In a world where we all aspire to be better, embodying wisdom, calmness, and kindness is a common dream. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, set in the segregated and racist South of the 1930s, Atticus Finch, father of Jem and Scout and a lawyer in Maycomb County, is tender, compassionate, sympathetic, and tolerant of everyone he comes in contact with. Atticus demonstrates these qualities consistently, embodying a genuine sense of empathy and understanding towards others, regardless of their background or circumstances. Throughout his career as a lawyer, Atticus ends up defending Tom Robinson, a black man. This was severely frowned upon by the town, and he was given a bad reputation with several people upset with him. As the …show more content…
Atticus is a wise individual because he can use his collective knowledge from lifelong experiences to enlighten others in meaningful ways. When Mrs. Dubose, a staunchly bigoted and cantankerous figure, passes away, Atticus takes the opportunity to teach his children what true courage is. Mrs. Dubose wanted to die clean of any drugs, even though she knew this choice would cause her much pain. Atticus looks past her racist and mean views and believes that her decision shows true courage. He explains to his children, ‘” I want you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you even begin, but you begin anyways and you see it through no matter what”’ (124). Atticus respects Mrs. Dubose for her courage and wants his children to understand what makes her brave. Additionally, Atticus’ wisdom never subsides during the trial. During his closing statement, Atticus says to the jury, “A court is only as sound as its jury, and a jury is only as sound as the men who make it up. 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 …show more content…
Calm is another valuable trait that Atticus possesses. He never overreacts under pressure, and he presents himself as though nothing out of the ordinary happened even during the most terrible of situations. The day Atticus was informed of Tom Robinson's death was a horrible day for him, but he knew what he had to do. He had to stay calm and tell Helen, Tom’s wife, what had happened. Atticus explains the tragedy to Calpurnia, his cook, by saying ‘“Depends on how you look at it. What is one Negro, more or less, among two hundred of ‘em? He wasn’t Tom to them, he was an escape prisoner”’ (260). Atticus could have become furious with the guards who murdered Tom, but instead, he takes the time to see the situation from the guards’ point of view. Staying calm is important, especially when dealing with someone who is extremely unreasonable. Bob Ewell, the father who accused Tom of raping his daughter Mayella, is one of the meanest men anyone could come in contact with. Instead of being mature and talking to Atticus when he is upset, Bob decides to take his anger out on Atticus and spits in his face, threatening
In To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch is a lawyer who defends Tom Robinson, an African American man, against the Ewell family in court. Malcolm Gladwell is the writer of “The Courthouse Ring: Atticus Finch and the limits of Southern Liberalism”, where he discusses that Atticus Finch is an activist. Lance McMillian responds to Malcolm Gladwell’s critique of Atticus in “Atticus Finch as Racial Accommodator: Answering Gladwell’s Critique”, where overall he says that Atticus is not an accommodator but an activist. Lance McMillan's view of Atticus Finch is incorrect compared to Malcolm Gladwell because Atticus is an accommodator by not fighting against institutional racism.
Lee illustrates Atticus Finch as a very understanding character, especially during the Tom Robinson trial. During the revolting times of the 1930s, it was outlandish for a white man to stand up for a Negro man. For example, when the towns’ people are talking about Atticus, they say, “You know the court appointed him to defend this nigger.” “Yeah, Atticus aims to defend him, that’s what is don’t like about it” (218). When Atticus is delegated to defend Tom Robinson, he not only defends him because he was ordered to. Atticus intentionally helped Tom and wanted Tom to win. Even though the towns’ people did not like Atticus aiming to defend Tom, he understood that it was his duty to help him. Another example is in chapter 22 when Bob Ewell spits on Atticus’s face. Atticus didn’t react intrusive because he knew that it would affect people’s outlook on the trial and on Tom. Atticus stood above the standard and helped a black man, which earned him respect from the Negro people in town. Atticus was very wholehearted when deciding to help Tom Robinson in the trial.
Atticus Finch is the most significant character, in To Kill a Mockingbird, who challenges racial prejudice as he does not follow the norms, in Maycomb, of being racially prejudice towards others. At first, Atticus Finch is reluctant to take on Tom Robinson’s case; however in the end, he willingly accepts. Unlike the majority of Maycomb residents, Atticus is not racist and makes no distinction upon race, he sees Negroes, just like Tom Robinson, as the same equality as any other person in the Maycomb community. For this reason, he believes they should be trea...
Dubose’s courageous character, saying, “it’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do” (149). To Atticus, courage is not the absence of fear, hardship, or failure; instead, it is pursuing a predesignated task despite knowing the hindrances that await, regardless of whether the outcome is successful or not, all to maintain a courageous heart that cannot be broken in any given circumstance. He applies this to the Tom Robinson case by knowing that even though the case will be nearly impossible to win due to the racial stereotypes present in Maycomb, he must continue with the job, maintaining and strengthening his courage along with his intrinsic values of dedication, truth, and righteousness. Acknowledgment of the racial prejudice in Maycomb is delivered by Atticus later in the novel when he explains to Jem, “when it’s a white man’s word against a black man’s, the white man always wins. They’re ugly, but those are the facts of life” (295), highlighting that Atticus comprehends the improper racial advantage the Ewells have over Tom Robinson, making his decision to take the case even more
Atticus Finch is a well-rounded and respected resident of Maycomb County, Alabama. In the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus takes on the duty of being an attorney and a single father of two adventurous children. He believes in equality among races, although a lot of Maycomb County’s white community thinks they are high and mighty compared to the black folk. In a time of injustice, Atticus represents an innocent black man accused of rape making him respected among the black community. At home, Atticus taught his children important life lessons about equality and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. This character represents the importance of morality and reasonability. Throughout the novel, Atticus has very good morals and
Typically a hero is seen wearing tights, or working in secret, but in reality heroes are ordinary people doing extraordinary acts. A hero is someone who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities. In Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Atticus Finch is a true hero. Atticus is definitely a hero as proven by his morality, his courage and finally his abilities as well as intelligence.
Firstly, Atticus Finch acts justly, fairly, and always helps others who need it. One of his clients, Mr. Cunningham, pays Atticus in entailment. Scout asks her brother, Jem what the meaning of paying in entailment is, “Jem described it as a condition of having your tail in a crack … one morning Jem and I found a load of stovewood in the back yard … Mr. Cunningham had more than paid him” (Lee 20-21). Atticus believes that no one should get any disadvantages because of one’s lower financial state. He shows justice by allowing Mr. Cunningham to pay him in different sources other than money. Also, Atticus is a very wise man. He talks to his daughter with full empathy and understanding to try and help her. When Scout is complaining about her teacher’s attitude towards her, Atticus gives her great advice that, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … until you climb into his shoes and walk around it” (30). He is teaching Scout to be just. He tells her to look at things from a different perspective and notice the difference from hers to someone else’s. Similarly, Atticus who is a white lawyer takes on a case of a black man, Tom Robinson. Therefore, Scout is made fun of for having her father d...
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.
Even when he knows he will lose, he still continues to practice what he believes is right. When assigned to a case in which he would have to defend Tom Robinson, Atticus accepted the case saying “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win”. Given Tom Robinson’s background of being an African American, being convicted of rape, and the fact that he lived the South, there would be no chance for him to not be guilty. However, Atticus still puts effort into the case even though it is futile. He feels that if he did not try to win, he would go against his own morals which would give him no right in lecturing his own children. By taking on the case and staying loyal to his ethics, Atticus would teach his children to stay true to their words. Unlike many lawyers who get a similar case, Atticus goes above and beyond for his client. After Atticus and his family drove away the lynching mob from Tom, Atticus assures him saying, ”get some sleep, Tom. They won’t bother you anymore”. Atticus goes as far as to protect his client from getting killed which sets a good example for his kids. Through surpassing his obligation to Tom, he teaches his children to put in their best effort towards everything. Atticus also takes any form of payment available for his services. When Mr.Cunningham told Atticus that he didn't know if he could ever pay him back for work
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...
Townsfolk told him he was crazy, told him he’d never win. He persevered anyway, defending his client whom he believed was innocent, no matter what the popular sentiment was. His character is displayed when he tells Scout “simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.” (101). Even when all the odds are stacked against him, Atticus doesn’t shirk his responsibility. He shows unwavering tenacity to fight for justice and truth. In the end, justice doesn’t prevail, but Atticus can live with himself, knowing that he lived his principles and gave himself fully to the defense of an innocent man. Atticus’s fierce determination to defend Tom Robinson was a step toward fighting the prejudice of the
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
When most people were against him and are trying to convince him not to, Atticus was determined to continue defending Tom Robinson (an African American who was accused of raping a white lady name Mayella Ewell - Mr. Ewell's daughter). (Make it active voice ?) Due to his good morals, Atticus felt like he needs to help Tom Robinson “This case, Tom Robinson’s case, is something that goes to the essence of a man’s conscience --- Scout, I couldn’t go to church and worship God if I didn’t try to help that man” (108). As addressed in To Kill a Mockingbird, Jim Crow laws manipulated individuals ethics to think that blaming African Americans is fine since all they do is not good (change the wordings). This type of discrimination made African American victims of jails and crimes that they did not even consider doing but were thought of doing because of racial segregation enforcement (popularity?) within the Southern society of the US. However, Atticus was different and believed that Tom robinson is innocent since he understood (understands?) how people discriminate others and was aware (is aware) of different types of prejudice (in that time period). So, due to Atticus’ good morals and values, he was willing to try his best to support the truth (who was right or something) and help Tom Robinson which makes him a great parent because (he is a person of morals?) of his good morals and values (delete morals and values?). Atticus (atticus’s ?) belief (of noting using one’s power to hurt each other … ?) that people should not harm each other should be admired. For instance, Miss Maudie (Atticus neighbour) was confirming to Scout that what Atticus said about Mockingbirds is right “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They
Lois McMaster Bujold once said, “Reputation is what other people know about you. Honor is what you know about yourself. Atticus Finch a heroic figure in the novel To Kill a MockingBird by Harper Lee is known as a white lawyer who defended a “black” man accused of raping Mayella Ewell, the daughter of a disturbing man, Bob Ewell. Atticus knows his reputation is at risk, when he decides to take a black man’s court case. He is appointed to this case because Mayella Ewell blamed an innocent black man, Tom Robinson of raping and beating her. She fails to admit the truth due to obeying her father. In the 1930’s racism was extremely crucial and no matter what the truth was a white person was most likely believed over an African American. Miss Maudie, The Finches neighbor tells the kids, “There are some men in this world who were born to do our unpleasant jobs for us. Your father’s one of them” (Lee 219). Atticus Finch is highly respected and someone everyone can look up too in Maycomb, Alabama. Throughout the novel, Atticus presents himself as calm, courageous, and an open-minded person.
“You never really understood a person until you consider things from his point of view—until you climb into his skin and walk around it.” Atticus Finch is a man of extreme integrity. He, as both a lawyer and a human being, stands up for his democratic beliefs and encourages his children to stand up for their own, though they may stand alone. Harper Lee showed how far respect went in To Kill a Mockingbird when Atticus defended Tom Robinson in his rape trial. He did not think twice about being ridiculed by th...