Are the simple acts of kindness and morality not enough to surpass the ongoing opinion of the superior colour? To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, reflects on the time period of the Great Depression, where prejudice and racial stereotypes are widely conventional in Maycomb County, Alabama. Atticus Finch, displays the role of a modern hero, being the only one with enough moral courage to fight against racial discrimination in Maycomb and respects all citizens equally. First off, Atticus demonstrates compassion towards the black community that separates him from the other white folk of Maycomb. Secondly, Atticus acts for the greater good, protecting his children and the black people of Maycomb. Furthermore, Atticus is the only one who …show more content…
Atticus is very compassionate towards the blacks, trying to protect them in a racist town like Maycomb. Scout does not understand why Mrs.Dubose and Francis call Atticus a “nigger-lover”, asking if he is one, but Atticus says: “I certainly am. I do my best to love everybody […] it’s never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name.” (Lee 144-145). Even though many define “nigger-lover” as a bad term, Atticus points out that all he is arguing for is black rights, as they are too poor to afford proper legal defense. Atticus does not take racial discrimination lightly; he believes Maycomb treats blacks unequally. Not only does Atticus display affection to the blacks, he wants other white folk to do the same. After the Tom Robinson trial, Jem questions Atticus about the verdict against Tom, believing the ruling to be bias. Atticus …show more content…
After Atticus takes on the Robinson case, Scout comes from school one day, asking Atticus why people such as Cecil say he is a “nigger-lover”. Atticus explains to her: “For a number of reasons, said Atticus. 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 139-140). Atticus feels that if he cannot defend Tom, he is not treating all of the citizens of Maycomb equally under the law, even if black. Moreover, this is why he believes in protesting for racial equality, whether the whites believe it is right or wrong. Yes, Atticus is strongly adamant in defending Tom, but influencing the town to treat all races equally is also one of the top things on his to do list. While the jurors are developing their decision on the Tom Robinson trial, Miss Maudie expresses, to Jem and Scout, her encouragement towards the attitude that Atticus displays of racial discrimination, being the only white male to do so. She states: “Atticus Finch won’t win, he can’t win, but he’s the only man in these parts who can keep a jury out so long in a case like that.” (Lee 289). Furthermore, Miss Maudie proves that Atticus is eager to influence Maycomb to change the prejudiced minds the whites have towards the blacks. Atticus
Throughout the time approaching the trial, Atticus is commonly called a, “N****r Lover.” Mrs. Dubose even says, “Yes indeed, what has this world come to when a Finch goes against his raising? I'll tell you! Your father's no better than the n****rs and trash he works for” (Lee 135). This quote shows the strong hatred that the citizens have toward the Negroes and anyone who supports them. They have this strong hatred for the Negroes for no real reason other than their skin color. Scout realizes what is going on with the racist remarks and cruel comments, but can not understand how one human could be so mean to another. However, the evils related to race are not the only evils that Scout experiences during the
Reassuring that Tom Robinson’s case is dealt seriously, Atticus exchanges his identity as the noble man he is for the reputation of a villain that the town flames and calls names such as “nigger lover”. Sacrificing Atticus’s identity does not give him much room to speak during the case, in fact, without his title as an intelligent, helpful, and wealthy citizen, the people of Maycomb could potentially harm Atticus, which forces him to take a slightly more cautious approach with the people of Maycomb. Concerned with the matter of how her father finds that his actions are right when the majority of the town finds it is wrong. Atticus then responds strongly to Scout, saying that he could not live with himself or tell her and Jem to do the right thing if he did not take the case seriously himself. Atticus’s identity sacrificed for the intention of saving his kids from “Maycomb's usual disease” which is racism.
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...
Atticus's battle for justice causes more problems for Scout. She is continually defending him but the racist remarks do not stop. These remarks just show how cruel children can be to other children. She feels the need to defend her father to Francis, her cousin. He was also taunting her with accusations: "At a safe distance her called, `He's nothin' but a nigger-lover'." The benign force of racism has disrupted their lives, especially Scouts, through the old fashioned and discriminative opinions of the younger residents of Maycomb.
In addition, Tom Robinson is a black man who was accused of raping 19 year old Mayella Ewell. Atticus Finch bravely and courageously took on the case even though he got the idea that it would take a miracle to win. By taking on the Tom Robinson case, it proved that Atticus was not a follower which separated himself from the rest of the town. During the trial, Atticus says, “Our courts have their faults, as does any human institution, but in this country our courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are created equal.” (Lee 274). Atticus is referring to his beliefs and how they are legitimate. He stands up for righteousness and justice rather than the majority. Additionally, Atticus believes that violence is not the appropriate answer. He wants his children to keep their fists down and heads up in every situation they encounter. In other words, the event with Mrs. Dubose was very meaningful. Mrs. Dubose is an old lady who lives two doors up the street from the Finch 's house. Atticus ' son, Jem destroyed Mrs. Dubose 's flowers because she had said disrespectful things about Atticus which brought out Jem 's anger. Even though Atticus was very upset, he does not believe violence is the appropriate
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.
In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch is one of the most interesting and loving characters in Maycomb. He shows throughout the book what it looks like to truly be a respectable father, and an honorable man in general. Atticus stand up for the people that are persecuted for the things they cannot control, and he sees all people, regardless of skin color, as equal. He shows all of this when he represents a black man by the name of Tom Robinson in court. His love extends far off the court as well, as he is a loving father that is trying to raise his kids to be good people. Throughout the novel, it is plain to see that Atticus Finch is a noble man that will not allow himself to be tempted by a society that is filled with hate.
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.
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
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...
“ You know the court appointed to defend this n-word,” “ yeah, but he still aims to defend him that's what I don't like about it,” (Lee 218). Justice for Tom, is what Atticus wants no matter what people think or say. Supporting Jem throughout the trial was important he tries to help him understand what the society thinks about white vs black men. He says that when is a white man's word against a black man's word, the white always win. But if it were up to children instead of the jury Tom would be free. “ There's something in our world that makes men lose their heads- they couldn't be fair if they tried… Their ugly but those are the facts of life.” (Lee 220). Finch held the court case out longer than most lawyers would, because he shared the truth on what he belived. Everyone around him knew that he wasn't going to win, but that he would give Tom a chance to tell his story. Miss. Maudie tells Jem and Scout “I thought Atticus Finch won't win, he can't win, but he's the only man in these parts who can keep a jury out so long in a case like that.” (Lee 226). After Atticus lost the trial and Tom was sent to jail. Jem has a hard time understanding why the trial went down that way, so Atticus tried to explain to him. “Tom Robinson’s a colored man, Jem. No jury in this part of the world's going to say ‘we think you're guilty, but not very’ on a charge like that…” (Lee 219). Even Atticus knew that he wasn't going to win the case but he was still courageous to take the case and give Tom a fair
was Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. In this novel Atticus is defending Tom Robinson in his case. He was called a, “Nigger-lover is just one of those terms that don't mean anything—like snot-nose. It's hard to explain—ignorant, trashy people use it when they think somebody's favoring Negroes over and above themselves…. I certainly am [a nigger-lover]. I do my best to love everybody” (Lee 144). This quote illustrate how Atticus has nothing against colored people and treats them as how he would treat his normal clients. During his court trial, the white people kept on questioning why he defends Tom Robinson. “’If you shouldn't be defendin' him, then why are you doin' it?’ ‘For a number of reasons,’ said Atticus” (Lee 100). Atticus knows that society wouldn’t accept his actions and thus, he is practicing civil disobedience. Like King, Finch also practice civil disobedience in the name of
Few people are the same as they are on the street in their homes. Few people can treat others equally; no matter what colour their skin is. Atticus Finch is one of those precious few. Racism in the town of Maycomb is nothing but disguised by the polite smiles and ladies missionary meetings; although it is the strongest belief that each person of the town holds apart from some such as Atticus. Racism is an issue of great importance, yet to the eye of a visitor waltzing through, it's just a slight whisk of air.
Maycomb is a petite, sleepy town, however, the political side is vicious. Atticus selflessly decides to defend Tom, an African American, in court who was being wrongly prosecuted for rape. Despite Maycomb’s arsenal of verbal chastisement on himself and his children, continued to defend Tom. Because Tom was African-American, his rights were subconsciously removed due to racial bias. "It was just him I couldn't stand," Dill said…"That old Mr. Gilmer doin' him thataway, talking so hateful to him… It was the way he said it made me sick, plain sick… The way that man called him 'boy' all the time an' sneered at him, an' looked around at the jury every time he answered… It ain't right, somehow it ain't right to do 'em that way. Hasn't anybody got any business talkin' like that—it just makes me sick." (Lee 155-165). Although the treatment was harsh, Atticus continued to defend Tom because Atticus’s virtues abide by protecting the innocent. The overwhelming negativity crowding the court case that Atticus disrupts for Tom Robinson supports Atticus’s altruism in defending the
(P.108), even when he was called "nigger lover" by so many. Above all, the events of Tom Robinson’s case clearly indicate Atticus and his strong compassion and understanding.