The lion is referred to as the "King of the Jungle" in the chain of life. The lion, who is superior to all other animals, is at the top of this hierarchy, and the teeniest insect is at the bottom. This cycle of life appears innocent and natural. Unfortunately, humans experience life differently. For example, discrimination against people for their race or ethnicity or in other words racism. Racism is the idea that there are different races of people and that one race is superior to the other. This idea is socially acceptable for whatever reason, is widespread and has had serious negative effects. Discrimination has traveled a far road; it has also altered in shape and appearance. Racism is not the hierarchy of the jungle, it is the division …show more content…
Atticus wishes to convey to Jem and Scout the value of bravery, honesty, and morality. Atticus is also aware that if he did not bravely protect Tom, he would never be able to forgive himself. He desires to set a good example for his children and understands the importance of guarding the weak and defenseless. To defend Tom Robinson in front of a racial jury and public, Judge Taylor chooses Atticus Finch. Judge Taylor regards Atticus as a good guy who supports racial equality and who will bravely defend a white or black client like Tom Robinson. Usually, inexperienced attorneys have court-appointed defenses. However, knowing that Atticus will oppose Maycomb's biased judicial system, Judge Taylor picks Atticus for the position because he was supporting Tom Robinson. Despite being assigned to Tom Robinson's case, Atticus chooses to fiercely defend him instead of giving in to racial prejudice and letting the prosecution have their way. For instance, Scout overhears Atticus and his brother having an important chat concerning the trial. Atticus responds to Uncle Jack's question about the severity of the case by saying that it ultimately comes down to Tom Robinson's word versus the Ewell family's testimony. Uncle Jack is told by Atticus that the jury cannot possibly believe a black man's testimony over that of a white man, but he still plans to "jar the jury a bit" before the trial is …show more content…
He understands the importance of challenging the racism and prejudice present in their community and he knows that by defending Tom, he is not only fighting for Tom's freedom, but also for the rights of all black people in Maycomb. Atticus's defense of Tom serves as a symbol of resistance against racism and prejudice, and it serves as a powerful message to the community. Additionally, Atticus has a deep sense of morality and compassion that allows him to empathize with others and understand their perspectives, which will help him to defend Tom effectively. Through his defense, Atticus teaches his children and the community the importance of fairness, justice and equality. He also challenges the social norms of the time and pushes for a more just and equal society. Atticus Finch's decision to defend Tom Robinson is an act of courage and integrity that demonstrates his commitment to justice and fairness. Atticus Finch's decision to defend Tom Robinson is an act of courage and integrity that demonstrates his commitment to justice and fairness. Numerous significant issues are covered in To Kill a Mockingbird that are still relevant to modern society. With its use of features like establishing a relationship through point of view, providing the reader with a protagonist who sets an example, and starting a discussion about important but
Atticus Finch was assigned Tom Robinson’s case because he was the only one that Tom had a chance of getting his life back and getting back to his family. Atticus’s daughter, Scout Finch may have saved Atticus's life and even Tom’s life at the jailhouse. Atticus was at the jailhouse to make sure his defendant wouldn’t be murdered but still gave up after Tom was found guilty at the courthouse the next day when Atticus knew Tom’s case could have been easily appealed. Atticus should have brought more people and fought harder to keep his client from not being found guilty. Atticus accepted being Tom’s lawyer so Tom can be found innocent and he knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but he still gave up when he could have done something when he heard the word guilty come out of John Taylor’s
To Atticus this case resembles chance. He believes that everyone should have a fair chance to speak out for what they believe in. As Tom Robinson’s trial took place, Atticus was determined to prove Tom’s innocence as his testimonies prove that towards the case but is declared guilty. This has occurred because Tom Robinson felt sorry for Mayella when Atticus was questioning Bob. This has lead the jury not to believe that a black man could feel sorry for a white woman.
Atticus Finch treated Tom with the dignity and reverence that he deserved while everyone else accused and condemned him due to his skin color. For example, Atticus decides to take the case because of his moral character and his unshakable conviction that the discriminatory practices of the Deep South will eventually change. Even if it is only a modest step, he sees
He explains how it is not fair to Tom that just because he is black, he is unjustly accused of something. Atticus understands and tries to point out the fact that if it was a white man in Tom’s position, the jury would have a different opinion on the situation. Atticus displays a prime example of how someone should try to achieve social justice, even when the situation is unfair. Also, while saying his statements, Atticus exclaims how Tom felt sorry for a white woman, Mayella, and that he had been forced to put his own word against two white people. Here, Atticus reinforces the thought of how this jury is unfair to Tom.
A couple of townsfolk were talking about Atticus taking the trial in front of Jem and Scout. One told the others that Atticus had been appointed to defend Tom Robinson, but another doesn’t care that Atticus didn’t have a choice, with his mindset being that “Atticus aims to defend him. That’s what I don’t like about it” (Lee 163). Therefore, Atticus’s integrity was challenged. It’d been much easier if he just refused to defend Tom Robinson, or not give it his all.
The children feel it was unfair, but then again they are naïve to the racism. Atticus appears unmoved at the verdict. Atticus, a lawyer at Maycomb, supports Tom Robinson and feels as if he is innocent. Taking on the job to help defend Tom was an act of courage, seeing how everyone else was so opposed to this man because he was black. "It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.
Not only does Mr. Finch agree to fight a battle in court alongside Mr. Robinson, but he goes out of his way to guarantee Tom’s safety. Knowing the quintessential racist ways of the town, Atticus came prepared to put a stop to a lynch that would be taking place in the name of Tom Robinson. “We saw Atticus look up from his newspaper... he seemed to be expecting them” (201). Throughout everything that had happened to Tom Robinson, Atticus Finch did not give up and continued to care for Tom because he too, is human, regardless of the pigment of his skin.
Their difference in age and Jacks lack of experience effects the way they treat the case. Atticus is Maycomb’s most respected attorney, related by family history to most of the white community in his town. He is also acquainted with the and respected by Maycomb’s black citizen. Tom Robinson’s case comes to him at the request of Judge Taylor, who knows that Atticus will do his best to give Tom a fair trial. “Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he’s not going till the truths told…
After Jem breaks Mrs. Dubose’s flowers for insulting Atticus, Atticus explains to Jem “This case, Tom Robinson’s case, is something that goes to the essence of a man’s conscience- I couldn't go to church and worship God if I didn't help this man” (139). Atticus understands that if he does not defend Tom, it would breach from his morals of justice that everyone deserves a fair trial. This shows that Atticus has a strong moral compass and truly believes that all men are created equal. Atticus straying from the crowd even though he knows the consequences is certainly a great lesson about doing what is right not what others say.
He knows that he will face backlash from the white community, who are deeply prejudiced against black people. He also knows that he is unlikely to win the case, given the racism of the jury and the judge. However, Atticus believes that it is his duty as a lawyer and as a human being to defend Tom Robins to the best of his ability. He believes in the principles of justice and equality, and he is willing to risk his reputation and his safety to uphold those
Atticus defending Tom Robinson is one of the central and most important events in the book, and it may even show the theme the best. Atticus stepping up to defend Tom shows his willingness to fight, even if he knows he will lose. Maycomb is full of characters that have prejudices, especially toward African Americans. When Scout asked why he was defending Tom, Atticus claimed “if I didn't, I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this county in the legislature, I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do something again” (Lee 86). Going into the case, Atticus knew that it was unlikely for him to win, but still wanted to do what was right.
Atticus takes the trial knowing the consequence that him and his family will be harrassed by the town because it is the right thing to do. Atticus finch decides to defend Tom Robinson to be a good role model for his children and prove that the “Golden Rule” is a rule to
As Atticus is talking to Scout, he remarks that “every lawyer gets at least one case in his lifetime that affects him personally. This one’s mine, I guess” (Lee 101). Atticus knows that accepting the opportunity to defend Tom Robinson in court is dangerous because it will put him and his family in an unforgiving situation. Furthermore, Atticus expresses courage when he frequently states, “it's not time to worry yet” (Lee 139).
Atticus is a highly respected lawyer known for his integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice. It is during Tom Robinson's trial, conducted in a courtroom brimming with racial bias and hostility, that Atticus's true character emerges. Despite knowing the odds are stacked against his client, Atticus fearlessly defends Tom, relying on reason, logic, and empathy to navigate the murky waters of prejudice. Through his actions, Atticus exemplifies the strength of character in the face of
Atticus shows determination by fighting for an African American while being discouraged by the white citizens of his town. When Scout asks Atticus why he’s defending Tom even though people of the town had started talking bad about it , he says “‘Scout, you aren’t old enough to understand somethings yet, but there’s been some high talk around town to the effect that I shouldn’t do much about defending this man. … the main [reason] is, if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town.’”