How Does Atticus Show Justice In To Kill A Mockingbird

Through Atticus’s nature, to have justice in any situation, it helps to develop his quality to love tenderly. This feature of Atticus is shown many times throughout this novel. Near the beginning of the novel Atticus shows love to one of the Finches’ neighbours and a client to Atticus, Mr. Walter Cunningham. As he was leaving his meeting with Atticus about his entailment, Mr. Cunningham asks,

“ … ‘I don’t know when I’ll ever be able to pay you’…

‘Let that be the least of your worries, Walter,’ Atticus said.

…I asked Atticus if Mr. Cunningham would ever pay us.

‘Not in money…but before the year’s out I’ll have been paid. You watch. “(27)

Here Atticus understands that Mr. Walter Cunningham has a tough time making a living, so he does not

push Walter to pay him with money right away. Atticus gives him as much time as he needs to pay him back with what he has.

Atticus shows love to Walter when he takes away the burden of paying him back fast. The line, “…but before the year’s out I’ll have been paid…” shows Atticus has love and trust towards a fellow neighbour. Also it helps to identify Atticus’s unselfishness; he does not worry that Walter will never pay him back. This part of the novel Atticus also demonstrates to Scout how to have empathy for those who are less fortunate than them. Another important part in the novel where Atticus shows love is when, he gives a tip to Jem and Scout while they practice shooting with their air rifles. “Shoot all the blue jays you want…. but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird… mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s garden don't nest in corncribs...” (119) this quote truly expresses Atticus’s love and admiration for God’s creatures. By killing a peaceful, and beautiful creature for no reason is an extremely selfish act to do. Whereas blue jays who “eat up people’s gardens… nest in corncribs…” and are not kind. For this reason Atticus is okay if they shoot all the blue jays they want on purpose. This quote is a very symbolic

representation of the rest of this novel especially because most of the characters are related to mockingbirds.

For example, Arthur Radley, who doesn’t harm anybody, is still hurt and teased by all his neighbours. The First Purchase community, also do not harm or mistreat anybody else. They mind their own business,but since they are black, they are bullied and beaten down by most of the white people of Maycomb. These are also the individuals that Atticus shows love and mercy to, even when the majority of people do not. This is not only how Atticus displays love, but also when Atticus’ son, Jem, is complaining to him about an elderly neighbour, Mrs. Dubose. Atticus tells him, “She’s an old lady and she’s ill. You just hold your head high

and be a gentleman. Whatever she says to you, it’s your job not to let her make you mad.” (133) this quote exhibits Atticus’s respect towards elders; he realizes Mrs. Dubose may has different views than the children and Atticus, but it is no excuse for Jem to get mad at her. Another idea that is present in this quote is, Atticus teaches Jem to be a gentleman and educates Jem to control his anger; by having empathy for the person. Atticus loves his children so much that he wants to engrave as many good values and manners into their heads. These were a few examples to prove that, Atticus is an amazing role model on the subject of, loving tenderly.