Taking a stand is standing up for a belief and it can be taken it many ways. In the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus decides to defend Tom Robinson with the knowledge that he will not win the case. Atticus is a very scrupulous person, who respects other people no matter who they are. Even though Atticus knows that he does not have a chance at winning the case about Tom Robinson, because Atticus is fightning for equal rights and if he did not take the case, he would not be able to tell his children what to do, it makes sense for Atticus to defend him anyway. 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 …show more content…
thing”(273). That shows that Atticus views blacks as equals to whites because he mentions that both races have sins and have personal problems of their own. Also Atticus says,”This case is as simple as black and white”(271).That shows that Atticus clearly knows that the jury will decide the fate of the verdict based on the race of the verdict and he is not okay with that.Due to the fact that God created blacks and whites as both men and women, then they both should be able to be equizalent toward eachother, it makes for Atticus to defend Tom. Atticus would lose his self-respect and would not be able to tell his kids what to do.
Atticus says, “I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again”,(100). That quote from Atticus shows that it would not make sense for him to tell his children not to do something, if he will not do something of his own. Atticus also says,” I couldn’t hold up my head in town”(100). That demonstrates that, just like any other man in Maycomb pride is important, so if Atticus can not hold his head up high, then he sees no point in moving forward in his life.Due to the fact that Atticus is too proud of a man to not take the case,it makes sense for him to protect Tom Robinson. Some might say that Atticus is putting him and his family in danger.Someone in the mob said,”You know what we want...Get aside from the door” (202). That proves that the mob meant businses and that they were will to “get rid” of Atticus if needed. But,lucky Scout jumped in and saved his life before his life needed saving. Even if Atticus did not have Scout to save him, he would have reasoned with the mob and brought them back to their senses. In conclusion, it makes sense for Atticus to defend Tom. Atticus was advocating equal rights.Atticus could not go on with his life if he did not take the trial. Although, others might say that it is irrational for Atticus to defend Tom, his pride is at stake.It does make sense for Atticus to defend Tom Robinson because it a matter of principle and the right thing to
do.
Atticus defended Tom Robinson because he believed in the Golden Rule; one should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself. For example, Atticus says “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin To Kill a Mockingbird” (Chapter 10). He states that if a mockingbird doesn’t do harm to you, why should you harm it? In chapter 3, Atticus gives Scout a piece of advice, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view- until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” This applies to Tom Robinson beca...
It is true that Atticus is putting his family in danger when he is defending Tom Robinson because Atticus is white defending a black man. Some people might argue that when Jem and Scout were walking home from the play, Bob Ewell attacked them. Scout says “He slowly squeezed the breath out of me, I could not move.(351)” However, Atticus is teaching his kids to do the right thing. It teaches them life lessons like racism is bad. “The main reason is, if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this country in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again.(100)” This evidence supports my refute because Atticus says he couldn’t tell Jem or Scout not to do something
Atticus remained a pillar of righteousness in a town whose moral foundation was weak to say the least. When Atticus took Tom Robinson's case, he didn't treat the case differently from any other he might take on. He knew that there was no way that Tom would be saved from death no matter how well he defended him. From opening to closing statements, Atticus remained vigilant in his defense of Tom.
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.
Sometimes to do the right thing you have to stand in there shoes, and walk around. Atticus finch uses that quote throughout the book, here is one example, “‘ You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb into his skin and walk around in it”” (Lee 33). This is referring to walking in there shoes and see their point of view before u judge someone. Atticus is given the case of Tom Robinson, some say on purpose, but even tho he knows it will harm his family he is still going to stand by his beliefs and fight for Tom Robinson. Atticus says, “‘ But do you think I could face my children otherwise? You know what going to happen as well as I do… I hope and pray I can get Jem and Scout through through it without bitterness, and most of all, without catching Maycomb's usual disease… I just hope Jem and Scout come to me for their answers instead of listening to the town. I hope they trust me enough”’ when talking to Uncle Jack (Lee 100-101). This not only shows Atticus standing by his beliefs, but also shows Atticus doing this case not only for him, but to be a good role model to his children. Atticus looks at the whole picture when he makes a decision, and stands by his beliefs and wants his children to follow.
Atticus Finch shows, in many ways, the true definition of a hero, but no situation was more important than the Tom Robinson trial. In Maycomb, the thought of taking a negro’s word instead of a white man’s was ridiculous to the citizens, especially over a matter as serious as a black man raping a white woman. Regardless of this information, Atticus still takes on Tom Robinson’s case and tries to make as big of a difference as possible. When Scout asks him if he thinks that he will win the case, Atticus subtly replies “No, honey” (76). Atticus goes on to explain, “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try and win” (76). Basically, Atticus believes that just because it is unlikely that he will win, it does not mean that he should just give up without trying. Throughout all the discrimination, Atticus remains tough and tries to achieve his goal, no matter how hard it is. This was an example of moral courage. Even Scout knows how hard her father is trying by comparing Atticus’ efforts to “watching Atticus walk down the street, raise a rifle to his shoulder and pull the trigger, but...
Atticus was appointed to defend Tom Robinson in a court trial. Tom was a black man that was being incriminated for allegedly raping Mayella Ewell (Lee 86). Her father, Bob Ewell, accused Tom
It makes sense for Atticus to defend Tom Robinson. A large part of Atticus's character involves following the Golden Rule. Atticus should not give up his character, parental authority, and position in town to please the racist beliefs of others in Maycomb. Atticus cannot stand racism and says, "As you grow older, you'll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don't you forget it—whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that white man is trash." Atticus should take a stand and defend Tom Robinson to treat his children valuable lessons and to keep his conscience clean. For these reasons, it does make sense for Atticus Finch to defend Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Atticus is a good father for teaching his children to respect everyone. Scout asks Atticus if he is a “nigger lover” and he simply replies, "I certainly am. I do my best to love everybody... I'm hard put, sometimes—baby, it's never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name. It just shows you how poor that person is, it doesn't hurt you." This shows that atticus is not like the other people in Maycomb he considers every man to be equal to one another. Judge Taylor comes to Atticus to defend Tom Robinson because he knows he’s the only man in Maycomb that is fit to do to the job, and do it fairly. While thinking about taking the offer Atticus firsts thinks about his kids and how it will affect their lives. Atticus says “…do you think I could face my children otherwise? You know what’s going to happen as well as I do, Jack, and I hope and pray I can get Jem and Scout through it without bitterness, and most of all, without catching Maycomb’s usual disease. Why reasonable people go stark raving mad when anythin...
Atticus has a clear mind. He will not sit by and watch as his two children are abused and their views twisted to match the society of racism they live amongst. Atticus builds his morals up in the children very evidently, although no so much as to draw attention. He speaks words of wisdom to them in their distress, but also with the treatment and position of Calpurnia, he is able to demonstrate a precise view of his own conscience. Atticus knows that because of this, he is considered one of the most non-racist people in Maycomb, therefore being offered Tom's case. Judge Taylor knows the right man for the job.
Atticus was incredibly courageous taking on tom Robinsons case against the prejudice of Macomb County and he shows incredible courage when he says, "Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try and won." He wants the people of Maycomb to hear the truth about Tom Robinson, "That boy may go to the chair, but he's not going till the truth's told." Chapter 15, Page 146. He was against the whole white community including his own sister practically said that he was a disgrace to his family Atticus tells scout when she asks him why he is taking the case he says "For a number of reasons. The main one is, if I didn't I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this county in the legislature, I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do something again.
Atticus Finch is the hero in Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, but he is not the only hero. Atticus took on a legal case to defend a black man, when everybody said he shouldn’t.
Jem and Scout will be bullied at school and others might look down on them. Even though Atticus is like a rock and is hardly moved by anything people do or say behind his back, Jem and Scout are still children and have not developed that shell. He also is putting his family in danger because lynch mobs may come and attack the Finch’s for being kind to Tom and defending him. These reasons are inadequate because even though Jem and Scout will be bullied, they can suck it up and it will help the get through life as adults and get through hardships. Also, some people are secretly on Atticus’s side and will not let them get hurt. For example, when a lynch mob came to the jail cell, they almost killed Atticus until Jem and Scout intervened. However, if they had not, Atticus would have been fine because,“‘From a different direction, another voice cut crisply through the night: “You’re damn tootin‘ they won’t. Had you covered all the time, Atticus.” Mr. Underwood and a double-barreled shotgun were leaning out his window above The Maycomb Tribune office.”’(206-207). In other words, Mr. Underwood had covered Atticus with a shotgun the whole time they were there. This shows that even though it might seem like nobody is on Atticus’s side, in reality they are many people willing to help him. These people may not want to tell the whole town they are on his side, they show
Atticus’s message in the closing argument is a very compelling case. He proclaims this case should have never come to court in the first place because of Tom could never have done the acts he is being charged of. The jury is being illogical in its decision and should treat all people with equality.
...Scout, I couldn?t go to church and worship God if I didn?t try to help that man.?? Atticus would help a man if it is the right thing to do, he does not consider what people think of him, he will only be bothered if does not help, then he is going against his moral beliefs. Atticus shows his beliefs, truthfulness, and justice.