In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch employs pathos and diction in his closing argument to the jury and the people of Maycomb in order to persuade them to see beyond their prejudice and free Tom Robinson.
Towards the middle of the book, Atticus, as he is a lawyer, decides to defend an innocent black man, Tom Robinson in court. During Atticus’s speech to the jury, he says “You know the truth and the truth is this: some Negroes lie, some Negroes are immoral, some Negro men are not to be trusted around women- black or white. But this is a truth that applies to the human and to no particular race of men” (Lee 273). Atticus argues that it would be unfair and unjust to convict a man just because he is black. Everyone is born equal; your skin colour does not define the way you act and behave.
Everyone questioned everything Atticus had to support Toms innocents. He started to get frustrated about everyone getting mad at him for trying to help a black man and defending him. Tom was very grateful for all the hard work Atticus has done for him in the court. Even though they haven 't won the case yet Tom
Atticus wants his children to consider all points of view and sides to a story before judging someone or acting on what someone says to
Atticus is beyond and wise in his belief systems. He is not so small-minded as some people in his town. He does not attempt to change the view on racism. He knows his morals, but does not force them on everyone else, another wise action. He does his best to get people to not let racism cloud their judgments in the courts.
Some may think education is not important, but it can lead someone do doing the right thing, even if they are in a bad situation. When people are uneducated, they can lack empathy and integrity, which can have a big impact on the society around them. In situations where empathy or integrity is needed, it can be hard for people to express their thoughts or feelings to another person.
23, P.295) In this quote, Atticus saying that there's just something about race that makes white people crazy. He also acknowledges, in case it wasn't already clear, that law is not pure realm free of the racial prejudices that plague everyday in life, it's subject to the same problems as society at large. Usually Atticus is a voice of hope for change the idea of racism, but here he flatly says that racism is a "fact of life," suggesting that losing Tom's case severely reduced his hopefulness concerning human nature, or else that, having sat through the
Atticus wants the jury to realize if Tom is given a fair trial like he the court system says he deserves, it will not give blacks more power. He wants the men to do the right thing so he indicates they will have nothing to lose and they will still be superior. By defending the court system, Atticus portrays how the men must be
Human nature and pride show when an individual has traits of humanity, and responsibility is other needed. Atticus didn't give up on his visions throughout the novel, and this is very important to the younger readers, because his character was a role model to many. " Then Mr. Underwood’s meaning became clear: Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret courts of men’s hearts, Atticus had no case. Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed," (Lee 82). This quote explains that not many people believed in Atticus, but he believed in himself and his case, and that's what mattered in the long run.
We live in a society today where judging others is a regular, everyday activity. Many people may blame a significant amount of this issue on the excessive amount of technology we have access too, but this problem has been around for much longer. In the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, it shows the ugliness that can come from judging others, but it also teaches two young children, Scout and Jem, to listen to others, so that you can have the opportunity to learn from them. Throughout the story many characters were able to demonstrate this lesson for the kids, but three that were true examples of it were Tom Robinson, Atticus Finch and Boo Radley. With only aiming to stand up for what they believe in and not worrying what everyone
Atticus starts off the speech saying “gentlemen,” “I shall be brief, but I would like to use my remaining time to remind you that this is not a difficult one.” Atticus's tone sheds a few layers, too, becoming conversational rather than businesslike. He uses figurative language when he says “This case is as simple as black and white.” Basically, he points out that there's no evidence and that the prosecution is banking on the stereotype that all African-Americans are immoral liars who rape white women whenever they get the chance. He goes on to say that Tom is not guilty but someone in the room is.
In the 1930s, if a black man was on trial there was a ample chance he would be convicted even if evidence proved he was innocent. Throughout history humans being prejudice and bias have affected the lives of thousands of people; some ending with favorable outcomes while others weren’t so fortunate. Within the book To Kill a Mockingbird the readers learn that prejudice and bias people outnumber the understanding and kind. One decision or in this case twelve decisions decide the fate for an unfortunate man. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee reveals that people often follow their biases and prejudices rather than the truth.
Tom was charged for something he never did and was pleaded guilty. Atticus was being courageous and he possesses integrity for standing up for Tom. The first reason it makes sense for Atticus to stand up for Tom is because back then black people were treated as slaves and they weren’t appreciated like the whites were. Atticus was also being very courageous.
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
I truly believe Atticus chose the right decision to stand by Tom Robinson and defend his innocence. Even though so many disagreed with the decision he didn’t let their opinions affect his own thoughts. He was very committed to racial equality and wasn’t afraid to show it. This shows that Atticus is a good person and won't let anybody take that characteristic of his