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Atticus finch role model in book
Atticus finch role model in book
Summary of to kill a mockingbird chapter 1-12
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To conclude, the predominant theme of courage is very well illustrated in this novel by the character of Atticus Finch. First he shows his bravery through his perception by standing up for what he believed in and taking on Robinson’s court case. Then he protects Tom from the lynch mob, and act of altruism. Finally, when Bob Ewell provokes him, he demonstrates bravery through his composure by not fighting back. For all these reasons, Atticus Finch can be considered a true definition of courage."Courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what" (Lee p.149). One of the major themes brought up in this novel concerns bravery. Furthermore, several characters portray this, one of which …show more content…
is Atticus Finch. Throughout To Kill a Mocking Bird, he manifests courage through his consciousness, his selflessness and his demeanour. In the first part of the novel, Atticus shows bravery when he takes on the job of defending Tom Robinson in a court case.
Tom Robinson is a black man accused of rape in the 1930’s, a time of racial discrimination. Although Atticus knows that the case is a lost cause, which he expresses to his brother by saying “the only thing we’ve got is a black mans word against the Ewells. The jury couldn’t possibly be expected to take Tom Robinson’s word against the Ewells”(Lee p.17), he still defends Tom because he knows that he is innocent, and whether the world likes it or not, they need to here the truth. When Scout asks him why he is doing it 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" (Lee p.100) Moreover, Atticus goes against his values and his racist town, Maycomb, by taking this case. Even part of his family considered him a disgrace, and although he and his children were insulted, scorned, and called “nigger-lovers” he still choses to stand for what is right, which shows his courage. His perception is the source of …show more content…
bravery. In the second part of the novel, Mr.
Finch also displays acts of courage when Tom Robinson is taken to the jailhouse. He knows that a lynch mob is coming for Tom so he goes to try and stop them. Furthermore, he doesn’t take any sort of weapon; instead he sits on a chair and reads the newspaper with a light bulb. He isn’t looking for any kind of violence. He shows that fighting with your head is more effective then physical aggressiveness. Moreover, he is willing to stand-alone against these men despite the danger and the fact that he was fearful “He put the newspaper down very carefully, adjusting its creases with lingering fingers. They were trembling a little”(Lee p.203). Additionally, Atticus could have been gravely injured or killed even, but he ignores that because he knows that protecting a man who has done nothing wrong is far more important then his own needs. This embodiment of altruism is a great example of
bravery. In the last part of the novel, Atticus’s courage is linked to his self-respect and dignity. After the trial where Tom Robinson is proclaimed guilty of rape, Bob Ewell feels like he has been particularly humiliated by Atticus. To get rid of this embarrassment and guilt, he threatens Mr. Finch and spits at him in front of the post office. Furthermore, Ewell provokes him and tells him that he is too afraid to fight, too proud. However, Atticus refuses to go down to this man’s level and his response is “no, just too old”. In addition, all he does is wipe his face and stand there calmly, despite the cursing, the intimidations. Also, when his son questions him about it later on, Atticus says "Jem, see if you can stand in Bob Ewell's shoes a minute. I destroyed his last shred of credibility at that trial, if he had any to begin with. The man had to have some kind of comeback, his kind always does. So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that's something I'll gladly take. He had to take it out on somebody and I'd rather it be me than that houseful of children out there. You understand" (p.292)? Finch puts himself in Bob’s “skin”, stays calm and collected which shows his bravery.
Courage is a deed that can be portrayed in many ways. In the Historical Fiction novel To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee, there are many acts of racism and problematic cases where acts of courage are demonstrated in different and unique ways that can only be deciphered if one reads in between the lines of the words. There are three characters in particular who show courage in diverse ways. First, there is Arthur Radley who anonymously shows courage by performing tasks that cause him to face the outside world where he’s been isolated from for so long. Secondly, there is Scout Finch who demonstrates courage through her adolescent age. Lastly, there is Atticus Finch who displays courage through his selfless and kind actions. Therefore, in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses diverse characters to represent different acts of courage.
First, Tom, formally known as Thomas Robinson was a black man who worked for a man named Link Deas. Tom was 25 years old, had three children and a wife named Helen. When he was 11 years old Tom’s left arm was caught in a cotton gin and he lost feeling in his left arm. Tom was accused of rape by a white woman named Mayella. Everyone hated him because it didn’t look good for a black man to be accused of raping a white woman. During his trial he had a white lawyer named Atticus, who did his best to prove that Tom was innocent and Mayella and her dad Bob Ewell were lying. Atticus says,”Did you resist her advances?, Mr.Finch, I tried to ‘thout bein ugly to her. I didn’t wanta push her or nothin.” stated Tom(Lee 195). Tom did not want to kiss her but he didn’t
Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird was published in the year of 1960, and is one of the few American classic novels awarded the Pulitzer Prize. The racism that is prevalent in many southern American towns in the 1930s is brought to life with profound imagery in To Kill a Mockingbird. There are several characters in the book, yet the true main character is the narrator's father, Atticus Finch. He is a man of great integrity and intelligence. A very heroic figure in more ways than one, Atticus possesses traits like being principled, determined, and, more importantly, he teaches others. When looking at To Kill a Mockingbird, one can see that Lee uses lots of description, dialogue, and actions to portray Atticus as a heroic individual.
Atticus Finch’s unique, courageous personality and contrarian mindset are proven through his unconventional actions throughout the novel. His stoic nature correlates with his extreme courage, a moral facet of his multi-layered personality that he highlights with various acts of nobility that many in Maycomb do not expect and often despise, but he continues on regardless. Early on, Atticus shows an aspect of his moral courage when he consoles Scout on the topic of getting bullied about his decision to defend Tom Robinson. In this specific instance, Atticus explains to Scout that, “no matter what anybody says to you, don’t you let ‘em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change” (Lee 101). Letting insults and rude remarks fly over
Atticus Finch shows through his actions that bravery can show up in many different ways. Although he lives in Alabama, surrounded by racists, Atticus shows extreme bravery in the way he defends Tom Robinson. Not only does Atticus defend Tom Robinson’s case in the courtroom, he also pours his heart and soul into protecting Robinson and his whole family from the angry mobs of Maycomb. When Atticus explains to Scout and Jem, “I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this county in legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again,” he models bravery and the importance of doing the right thing even under the most difficult circumstances (Lee 75). This is typical behavior for Atticus Finch. Standing up to the whole town of Maycomb is not an easy thing to do, but Atticus is determined to show his children to stand up for what they believe in and take time to understand others. However, this action could be regarded as atypical behavior in the 1930s in Maycomb, Alabama. Southern Society scorned any white person who would help a black man. On the other hand, when Jem sees Atticus pull the trigger and shoot a rabid dog, who is threa...
Courage is when you know you’re beaten. The character Atticus, for instance, who was a seasoned lawyer acted courageous defending Tom Robinson. Tom Robinson was a black man who was accused of raping a white girl. Atticus was appointed to defend him. Jem was happy because he thought his father had won the case but Reverend Sykes loathed telling Jem “Now don’t you be so confident, Mr. Jem, I ain’t ever seen any jury decide in favor of a colored man over a white man…”(Lee 208). Atticus was sure he wasn’t going to win the case, nevertheless he gave it a try. That didn’t stop Atticus from trying to defend his client Tom Robinson. Another part in the novel when Atticus was courageous was when he shot at the man street dog. Heck Tate the Maycomb Sheriff was not as courageous as Atticus so he handed Atticus the air rifles and with one shot Atticus took down the street dog. Miss Maudie says “I saw that, One Shot Finch” (Lee 97). Atticus was referred to as one-shot finch because of his shooting skills. The other incidence in the novel when Atticus portrays courage was when he was not scared when Bob Ewell threatened him. Bob Ewell was the man who accused Atticus’ defendant Tom Robinson of raping his daughter Mayella. Atticus thought Bob Ewell threatened him as some sort of revenge, but unfortunately Atticus was wrong because when Bob Ewell said ...
Courage is having the strength to do something that is frightening to most people. It can be something large scale like the responders on 9/11 risking their lives for hundreds of people. Courage can also be something of smaller scale but just as significant like standing up for a black man in a town of racial prejudice. In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, many of the characters she has initiated show courageous qualities. One of those characters is Atticus Finch, father of Jem and Scout who demonstrates courage many times throughout the novel. Standing up for his beliefs, restraining from the negligent tauntings of his neighbors and defending a man whose innocence will not be proved, all show Atticus is the most courageous character
Courage is the ability to do something that frightens one, which Atticus displays throughout the story. Firstly, Atticus has the courage to take on a case that he has a high probability of losing. Judge Taylor assigns the case to Atticus for a sole reason, that Atticus has the best chance of winning or creating a change in society with this case. “I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hands. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyways and you see through it no matter what” (112). Atticus knows he will most likely lose the Tom Robinson case but he proceeds through it, despite the problems the case will cause him and his family. Secondly, Atticus Finch stands in front of Tom Robinson’s jail cell protecting him from the lynch mob. Lynching is a very common way of killing in the time period of this story which was commonly done by hanging the person for an alleged offense. “You know what we want’ another man said, ‘Get away from the door, Mr. Finch’. ‘You can turn around and go home Arthur,’ Atticus said pleasantly.” (202). Atticus is willing to stand up to a lynch mob and protect his client Tom Robinson even at the cost of his own life. Thirdly, Atticus continues on with his life normally despite the constant hate he gets. “Not only a Finch waiting on tables but one in the courthouse
"The only thing we've got is a black man's word against the Ewells'. The evidence boils down to you-did-I-didn't. The jury couldn't possibly be expected to take Tom Robinson's word against the Ewells,'" Atticus solemnly explains this to his brother. First of all, Atticus demonstrates courage when he undertakes the task of defending Tom Robinson, a black man wrongly accused of rape. Atticus knows he won't win the case and like Mrs. Dubose in her battle against morphine, he is "licked" before he begins. Nevertheless, Atticus knows that Tom is innocent and that he must fight for him, since no one else will. Atticus's strong sense of morality and justice motivates him to defend Tom with vigor and determination, giving it all he's got with one mission in mind. He wants the people of Maycomb town, whether they believe it or not, to hear the truth about Tom, "That boy might go to the chair, but he's not going till the truth's told"
Towards the end of To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus decides to represent a colored man by the man of Tom Robinson, who is being accused of raping Mayella Ewell, Bob Ewell’s daughter. Atticus believes that Tom is innocent, but he does not think that Tom will be found not guilty because of they way the townsfolk treat colored people. They treat them like dirt; like they are worth nothing. Atticus went ahead and represented Tom despite the fact that he knew the townsfolk would call himself and his children names and treat them disrespectfully. Even Scout’s relative Francis said rude things about them. “‘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-...’ ‘Just what I said. Grandma says it's bad enough he lets you all run wild, but now he's turned out a nigger-lover we'll never be able to walk the streets of Maycomb agin. He's ruinin' the family, that's what he's doin'.’” Atticus set a good example for Scout and Jem. He had a difficult decision to make, but he chose what he thought was
In the courtroom that night it is revealed that the alleged crimes of Tom Robinson, a decent Negro man, most likely did not happen. As Atticus says in his closing argument, "The state has not produced one iota of medical evidence to the effect that the crime Tom Robinson is charged with ever took place. It has relied instead upon the testimony of two witnesses whose evidence has not only been called into serious question on cross-examination, but has been flatly contradicted by the defendant. The defendant is not guilty, but somebody in this courtroom is” (Lee 271). Showing the clear innocence of Tom Robinson due to lack of evidence, Scout thinks that the white jury will do the right thing only to find out that they still, unfairly, accuse him of being guilty. Scout and her brother, Jem, get very upset when they hear the verdict, however, it allows them both to learn the lesson that the county is unfair towards anyone who is not white. The county demonstrates this evil racism due to the social divisions in Maycomb between the whites and the blacks and because the whites see the blacks as unworthy of rights and freedoms. It was not just the trial itself that displayed evil in the world, but the comments and arguments surrounding the case did
Tom Robinson’s trial, and in fact his entire life, was badly affected by racism. It is truly a testament to the corruption of society when a person who has earned a bad reputation is held in higher esteem than a person who was born with it, as is the case with Bob Ewell and Tom Robinson. Even though Tom was obviously honest in his testament, the jury sided with Bob Ewell because he was white. They made this decision despite the fact that the Ewell family was widely known to be a worthless part of society. Jem, not being racially prejudiced, could not understand this mentality. As Atticus pointed out, “If you (Jem) had been on the jury, son, and eleven other boys like you, Tom would be a free man.”
Atticus displays courage by accepting the case of Tom Robinson stating, “I’m simply defending a Negro-his name’s Tom Robinson” (100). He does so knowing he would upset the town and put him and his family in danger. However, the reader knows he is more than capable of facing down fear to protect his family as seen when he shoots the rabid dog. “The rifle cracked. Tim Johnson leaped, flopped over and crumpled on the sidewalk in a brown-and-white heap. He didn’t know what hit him” (127). This scene proves that Atticus Finch will consume his fear and have courage to protect the ones he
Atticus Finch’s actions show that he always puts others before himself. During Ms. Maudie’s house fire, Scout, Jem, and Atticus go outside and see the fire burning her house. Atticus hurriedly speaks to Jem, “Not yet son. Do as I tell you. Run now. Take care of your Scout, you hear? Don’t let her out of your sight” (78). Atticus could have run away from the fire in fear for his life, leaving Scout and Jem to figure things out themselves; however, he protected Jem and Scout from the fire. He then went to help Ms. Maudie, risking his life for her. He put everyone before him, making sure they were safe before he would save himself. Likewise, a bit later in the book, Atticus goes to the local jail where Tom Robinson is staying. A few hostile men
Finch, his actions spoke just as loud as his words and he show that even his intentions were moral. “‘Atticus, are we going to win it?’ ‘No, honey.’ ‘Then why-’ ‘Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win,’...” Although he knew that with the circumstance there was no way he was going to win the case he knew he had to at least try. He knew it was wrong that because of racial issues Tom would be convicted. The simplified version of morality is when you know what is right you do what ever you can to do it, no matter what others think. one will always try to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Tom could not defend himself and Atticus knew no one else would do him