Heroes are not invincible, and certainly are not the ones who always win; however, a hero is someone who, despite this, is courageous enough to fight for what is right. Atticus Finch, one of the most inspiring literary characters from the highly acclaimed novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, is an example of such. This classic novel is told from the perspective of Scout Finch, Atticus’ daughter, a young girl who lives in the town of Maycomb County, Alabama, in the 1930s, a town where prejudice and discrimination is rife. Rather than succumbing to societal expectations and adopting the extreme animosity held by the other citizens, Atticus views and treats all with the dignity and respect that they are entitled to, guiding his
A mockingbird is a harmless songbird that offers only its beautiful voice. To Kill a Mockingbird is a coming of age novel written by Harper Lee. This story took place in a small rural town called Maycomb County, in the 1930’s where everyone knew each other and all the townspeople were infected by a disease called gossip. This gossip harmed the “mockingbirds”, because all of them were “shot down” physically and metaphorically. Harper Lee implied that there were distinct characteristics that parallel mockingbirds. Arthur Radley, Tom Robinson, and Atticus Finch each represent mockingbirds in their own ways.
In Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird,” Atticus Finch is the hero of the story because he is very reasonable, ethical, and compassionate in his beliefs. Atticus lives in Maycomb, Alabama with his two children and their maid. His children are Jem and Scout Finch whom he teaches important life lessons to throughout the story. Life becomes harder for the Finch family when Atticus has to defend Tom Robinson, a black man, in a racist town. Throughout the book Atticus faces many conflicts that he handles very well, making him the hero of the story.
In a world full of injustice and cruelty, people like Atticus who fight against that norm are incredibly important. Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird remains one of the best novels ever written, partially because of Atticus, a very wise man who embodies exactly what dignity ought to be. Atticus carries himself in a matter that deserves respect and honor. Not a word comes out of his mouth that he has not thought through carefully and he possesses words of wisdom for any scenario or situation in life. Throughout the novel, Atticus clearly lives his life in a very discerning, upstanding and peaceful manor. Despite those who stand firm in their unjust and biased beliefs in Maycomb, Atticus never doubts standing up for what is right, even if it means he could be mocked.
In Modern day society racism isn’t as common as it was in the 1900’s. In To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the Mockingbird is a symbol for an a character who brings nothing but peace to the world. Atticus Finch is an harmless and innocent mockingbird, whose image is ruined by trying to step aside the racial barrier in and defend Tom Robinson.
Every day in our lives, heroes are all around us. They may not be what society tells us is a hero, like Superman or Batman. They do not wear fancy costumes or have super powers. But these heroes change the lives of the people around them, for the better. Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird is the charismatic, understanding father of Scout and Jem Finch as well as a hard working lawyer in Maycomb County, Alabama. Despite racial inequalities in the South, Atticus sticks to his own morals and agrees to be the defending lawyer for Tom Robinson, a black man being accused of raping a white woman. Although Atticus’ defense in court was thorough and clearly proved Tom’s innocence, the jury was prejudiced towards black folks and convicted Tom as guilty. Nonetheless, Atticus is still a hero despite losing the case. He has the courage to stand up for what he believes in, fights with reason rather than guns, and has utmost determination, making him a hero despite being just an average human being. Ultimately, his thoughts and actions set the stage for major changes in the meaning of equality throughout Maycomb County, changing lives of numerous people.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” In life, one cannot back down once they are faced with adversity. There is no better statement than King’s that relays the message of upholding your beliefs. In “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, the theme of standing up for what you believe in is developed through Atticus Finch, Calpurnia, and Scout Finch.
Courage is strength in the face with pain or grief. There are quite a few characters in the book To Kill a Mockingbird that show they have courage in them by doing brave things that no one else would do. Well I’m going to be talking about the courage shown in To Kill a Mockingbird. The three people that I think showed the most courage is Atticus Finch, Jem and Mrs. Dubose.
Protagonists of a story can quickly become favorite characters of many readers. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch the protagonist is Atticus Finch, the father of Scout and Jem. Atticus has no wife, but he does have a black caretaker named Calpurnia around the house. In addition, Atticus has a controlling sister named Alexandria who moves in with the family towards the end of the book. With the house taken care of, Atticus goes to work as a lawyer, and in this book he defends a black man named Tom Robinson. Atticus sees blacks, whites, and women as equals and treats them all the same. For example, when Alexandria moves in, she tries to do away with Calpurnia but Atticus would not allow it (182). Atticus Finch shows many admiral character traits throughout the book, however he is mostly brave, fair, and empathetic.
Atticus Finch from the novel to kill a mockingbird is great father and role model to his two children Gem and Scout by setting a good example for them by being courageous, intelligent and a fair man.
He was appointed to defend a black man named Tom Robinson for raping Mayella Ewell. Most townsfolk caught news of this and instantly began to give Atticus dirty looks and began calling him vulgar names. Atticus, is a very nice person who wants to do the right thing, and he has an opinion about people who disagree with him defending Tom Robinson. “They’re certainly entitled to think they, and they’re entitled to full respect for their opinions.” (120). Jem and Scout are also bugged at school, for example Cecil Jacob’s makes fun of Atticus for defending Tom. “He announced in the school-yard the day before that Scout Finch’s daddy defended negros.” (85) Atticus and his children are affected by this for the majority of the story, and it is what sparks Bob Ewell’s revenge of trying to kill Jem and Scout. Prejudice is common with them, as people like Cecil Jacobs and Bob Ewell just assume Atticus choose to take the Tom Robinson case, however he is simply doing his job as a lawyer to defend them whether he thinks they are guilty or
Jean Louise Finch ‘Scout’ is a headstrong young girl who narrates the novel ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’, set in the fictitious County Maycomb over the span of three years. She is often found sporting dirty overalls or breeches and possesses a rather tomboyish personality, much to her aunt’s dismay. It says, “Aunt Alexandra was fanatical on the subject of my attire... When I said I could do nothing in a dress, she said I wasn’t supposed to be doing things that required pants.”(Page 90)
One in every 234,068 Americans is named “courage.” Perhaps in hope of having an abundant amount of courage. However, many people that deserve the attribute of courage, fall short when it comes to examples of the meaning of the word courage itself. Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee strives to remind us that courage is also "knowing 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." Sadly, in Atticus’s world of judging a man by the color of his skin rather than the morals he holds, Atticus is overlooked by many, even his own children. Representing a black man in Southern Alabama accused of rape and raising two
He shows this by saying, ‘’’If I didn’t, I couldn’t hold up my head in the town, I couldn’t represent this country is legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something.’’’ (pg 75). This shows he is a good parent because he is providing positivity towards his town. By taking the case of Tom Robinson he is making a clear view of what the community should look like. He is setting an example towards his children Jem and Scout. He is not only doing it for Tom Robinson, he is doing it for himself as well. Secondly, Atticus stands up for what is right because the moment he is asked to take Tom Robinson’s case he doesn’t think twice. He knew that someone who is innocent should not have to go to trial for something they did not do. He thinks racism should have an end. By taking this case he not only opens the eyes for his children, he opens the eyes of his peers and community members. He is showing that no matter the race you do what is right. No matter the opinion of others, if you know something is wrong, stand tall and take charge. This is a positive role model where his kids can follow in his footsteps, look up to him and understand the rights and wrongs of things. Lastly, Atticus says, ‘’’I wanted you to see what real courage is...it’s when you know you 're licked before you begin but you begin
In the interesting novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch is the most important character at the trial because of his display of intelligence in the trial, his cleverness towards Mayella, and his honesty when he gave his closing statement. To begin, Atticus’s display of intelligence in the trial made the jury question whether Tom is guilty or not. It was the day of the trial for the Tom Robinson case, He was being accused of rape against Mayella Ewell. During the trial Mr. Heck Tate was called up to the stand. Atticus displayed his intelligence when Tate was up there by saying, “Was it her left facing you or her left looking the same way you were?”(Lee 225). This was a big turning point in the trial because Tate said it was