In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus is a very fair man and wants to do what is right. Throughout this story you see him teaching Jem and Scout differnet things that have to do with social justice. In this essay I will be writing about how he deals with the problems in court and how he is a kind and honest man. During the court scene a lot of difficult things happen and it becomes a very hard case for Atticus to solve and explain. Jem and Scout are both very upset about Tom Robinson being accused of the things he didn’t do. Atticus begins to tell Jem that it’s going to be okay and that he wants Jem to not worry about what the outcome is. Atticus is trying to teach him that even if the case doesn’t go the way they wanted and the way that it was supposed to go, that they still did the right thing and that they would keep trying to help Tom Robinson in any way they could. This is what Atticus tells Jem, “Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he’s not going till the truth’s told.” “Atticus’s voice was even. And you know what the truth …show more content…
is(166).” Atticus always does the right thing even when everyone turns against him and he’s trying to teach Jem and Scout the same. In the story we see Atticus trying to teach Jem and Scout things throughout the court case.
We also see him trying to teach them other things in the story besides the court case. One example is when they had the dangerous dog incident and Atticus had to decide whether to kill the dog or keep the dog alive and then put them in more danger. Atticus decides to kill the dog which is not what the kids want but it is the best thing for them. During the scene Atticus tells Jem, “Don’t go near that dog, you understand? Don’t go near him, he’s just as dangerous dead as alive(111).” This shows that Atticus truly cares about Jem and Scout and wants what is best for them. If he didn’t want what is best for his own kids, then why would Atticus go through all the hard work to help Tom Robinson when it’s making Atticus look bad. This scene shows that he is a very good and fair person all around and wants to always do what’s right in any
situation. Towards the end of the case Atticus says something that shows he truly wants a good outcome for Tom Robinson. Atticus says, “Atticus’s voice had dropped and as he turned away he said something to himself”... He said in the name of God believe him.” Atticus was a honest, fair, and kind man during the whole case, and the whole situation. When he says this though it shows he is dedicated to this case because he brought his faith into it. Many people turn on him in the story and talk about his family and mistreat them. Most of the time when bad things happen and when people turn on you or your family people tend to turn away from what’s right and turn away from their faith because they think that it’s God’s fault and that he doesn’t want what is best for them. Atticus shows that that’s not the case and that you can still do what’s right and be honest even when times are bad or tough for you. Atticus was a fair man who loved his family and what he did. This story teaches us to treat others right and to always do the right thing. It also teaches us to never judge someone from where they came from, how they look, or what other people think.
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
For example, when he says “‘Well, you’ve heard it all, so you might as well hear the rest. Tell you what, you can come back once you’ve finished supper.’” (Lee 227) This shows that Atticus knows that they want to hear the court trial, so he decides to let Jem and Scout come back. This also illustrates that Atticus is a good father, because he respects what his children want. “‘I’m just going over to tell Miss Rachel you’re here and ask her if you could spend the night with us- you’d like that, wouldn't you’” (Lee 188) Atticus knows that Jem and Scout like Dill, so he lets him stay with them. This also portrays that Atticus doesn’t want any harm to come to Dill, or for him to be scared, so he lets him stay with them; proving that he is a great father. To sum up, Atticus respects his children, and wants them to be happy.
In addition to being a lawyer, Atticus enjoys being a father to Jem and Scout. When Jem and Scout found out that their father would be defending a black person, they knew immediately that there would be much controversy, humiliation from the people of Maycomb and great difficulty keeping Tom alive for the trial. It was not long when Atticus had to leave the house very late to go to jail, where Tom was kept because many white people wanted to kill him. Worrying about their father, Jem and Scout sneak out of the house to find him. A self-appointed lynch mob has gathered on the jail to take justice into their own hands. Scout decides to talk to Walter Cunningham, one of the members of the mob. She talks about how her father Atticus thought that "entailments are bad "(154 ) " and that his boy Walter is a real nice boy and tell him I said hey"(154). Upon hearing this, the mob realized that Atticus cannot be all bad if he has such a nice daughter as Scout. Atticus, with some unexpected help from his children, faces down the mob and cause them to break up the potential lynching of the man behind bars. Having gone to a black church earlier, the children found out that Tom is actually a kind person, church-going and a good husband and father to his children.
Atticus is an incredible character in the book To Kill A Mockingbird. He displays three qualities that make him an incredible character. Atticus is determined. This is evident in the trial when he tries very hard to win for Tom Robinson and when he wants to take the case for an appeal. Atticus is also kind. We witness Atticus’ kindness in the way he acts and treats everyone in Maycomb. Atticus treats everyone with respect even if they don’t deserve it. Lastly, Atticus is patient. The author shows this through the way he treats Jem and Scout and everyone else in Maycomb. This essay will show that Atticus possesses the three qualities just mentioned. This essay will also show how the events and examples just mentioned show unique qualities.
Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ is a revolutionary classic that takes the reader through the life of a young girl named Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and her father Atticus. During the novel Atticus, a lawyer, is given the case of a black man against a white woman and her father. Because of this, Atticus has to make multiple bold decisions that not only affect himself, but those around him. The decisions he makes and how they play out all lead us to the same question: Is Atticus really the perfect hero?
Instead of talking more, he prefers to show.(EVIDENCE, ELABORATE) Also, Atticus is not a type of father who would love his children dearly all the time. At times, he will be firm and teach them harsh lessons about life when necessary. This is evident when he took Jem along with him to tell Helen Robinson about Tom Robinson’s death. This way, Atticus allows Jem to learn lessons about prejudice and other principles in life. Also, throughout the novel, Atticus works to develop his children’s respective consciences and character, through teaching vital lessons with objectives, such as though humanity has a great capability of evil and wrong doings, it also has a great capacity for good. Also, the evil can be looked upon as good, if one approaches things with an outlook of compassion and understanding, instead of hatred, thus his objective is to teach them to be more compassionate and gracious towards others in life.
Jem knew from the start that Tom Robinson had no chance in winning a case against the Ewells. However, he deluded himself into thinking that that maybe the jury will be accepting and open-minded in that one case. Of course, that’s not what happened in the end; Tom Robinson is found guilty, causing Jem to question whether or not Maycomb is really the same as he remembered it from his childhood. This change in Jem especially shows when Scout comes to ask him about Hitler’s hatred towards all Jewish people during the Holocaust; Scout ends up comparing what her teacher said in class versus what that same teacher said outside the courthouse after the trial, and Jem was instantly reminded of the verdict:
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.
Atticus Finch as a parent teaches Scout and Jem moral values and tries his hardest to pass on to his children his way of thinking. Atticus worries that his children sees to much racism and injustice, and tries to show his children that all people are equal no matter the color of their skin. He teaches them to go against the norm in Maycomb which is prejudice and unjust in their actions.
When most people were against him and are trying to convince him not to, Atticus was determined to continue defending Tom Robinson (an African American who was accused of raping a white lady name Mayella Ewell - Mr. Ewell's daughter). (Make it active voice ?) Due to his good morals, Atticus felt like he needs to help Tom Robinson “This case, Tom Robinson’s case, is something that goes to the essence of a man’s conscience --- Scout, I couldn’t go to church and worship God if I didn’t try to help that man” (108). As addressed in To Kill a Mockingbird, Jim Crow laws manipulated individuals ethics to think that blaming African Americans is fine since all they do is not good (change the wordings). This type of discrimination made African American victims of jails and crimes that they did not even consider doing but were thought of doing because of racial segregation enforcement (popularity?) within the Southern society of the US. However, Atticus was different and believed that Tom robinson is innocent since he understood (understands?) how people discriminate others and was aware (is aware) of different types of prejudice (in that time period). So, due to Atticus’ good morals and values, he was willing to try his best to support the truth (who was right or something) and help Tom Robinson which makes him a great parent because (he is a person of morals?) of his good morals and values (delete morals and values?). Atticus (atticus’s ?) belief (of noting using one’s power to hurt each other … ?) that people should not harm each other should be admired. For instance, Miss Maudie (Atticus neighbour) was confirming to Scout that what Atticus said about Mockingbirds is right “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They
Atticus treats everyone with fairness. He always hears both sides of the story. He does this after Scout has gotten into a fight with Francis Hancock. After a time Atticus hears Scout’s side of the story and realises that it wasn’t totally Scout’s fault. Scout also tells Uncle Jack that when she and Jem get into fights Atticus stops to hear both sides of the argument before placing the blame, if any.
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.
Throughout the novel, Atticus’ assistance to Jem and Scout’s development becomes evident. Atticus takes every opportunity to attempt to teach his children the importance of having an open-mind. For instance, when Scout queries Atticus about Maycomb’s prejudice perspective, he tells her, “You never really understand a person until…you climb in their skin and walk around in it.” (Lee 30) Even during the early stages of the novel, it is apparent that Atticus endeavors to instill the values of empathy and tolerance within Jem and Scout by teaching them how to have multiple perspectives on a situation. In addition, Atticus also attempts to enlighten his children about peaceful resolution in society. For example, when Atticus is chosen to defend Tom Robinson, Atticus tells Scout, you might hear some ugly talk about it at school but…you just hold your head high and keep those fists down.”...
Atticus knew it would be a long shot to win and yet he entered it with a passion because knowing him, a man full of excellent morales, he knew that everyone involved with it would come away with something positive, even if that thing was simply a different outlook or perception on the black or life in general. Atticus 's great compassion for Tom and his community as well as his understanding for his side of the story would soon come with multiple consequences that himself and his kids would have to endure. For instance on (p.104) he explains to scout the trouble she may up endure but to keep a positive outlook, "When summer comes you 'll have to keep your head above far worse things...it 's not fair for you and gem, I know that, but sometimes we have to make the best of things, and the way we conduct ourselves when the chips are down-well, all I can say is, when you and Jem are grown, maybe you 'll look back on this with some compassion and some feeling that I didn 't let you down...." He instils that once Scout and Jem are mature enough to understand these things, that they will know he never let them down. This excerpt/example further exemplifies his understanding of Jem and Scouts sake and what they will go through as little kids but
Jem becomes very interested in Tom Robinson’s trial, presumably because he looks up to Atticus and wants to be like him, so he takes an interest in something that looms large on Atticus’ horizon. After Mayella Ewell, the white woman who accuses Tom Robinson of raping her, convicts in court, Jem wisely informs Scout and Reverend Skyes that “[they’ve won it. [He does not] see how any jury could convict on what [they] heard ”. Jem clearly does not understand the unfairness of Maycomb’s judicial system and the racism behind it. Evidently, Atticus and Tom Robinson do not win the case, and Jem seems to lose his faith in humanity afterwards. Shocked, he says, “How could they do it, how could they?” (243), and truly does not understand how. Jem takes