Atticus's Ethical Dilemmas

Because he is grounded in principles reflected in the Golden Rule, it also makes sense for Atticus to take a stand and defend Tom Robinson because he wishes to inculcate such virtues in his children, knowing that his actions will serve to be their apotheosis of an ethical person, both as their father and as a lawyer. Atticus knows that his actions will be Jem and Scout’s paragon of an ethical person, and although defending Tom coincides with his own moral beliefs, it also coincides with the example he wishes to set for his children. He wants them to understand the importance of taking a stand in a peaceful way, and wishes to instill these principles in them, knowing that their involvement in Tom Robinson’s court case will be the determinant

His defense of Tom Robinson proved this, and provided an example for determination, humility, and respect, instilling such values in his children - actions often speaking greater magnitudes than words. Accordingly, Atticus uses such real life examples to exemplify the significance of such virtues, and willingness to fight for something even if success is not guaranteed. Similarly, when Mrs. Dubose, a morphine addict, had reached her final days battling the obstacle that plagued her, Atticus strives to set an example of courage and fighting for what is right in a positive way. Jem and Scout do not understand why they were obliged to read to their neighbor every afternoon for more than a month, but with Mrs. Dubose’s passing, they come to understand that winning does not often come in the same form. As Atticus explains, “I wanted 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 begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.” (pg. ) Atticus believes that courage is doing what you think is right, even if you think you will fail. He