In the book, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, there were many unique attributes each character held. But the main trait Atticus, Miss Maudie, and Jean held was an unshakable hope in humanity. After his trial ended on a low note, Atticus continued keeping his cool and never thought of losing hope in humanity, as Jeremy did. Miss Maudie commented on Jeremy’s despaired comments about Macomb people with, ‘”We’re so rarely called on to be Christians, but when we are, we’ve got men like Atticus to go for us.”’ (Page 288, Chapter 22). This meant that there were men who supported the minorities. This did not mean, however, that there were no characters against equality and while Jean was exposed to that evil in a person’s heart through her …show more content…
After his recent trial ended negatively, Atticus continued keeping his cool. He also resumed his daily life. The time he spent worrying about the trial and what came of it is shown in this sentence, none: ’”I’m not bitter, just tired. I’m going to bed.”’ (Page 285, Chapter 22). His wisdom, which accumulated over the years, helped him understand human nature and its strengths and weaknesses. But the knowledge he learned did not change how he thought of …show more content…
While surrounded by people who did not share her ideas, she continued to believe in the populous. After the trial, she did not fall into despair as Jeremy, her brother, did. Instead, she continued to believe in what she knew was right and stated her ideals clearly to opposite parties. When Jeremy and Jean were discussing people in general, Jean told him, ‘Naw, Jem, I think there’s just one kind of folks. Folks.”’ (Page 304, Chapter 23). Even when discussing with her brother, whom she respects, she continues to stay steadfast in her trust in
In his introduction, Atticus cautions the jury to be objective in their verdict, reminding them the doctrine of presumed innocence. He explains, “Gentlemen, 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 reasonable doubt as to the guilt of the defendant.” His use of the word “but” is cautionary, warning the jurors that there is no place for personal bias in the court and highlighting their legal obligation. Additionally, he employs an impassioned voice in his emotional appeal, drawing attention to the ethical question of the trial. When he states, “This case is as simple as black and white,” he acknowledges the ideological nature of it, expressing distaste for the racial prejudice that brought Tom Robinson under the court’s gaze.
Scout is a young girl growing up in the south, she is intelligent, thoughtful, and good natured. Her identity is somewhat uncommon during the time she lives in. She is characterized as a tomboy, who doesn’t always act “lady like” or proper by southern standards. Scout most likely became the type of person she is by the care of her father, Atticus. He shapes her mind, while trying to protect her from a dangerous world and preserving her childhood.
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.
The first reason why Atticus is a great character is because he has both strengths and flaws. After the trial, Miss Stephanie tells the children that “Mr. Bob Ewell stopped Atticus on the post office corner, spat in his face, and told him he’d get him if it took the rest of his life” (217). Later on, Atticus states to the family, “We don’t have anything to fear from Bob Ewell, he got
This quote shows how fair Atticus is, he’s trying 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.
Atticus views that it is his duty to do his best in the Tom Robinson trial and feels no
Keeping a mouth shut doesn't hold the world shut out, it opens up new doors to things that would never be expected. In To Kill A Mockingbird written by Harper Lee, there is are two character that is are an eternal mystery for the readers. Boo Radley, though the reader nor Scout and Jem know anything about the character all they want is to learn about him. Boo becomes a mysterious figure that many see as creepy, ghostly, but also reasonably wise. The one-time Boo appears the readers learn he is a sagacious, powerful man. Little do Scout and Jem know is that their father is also a rational being as well. The two crucial character in the story helps support the
During a time when black people were thought to be lower than white people, Atticus defended a black man in court. He said to his children, "I'm simply defending a Negrohis name's Tom Robinson," (pg. 75). It required a lot of confidence and caring for Atticus to defend Tom, and the black community knew that Tom did not stand a chance without Atticus' help. They respected him and looked to him as a hero. They showed this when they stood up for him in the courtroom. Reverend Sykes said to Scout in the courtroom, "Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passin," (pg. 211). The entire group of black people who were there stood up for him. Also, the parishioners at Calpurnia's church made Jem and Scout feel welcome when they visited their church. This showed that the black people also respected Atticus' family. If Atticus were just trying his best in a difficult circumstance, then he would not be as respected as he was by the black community. The black people greatly acknowledged the qualities that Atticus displayed by defending Tom and looked to him as a hero because of these qualities.
True role models are those who possess the qualities that we would want to have in the near future and those who interest us in a way that make us want to be a better person. They teach us more about ourselves and encourage us to make better choices. A role model is not just someone who is successful, but someone who has had similar experiences that we have had. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee demonstrates that Atticus Finch is a true role model. Over the course of the novel, Atticus stands up for his beliefs, respects everyone despite who they are and behaves as a true father. Atticus is truly the ideal role model.
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.
Although I may not always do the right thing, I still believe being good. That is also how Jem is. He doesn’t always do the right thing, like on page 118, Lee had written, “He did not begin to calm down until he had cut the tops off every camellia bush Mrs. Dubose owned, until the ground was littered with green buds and leaves.” In this scene, Jem had lost control and destroyed all of Mrs. Dubose’s flowers after she had said offending things about Atticus, Jem’s father. But, for all the bad that Jem does, he does twice as much good to make up for it. All throughout the trial, Jem upholds the belief that Tom is innocent and that Atticus is going to win the case. When Atticus loses, Jem is devastated and he is shown the harsh, racist side of their old town, Maycomb. This shows that he believes in what is right, even if it is not always the popular choice. I can relate to this because I am in situations where the right choice isn’t always the popular choice. For instance, in this generation, people are constantly be peer pressured into doing what is “popular” over what is right. For example, a few weeks ago, someone on my bus was smoking and was trying to get other people to smoke. A few days later he ended up in suspension. Therefore, even though smoking was the popular choice, it was the wrong one. Even though Jem and I both have our faults and act impulsively sometimes, we have strong moral values that we
The author George Elliot once said “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Appearance can be very misleading, and you shouldn't prejudge the worth or value of something by its outward appearance alone. This philosophical idea has been included in many works of literature, including the timeless classic To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee. The novel takes place in the town of Maycomb, Alabama during the 1930s. Many citizens of Maycomb tend to make judgements based on outward appearances alone. In the novel, Lee uses minor characters such as Boo Radley, Mrs. Dubose, and Tom Robinson to convey the book’s theme of prejudice.
Atticus has countless positive and negative characteristics, but there are two that stand out the most. The first character trait is that he acts a lot older than his age. Jem said that Atticus loved playing keep away and that he was never too tired, but when Jem went to tackle him, Atticus blurred out, “‘I am too old for that, son’” (Lee 118). Jem had never gotten that reaction from Atticus before. Atticus had to wear glasses, because without them he would not be able to see black on white with his left eye. Jem and Scout never see Atticus doing anything, he does not hunt, he does not go on walk, or he does not even travel. The only thing Jem and Scout see Atticus do is sit in the living room and read. Atticus is always on good terms with
Growing up in Maycomb, Southern Alabama in the 1930s was not an easy thing. Amid a town of prejudice and racism, stood a lone house where equality and respect for all gleamed like a shining star amid an empty space. The house of Atticus Finch was that shining star. Jean Louise Finch, also known as “Scout”, is given the opportunity of being raised in this house by her father, Atticus. I stole this essay from the net. As she grows, Atticus passes down his values of equality and righteousness to Scout and her brother Jeremy Atticus Finch, also known as “Jem”. In “To Kill a Mockingbird”, by Harper Lee, we see Scout learns many lessons about dealing with prejudice by observing the behavior of other characters in the story.
...ral and resilient nature of Atticus. It took one person to make a difference and challenging situations typically reveals the true nature of what’s within the heart of a man. Will it be decency and honesty or hatred and wickedness?