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Historical interpretation of to kill a mockingbird novel
The difficulties of atticus finch
The difficulties of atticus finch
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“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see through it no matter what” (Lee 149). A quote from Atticus Finch in the book To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Atticus Finch is the father of the narrator, Jean Louise “Scout” Finch, and Jeremy Atticus “Jem” Finch. He teaches his children throughout the book to treat everyone with respect despite the color of skin and what their life might be like. He believes that you can’t judge anyone until you’ve loved their life in their skin. Atticus is a hero, one who usually goes against the norm, because he doesn’t conform and fights for what’s morally …show more content…
right, treats everyone despite how they act with respect, and is parenting his children to be unbiased in hopes to create a difference in their town. First, Atticus is a character who goes against what is considered normal for Maycomb and the time period, the 1930’s.
The first piece of evidence given is when he decides to defend a black man in court. This was based on a similar case that happened in Alabama called the Scottsboro Boys rape case. “In 1931, nine young African American men were charged with the rape of two white women in Scottsboro, Alabama. The men were charged, tried, and sentenced to death for the crimes. The case was based on false testimony and the men were essentially convicted because of their race” (Pinckney). Much like this, Atticus accepted to defend the man, despite his skin color and the odds.“The case is hopeless from the beginning, despite Finch's best efforts, and it exposes him and his family to the anger and ostracism of Maycomb's white people, violent retribution by Bob Ewell, and the admiration of the town's black population” (Flynt) He then later mentions to Jem how justice isn’t always present. Before the trial, Atticus is shown sitting at his jail cell, risking his own life to save Tom Robinson’s life from people who disagree with Atticus’s views and Tom Robinson. Atticus has even gone against his sister’s wish to get rid of his black maid since she thought the maid was a bad influence on the children. “Atticus's voice was even: ‘Alexandra, Calpurnia's not leaving this house until she wants to. You may think otherwise, but I couldn't have got along without her all these years. …show more content…
She's a faithful member of this family and you'll simply have to accept things the way they are’” (Lee 182). This shows Atticus will stand for what he believes in what is morally right, despite what everyone else believes. Next, Atticus treats everyone with respect despite their actions and appearance. At the beginning, Scout dislikes her teacher and Atticus says, “First of all, if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. 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 39). This also relates to the instance of Bob Ewell and his aggression towards Atticus. He goes on to say along the lines of that if Jem were to walk in Bob Ewell’s shoes, Atticus destroyed his last pieces of credibility and if his comeback was to spit at Atticus, he would rather have that than Bob taking his anger out on Mayella or any of the other children (Lee 292-293). One small detail shown in the book is Scout and Jem calling Atticus by his name rather than father or dad. This shows Atticus will treat them with them same manner as anyone else. Atticus isn’t only affecting his children, he’s also influencing the town bit by bit. “Atticus demonstrates that moral integrity requires people to look out for and respect one another regardless of differences” (Stilter). Furtherly, Atticus is doing his best to parent Jem and Scout, so they can become the best children they can.
It’s not an easy task to parent children and even harder when you’re a single parent. Atticus is a single parent who is helping to lead his children in the right direction and pointing out tips along the way. One of the details shown in the book is that Atticus doesn’t enforce gender roles. This can be shown when Aunt Alexandra comes to visit and tells Atticus that Scout should be more dainty and wear more ladylike clothing. Atticus doesn’t change his way of teaching. Atticus also lets Jem show emotions, which many would of said, “man up”. The small quotes Atticus teaches his children also have a small impact on the children and the world. Some of these include, “Remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (Lee 119) and “It’s not okay to hate anybody” (Lee 330). Small little lessons Atticus instills into his children will eventually roll down from generation to generation and from following peers. Atticus is slowly trying to change the
world. Overall, Atticus is a hero by definition but in very minuscule ways that go unnoticed. This includes following his morals and not conforming, respecting everyone the same way, and instilling his children to pave their own rightful path. Atticus continuously proves that he is a great father to his children by being this role model who goes against the thoughts of most of the town and to do what he thinks is right. This then is shown onto the townspeople who have witnessed his feats and his children. Atticus is slowly changing the world. The definition of a hero is “a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.”
How are the characters of Atticus and Jack alike and how are they different? Choose at least two traits to compare them.
Atticus has countless positive and negative characteristics, but there are two that stand out the most. The first character trait is that he acts a lot older than his age. Jem said that Atticus loved playing keep away and that he was never too tired, but when Jem went to tackle him, Atticus blurred out, “‘I am too old for that, son’” (Lee 118). Jem had never gotten that reaction from Atticus before. Atticus had to wear glasses, because without them he would not be able to see black on white with his left eye. Jem and Scout never see Atticus doing anything, he does not hunt, he does not go on walk, or he does not even travel. The only thing Jem and Scout see Atticus do is sit in the living room and read. Atticus is always on good terms with
Although Atticus is not like every other parent, he shows his love to his kids in his own ways. He does not need to be kissing them, hugging them or buying them things to show his affection for them. His ways are unique ways that show that Atticus is a positive parental figure. Another good piece of evidence that shows that Atticus is a positive parental figure is that he sets a good example for the children. He sets a good example by being honest and telling them why he has to defend Tom Robinson even if that decision jeopardizes his reputation and the family. When Atticus was talking to Scout about defending Tom he said, “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” (100). These words show that Atticus values equality and justice and it is setting an excellent example for the kids to follow at such a young age. Atticus defends Tom Robinson, an African American man, because he believes in equality for all. Atticus also mentioned that before he tells the children to do something or follow values he, Atticus, must display them first, and he
“To Kill a Mockingbird” is a novel by Harper Lee, that teaches many themes, one of which being very important is courage. Many people think that courage is a man with a gun in his hand, but Lee’s definition is much different. She thinks that courage is when you know that you’re beaten before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what. The first quote I have to further explain this is early in the story when Atticus tells Jem and Scout about the court case he is handling. “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win” (Lee 101). Atticus knows he won’t win the court case, but he still tries his best and doesn’t falter whatsoever. Many people scrutinize him for defending a negro, but he ignores them like he should, and shows maturity and courage.
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 Finch is a heroic character in To Kill A Mockingbird. A hero is a person who is known for certain achievements and qualities. Atticus is known for many qualities he displayed during the novel, as well as various achievements. This makes him a heroic character. Atticus Finch is a hero because he defended a black man in court, proved his abilities and intelligences, and cared for everybody equally.
Courage is not something that we are born with, it is a skill that takes time to learn and only a few are lucky enough to have it. To Kill a Mockingbird is not only about life in a world full of hate, it is about standing up for anyone’s beliefs being brave enough to do it. In this story, Harper Lee says “Courage is not a man with a gun in his hand. It's knowing you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do” (Lee 112). In To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee illustrates courage through Atticus Finch, Mrs. Dubose, and Arthur Radley.
Yet he took the case with no hesitation. Atticus knows the difference between what is fair and what is true justice. He is well aware that whites and blacks have many differences with one another, but is also educated enough to know that there truly is no diversity in equity, and tries to teach everyone including his children this. ”You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view- until you climb into his skin and walk around it.(30)” Atticus is encouraging Scout to respect everyone and consider their true potential without considering false accusations in this quote. He applies what he teaches to his children to the people attending the Tom Robinson trial. Atticus is just one man, but with an unprecedented amount of sense of pride, intelligence, and justice. He reflects the image of the town’s people by showing them what they’ve allowed themselves to become based on their beliefs. He genuinely expresses their deepest consternation. In this quote he tells the audience what they are afraid to hear, but need to hear, “She was white, and she tempted a Negro. She did something that in our society is unspeakable: she kissed a black man. Not an old uncle, but a strong young Negro man. No code mattered to her before she broke it, but it came crashing down on her afterwards.(272)” After stating his point and releasing the profound truth Atticus causes for Mayella and Bob Ewell to lose their composure. Nevertheless people of most of the white people of Maycomb continue to refuse to believe that a white woman kissed a black man. But they undoubtedly believe that a black man with a useless left hand beat and raped an “innocent” white woman. Atticus could have predicted the outcome from before he even took the case and refused to defend Tom Robinson. But he
The author George Elliot once said “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Appearance can be very misleading, and you shouldn't prejudge the worth or value of something by its outward appearance alone. This philosophical idea has been included in many works of literature, including the timeless classic To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee. The novel takes place in the town of Maycomb, Alabama during the 1930s. Many citizens of Maycomb tend to make judgements based on outward appearances alone. In the novel, Lee uses minor characters such as Boo Radley, Mrs. Dubose, and Tom Robinson to convey the book’s theme of prejudice.
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...
"It was times like these when I thought my father, who hated guns and had never been to any wars was the bravest man who ever lived” (Lee 134.) Atticus raised his children in a time period where society treated you by the color of your skin and not for who you are. Atticus and his children are full of confidence and bravery during a time of inequality, depression, and racism. Atticus stood up to what he believed in and he was most importantly brave. His daughter Scout had to stand up to all the hatred she was getting for her father's trial. Atticus took many risks knowing that the outcome may not be favorable towards him. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee displays that Bravery and Courage are important life traits, and can help
Lois McMaster Bujold once said, “Reputation is what other people know about you. Honor is what you know about yourself. Atticus Finch a heroic figure in the novel To Kill a MockingBird by Harper Lee is known as a white lawyer who defended a “black” man accused of raping Mayella Ewell, the daughter of a disturbing man, Bob Ewell. Atticus knows his reputation is at risk, when he decides to take a black man’s court case. He is appointed to this case because Mayella Ewell blamed an innocent black man, Tom Robinson of raping and beating her. She fails to admit the truth due to obeying her father. In the 1930’s racism was extremely crucial and no matter what the truth was a white person was most likely believed over an African American. Miss Maudie, The Finches neighbor tells the kids, “There are some men in this world who were born to do our unpleasant jobs for us. Your father’s one of them” (Lee 219). Atticus Finch is highly respected and someone everyone can look up too in Maycomb, Alabama. Throughout the novel, Atticus presents himself as calm, courageous, and an open-minded person.
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.
Keeping a mouth shut doesn't hold the world shut out, it opens up new doors to things that would never be expected. In To Kill A Mockingbird written by Harper Lee, there is are two character that is are an eternal mystery for the readers. Boo Radley, though the reader nor Scout and Jem know anything about the character all they want is to learn about him. Boo becomes a mysterious figure that many see as creepy, ghostly, but also reasonably wise. The one-time Boo appears the readers learn he is a sagacious, powerful man. Little do Scout and Jem know is that their father is also a rational being as well. The two crucial character in the story helps support the
Harper Lee achieved the most important dream of a writer; her book is timeless. The theme of To Kill a Mockingbird, courage, is one that no one can deny is a central idea not only in the novel but also in life. People believe that courage is something that everyone is born with, but I disagree. Atticus once told Scout, “"They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions," said Atticus, "but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience.” Only courageous people can teach others to stand up for what they truly believe in.