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A reflection on loyalty
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A reflection on loyalty
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Could Loyalty Win? One theme in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird could be loyalty sometimes triumphs over personal beliefs. Atticus earns a lot of loyalty and respect from those he knows. This oftentimes influences people to defend Atticus even when Atticus’s beliefs are different from their own. For example, Mr. Underwood was ready to defend Atticus against the mob that surrounded him at the jailhouse. However, as stated here, “‘You know, it’s a funny thing about Braxton,’ said Atticus. ‘He despises Negroes, won’t have one near him’” (Lee 209). While Mr. Underwood may be racist against black people, he was still willing to shoot anyone who would try to harm Atticus. Even though Atticus was defending a black man, the loyalty Mr. Underwood
...s will pass on these ideas to children and family. Even so, compassion emitted from Atticus towards his children are able to shield them from the disease and make them much like Atticus, someone who would see it like it is rather than be blindfolded by the pre-conceived ideas. Wisdom and life experience also are shown as very desirable traits to have as they can motivate you through the toughest tasks and drive you to do what should be done instead of abandon your duties. In conclusion, Harper Lee’s book To Kill a Mockingbird highlights the horrible prejudice and ignorance towards black people in the southern town of Maycomb, but also shows wisdom and compassion as not only desirable but necessary traits to have to withstand the bombardment of pre-conceived ideas from the people surrounding you, and also portrays these qualities as a shield to people around you.
Almost everyday one decides to sacrifices an aspect of their life, but is limited to only so many on their behalf of their morals. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch and Jem Finch sacrifice their identities, perspectives, well being, and time for their beliefs. The book takes place during the great depression where racism is a normal day to day behavior. Atticus is a lawyer who is assigned to take on a case defending Tom Robinson who is an african american man accused of rape. While knowing that the usual act of a lawyer being appointed to defend an african american, during the great depression, is to not try to defend the defendant at all, Atticus believes that he should give the same amount of effort to defend Tom Robinson as he would to a
Atticus was a man of strong morals and conscience and in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, had to overcome the backlash and hate from defending Tom Robinson. With what seemed to be the majority of Maycomb County against him and his own safety at stake, Atticus knew that he couldn’t win the trial. Yet accompanied by his rationality, good ethics and determination he overcomes the trial. It is not the desired ending, but for his efforts in the trial, Atticus gains the respect of the black community and the respect of others in Maycomb by following through and overcoming the challenges that followed the
“Grudges are for those who insist that they are owed something; forgiveness, however, is for those who are substantial enough to move on.” In Criss Jami’s quote, he explains that people who hold grudges, believe that what happened is unfair versus people who move on do deserve forgiveness. A similar theme is implied in Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, which is set in the imaginary county of Maycomb, Alabama during the Great Depression. The main protagonist in this novel is a young girl, by the name of Jean Louise Finch, better known as Scout Finch. Scout has to learn to accept the fact that a man named Bob Ewell desires revenge on Atticus because Atticus supposedly ruins Bob Ewell’s credibility at a trial where a black man, Tom Robinson,
The biggest example of this is when he takes the Tom Robinson case even though he knows what everyone will think of him and how they will treat him because of taking the case. Many people in Maycomb are racist and very against Atticus defending a black man, even his own family members are against it. Jem and Scout’s cousin Francis states, “I guess it ain’t your fault if Uncle Atticus is a nigger-lover besides, but I’m here to tell you it certainly does mortify the rest of the family.” (Lee 110) Atticus uses these hurtful words as a teachable moment to show his children how to take the criticism and hate with a grain of salt and just let it roll off. He treats everyone in Maycomb equally telling Scout “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 quote goes to show that Atticus is not racist and doesn't care much about social status, if someone needs a hand he is there to lend them one no matter who they
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.
Almost everyday one decides to sacrifice an aspect of their life but is limited to only so many chances on behalf of their morals. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee; Atticus Finch sacrifices himself, as well as his family's identity, well being, and precious time for his beliefs. The book takes place during the time span of the great depression where racism is a normal day-to-day behavior. Atticus being the highly skilled lawyer he is, is assigned to take matters into his own hands in a case defending an African American man by the name of Tom Robinson. While knowing that the “usual” act of the lawyer being appointed in Maycomb when defending an African American citizen during the great depression is to not give effort to the
Atticus must live with himself before he can live with others. In the novel, Atticus even says, "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." This clearly illustrates how Atticus must do what he thinks is right because he can only live for himself and not others. Atticus demostrates this when he refuses to treat African Americans with disrespect, as many other people in Maycomb do. Atticus treats them as he treats everyone and how he wuold like to be treated. Atticus should defend Tom Robinson because he prides himself on his following the Golden Rule, and if he does not defend Tom Robinson, he could not live with himself. Atticus tells Scout he would not be able to show his face in town if he does not defend Mr. Robinson because he would be going against everything he believes in for what others what him to do. The people of Maycomb trust Atticus to stand up for what is right when no one else has the courage. Miss Maudie says, "Whether Maycomb knows it or not, we're paying the highest t...
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
Lee uses Atticus’ good nature and respect for people to promote the theme; being strong in one 's beliefs and honest sets a good example for society: “‘First of all,’ he spoke, ‘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-,” (Lee 39) Atticus indicates. This quote shows how fair Atticus is, he try’s to understand other people in different situations. His advice is very true and is valid throughout the entire book, it could even be considered a theme on it’s own. Atticus’ quality of respect is very high and continues on into the trial further into the book which helps him during the case and helps Lee build to the theme: “‘Gentleman,’ he was saying ‘I shall be brief, but I would like to use my remaining time with you to remind you that this case is not a difficult one, it requires no minute sifting of complicated facts, but it does require you to be sure beyond all reasonable doubt as to the guilt of the defendant. To begin with, this case should never have come to trial. This case is as simple as black and white,” (Lee 271) Atticus voices in his final words at the trial. Lee uses Atticus’ powerful personality to express her views to the readers. In Maycomb no one ever did anything that was against the majority, so when
During our lives, we develop morals and values through life experiences. They can be influenced by our society and the people we surround ourselves with. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee demonstrates courage, social inequality and prejudice through the characters and events in the book. We experience life lessons through the protagonist Scout Finch as she develops her own values. This is displayed through a variety of life lessons and values throughout the novel.
The trial of Tom Robinson opened many doors for Harper Lee to confront the issue of racial discrimination. Atticus makes it clear that Mr. Robinson has no chance of winning the trial because no man sitting on that jury has the courage to side with a Negro instead of a white man. “And so a quiet, respectable, humble Negro who had the unmitigated temerity to ‘feel sorry’ for a white woman has had to put his word against two white people’s.” Harper Lee uses Atticus’s willingness to confront the elephant in the room to clarify the message she is trying to convey.
Heroism comes in many forms; an integral element in any novel to bring peace to havoc and disarray. To Kill A Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, takes an unconventional approach in the portrayal of its hero, Atticus Finch. In a time of racial, gender and socio-economic prejudice, Atticus appears as Maycomb’s beacon of hope and virtue. Firstly, he defends an African American man in spite of backlash and being aware that the chances of winning are slim. Furthermore, dialogue demonstrates that he treats everybody as equals, and finally he makes a personal sacrifice. By identifying Lee’s utilisation of dialogue and action in the characterisation of Atticus as a hero, audiences also come to the acknowledgment that morality will prevail.
Society is capricious and rewards the bad as often as the good but, it will never reward the quiet. To one’s mind, it is easier not to understand the truth only because the truth lies deeper than the lie. Treating others unfairly due to their skin color or financial status shall not be acceptable. As individuals, we must only separate laundry by color and nothing else. In the novel To kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses Scout as a character as an important to tell the story of her father defends a black man by the name of Tom Robinson in Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930’s. In the novel, Scout explores the existence of her reclusive neighbor as well as learning valuable lessons from her father. In the novel, Atticus
“You never really understood a person until you consider things from his point of view—until you climb into his skin and walk around it.” Atticus Finch is a man of extreme integrity. He, as both a lawyer and a human being, stands up for his democratic beliefs and encourages his children to stand up for their own, though they may stand alone. Harper Lee showed how far respect went in To Kill a Mockingbird when Atticus defended Tom Robinson in his rape trial. He did not think twice about being ridiculed by th...