In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch emphasizes his closing argument during the Tom Robinson trail using several rhetorical strategies. Atticus attempts to persuade the jury through the use of ethos, pathos, and, most importantly, logos. Ethos is used by Atticus throughout his argument by both what he is known for and what he says. Atticus is well-known and respected throughout the town of Maycomb. Most people will listen to him and comply with whatever he says because of his reputation. One example of Atticus using ethos in his testimony is when he describes Mayella Ewell as having committed no crime, “she has merely broken a rigid and time-honored code of our society, a code so severe that whoever breaks it is hounded …show more content…
from our midst as unfit to live with. She is the victim of cruel poverty and ignorance, but I cannot pity her: she is white” (271-272). By saying this, Atticus takes away all of her credibility. The jury no longer has a reason to believe anything she says. He also turns the jury against her, or at least attempts to, by showing that it was she who broke an honored code of society – not Tom Robinson. Atticus uses the tactic of Pathos in order to draw out the jury’s emotions and convince them to side with him.
For instance, in his closing statement, Atticus reminds the jury of their bias by declaring, “the evil assumption – that all Negroes lie, that all Negroes are basically immoral beings, that all Negro men are not to be trusted around our women, an assumption one associates with minds of their caliber” (273). By including this assumption, Atticus evokes the emotion of guilt from the audience. This causes the jury to question their ethical values. He shows how this assumption is false and should clearly not be taken into consideration when reviewing the evidence. He also suggests the jury should not be trusting of the opposing testimony because of the racism that exists in the town. Another emotional appeal is when Atticus concludes his argument by saying, “I am confident that you gentlemen will review without passion the evidence you have heard, come to a decision, and restore this defendant to his family. In the name of God, do your duty” (274-275). Here, Atticus used pathos by once again, by evoking guilt and a sense of responsibility in the jury. He makes the jury feel as if it is their loyalty and duty as a citizen to proclaim Tom Robinson’s innocence. Atticus displays a certain confidence in the jury – this persuades them even more to make the correct
decision. The last and most significant rhetorical strategy used by Atticus in his closing argument is logos. In particular, Atticus makes the strongest point in his argument by saying, “Mayella Ewell was beaten savagely by someone who led almost exclusively with his left . . . and Tom Robinson now sits before you, having taken the oath with the only good hand he possesses – his right hand” (272-273). The evidence Atticus presents here is the clear, undeniable truth. Atticus makes it obvious to the jury that Tom Robinson literally could not have done it. He is not physically capable of the crime he is accused of. Atticus employs the tactic of logos yet again when he stated the fact that, “the state has not produced one iota of medical evidence to the effect that the crime Tom Robinson is charged with ever took place” (271). This is the most basic form of evidence that Atticus can give. It consists of simple, logically-sound reasoning which Atticus hopes will persuade the jury. Even with the jury stuck in their bias beliefs, Atticus makes the truth an indisputable fact which they simply cannot ignore. In conclusion, Atticus uses a wide variety of rhetorical strategies throughout his closing argument, including ethos, pathos, and logos. Each of these tactics has a special part in attempting to persuade the jury. Some of these are more beneficial than others. The inclusion of these strategies makes Atticus’s argument more convincing and persuasive; however, in the end, Atticus still loses the case, and Tom Robinson is found guilty.
Atticus Finch from, To Kill a Mockingbird, is characterized as a wise man that is an exceptional father to his children and always teaches them the right perspective about life and the people around them. He was appointed to the lawyer for a black man who “raped” a white woman. This was a bold task because it was a white woman’s word against a black man’s. While Atticus took this challenge as an opportunity to really try and win this case, everyone saw it as already lost. Atticus wanted the trial to be fair and for it to be evident that Tom, the man he was defending, was innocent. He show...
As Atticus is wrapping up his speech, he addresses the courtroom about court. “‘A court is only as sound as its jury, and a jury is only as sound as the men that make it up’” (Lee 274), is an appeal to logos because a court is only fair if the people of the jury are fair. Singling out the jury puts more pressure on them to make the transparent decision that Tom Robinson is not
Atticus uses ethos to challenge the jury’s pre-existing minds about race. Atticus declares, “I am confident that you gentlemen will review without passion the evidence you have heard, come to a decision, and restore this defendant to his family. In the name of God, do your duty.” Atticus attempts to make one last plea to the jury to find Tom Robinson innocent of the crime. Atticus is trying to tell the jury that this case is no longer just about freeing his client, but to stand up for truth and humanity. Atticus is emotionally attached to the case
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.
Tom Robinson, the defendant, was accused of raping and beating a local, white girl. Although Atticus is quite positive his client didn 't commit the disturbing crime, Tom 's race and history are not in his favor. Nevertheless, Atticus proceeds with the trial and skillfully uses persuasive techniques, such as diction, imagery, and tone, and rhetorical appeals to fight for what he presumes is morally right.
What does it mean to be a good parent? The most common definition of a good parent is one who makes their children feel valued and loved, by teaching them the difference between right and wrong. At the end of the day, the most essential thing is to create a nurturing environment where your children feel like they can mature into confident, independent, and caring adults. Harper Lee’s novel To Kill A Mockingbird defines what a true parent really is thought hardships and struggles throughout the book. The story is set in the Depression era of a little town in southern Alabama that is struggling with thick prejudice on a colored rape case. The story is told through a character
The book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is about a black man named Tom Robinson who is being charged with the rape of a white girl named Mayella Ewell. While the lawyers are giving their closing statements, Atticus Finch, the lawyer for Tom Robinson, makes his closing statement using ethos and logos persuasive methods to show that Bob Ewell and Mayella Ewell were lying. The logo is the principle of reason and judgment. Ethos is appealing to somebody's emotions. These persuasion methods were effective because Atticus uses this technique a lot one example of this is when he uses logos and asks Bob Ewell to put his signature on a piece so that he could see what Bob Ewell's dominant hand was because according to heck Tate her right side
Atticus first shows his bravery when he decides to defend Tom Robinson. Atticus Finch is a prominent and impartial lawyer in the racist town of Maycomb. “I’m simply defending a Negro—his name is Tom Robinson” (Lee 100). He is risking his career and his family reputation in accepting the case of Tom Robinson raping a white girl. Moreover, Atticus already knows that he is going to lose the case because of the prejudice and racism in town prior to the trial. Nevertheless, Atticus chooses to defend Tom Robinson in spite of any personal harm that could come about because he strongly believes in justice and Tom’s innocence. Therefore it is extremely courageous of Atticus to take the case in such a daunting circumstance.
In this song, Eminem is rapping about having the courage to take a stand regardless of what others think. Atticus displayed courage in the same way by fighting for Tom Robinson although his family, friends, and neighbors constantly harassed him and his family for it. In addition, he broke out of the cage of racism that required him to favor the white person in the case by attempting to get Tom an innocent sentence while other white southern lawyers would have immediately entered a plea.
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...
He uses ethos when saying, “Thomas Jefferson once said that all men are created equal.” Thomas Jefferson is one of the most famous people in America because of his belief that all men are created equal. When Atticus brings up this idea in the courtroom it makes everyone feel uncomfortable because the real truth is that not all men are created equal. Even Thomas Jefferson himself is a culprit of the inequality because he too owned slaves like many others back then. Atticus brought this up not to look at the past but to look at the now. The now that would bring justice to an innocent man if only equality fully existed. Thomas Jefferson might not have even believed his own words when he said them but they still needed to be said. Atticus recognizes this and tries to make known of the importance of equality. Atticus makes it evident that If everyone was equal then this trial would never have happened. He also uses ethos when saying “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.” He uses ethos in this way because he knows that his audience knows that what he is saying is very much a lie. Atticus knows that every black person ever tried for a crime in the American courts has probably been tried guilty. Their was no equality when it came to a black vs a white in the
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
“There is not a person in this courtroom who has never told a lie, who has never done an immoral thing, and there is no man living who has never looked upon a woman without desire.” In the novel, he is telling the unseen jury that everyone does things that are wrong, but they shouldn’t sentence Tom Robinson for life for one small mistake he made. The reader can easily connect with Atticus’ statement. Although the reader gets to connect with Atticus in the novel, they do not have the ability to sustain eye contact with him, read his body language, or see his references. Film Atticus says the exact quote above, but while talking to the jury he is holding an un escapable eye contact with every member. This tactic helps Atticus establish pathos by using his eyes to convey emotions, a luxury the audience does not get when reading the novel. Overall, Film Atticus is more effective because instead of relying only on his words, he can let his body language do the talking as
“Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.” The book To Kill A Mockingbird by the author Harper Lee is about a tired little town in Alabama called Maycomb set back in the 1930’s. Atticus, father of Jem and Scout is the same man on the street and at his house. He is very respectful and honest. Atticus gets appointed to defend Tom Robinson, an African American man who was accused by Bob Ewell for raping his daughter, Mayella. Even though there are several pieces of evidence that show Tom is innocent, Atticus knows he will not win, but that is no reason for him not to try. It makes sense for Atticus to defend Tom Robinson because he believes
In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch employs logos and repetition in his closing argument to the jury and people of Maycomb in order to persuade them to see beyond their prejudice and free Tom Robinson.