Lauren Yee
Mrs. Christopher
Honors English 1
October 29, 2015
Justice
Justice. A simple word, a big meaning, and a powerful value. Atticus Finch, a lone man in the world of a prejudice society shows the value of justice by standing up for what he believes is right. Atticus is a fatherly figure in the town of Maycomb who teaches his children what justice is, by choosing to defend Tom Robinson in court. Atticus stays true, and continues to defend him even when most of the people from the prejudice town of Maycomb opposes him. Harper Lee the author of "To Kill a Mockingbird" helps teach a valuable lesson through the life and teachings of Atticus. Lee sets her story in the heart of Maycomb, where a poor dirty white family accuses a
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Atticus tells this to his children to teach them that people are human, and it’s hard to get them to change. “The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience” because it “aggravates them” and “when they don't want to learn, there's nothing you can do...” Despite the majority opinion and rule, one might feel differently. The majority rule cannot be changed, but as a person, one can change by how they respond to it. Atticus feels that arresting Tom was wrong, but chose to stand up and defend him despite the town’s discrimination and prejudice. Atticus stays true to his values and good morals even when the town of Maycomb doesn't see …show more content…
I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do something again.” Atticus believes standing up for Tom and representing him in court is right. In his heart there is not room for prejudice, instead respect and true value shines through. Another way Atticus shows his good morals is when he defends Tom Robinson in court. Scout says: “Atticus had used every tool available to free man to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret court of men's hearts Atticus had no case.” Atticus had shown every reason why Robinson is innocent, even though the discrimination of the judges think otherwise. Atticus does not treat this case differently because Robinson is black, he treats this case like any other. Atticus earns Tom's respect by showing him
"To Kill a Mockingbird" is a novel written by the American author Harper Lee. The Story took in the time of the Great Depression, the story follows young Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father, the morally upright lawyer Atticus Finch, throughout the story it revolves around Atticus defending a black man named Tom Robinson, who has been falsely accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Well. Despite compelling evidence in favor of Tom’s innocence, the racially biased jury finds Tom Robinson guilty. The character of Atticus Finch serves as a beacon of morality, a figure who not only upholds justice but also personifies it. Through his actions and words, Atticus demonstrates an unwavering commitment to fairness and empathy, ultimately
This also shows how strong of a moral character he has. Atticus always tried to follow the Golden Rule by treating everyone how they want to be treated. Atticus states, “If spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that's something I'll gladly take” (218). This shows how compassionate Atticus was to everyone he had met because he cared about them. The text also states, “ You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view” (39).
He shows, through defending Tom, that he believes he might have a chance of winning the court case. Scout says that, “Atticus assured us that nothing would happen to Tom Robinson until the higher court reviewed his case“ (Lee 219). This shows that Atticus believes he has a chance in court showing us his innocence. However, Atticus is still exposed to the depths of racism. He is teased, tantalized, and bullied for defending Tom.
Atticus is not racist and wants to win. But the jury concludes that Tom is guilty. In scouts eyes even if there 's a clear reason not to do something people still did it cause of their
Not to mention, he takes the case without outwardly pleading it is a hopeless cause. To show, Atticus defends Tom Robinson as he would defend any white man, and makes it his civil duty to do this man right. Coupled with Atticus’s personal beliefs, he never shows regret in his obligation to Tom Robinson and his family. In another instance, Atticus respected these citizens even before the case. Though the residents of Maycomb did not agree with him, Atticus stuck to his belief all men are created equal.
By taking this case and simply because the accused man is African-American, Atticus Finch is subjected to the towns negative supposed slander such as Mrs Dubose’s deplorable comments for example; “Not only a Finch waiting on tables but one in the court-house lawing for niggers”. Atticus accepts this case not because Tom Robinson is African American but because he believes that he is innocent and therefore defends Tom as best he can as an innocent man rather than a man of colour. During the trial Atticus expresses how he stands for truth and believes in justice and the justice system however he doesn’t agree with criminal law.
Merriam-Webster defines poetic justice as a result or occurrence that seems proper because someone who has done bad things to other people is being harmed or punished. Bob Ewell’s death in Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird is a perfect example of poetic justice. If this statement was made to Atticus, Calpurnia, or Scout, they would all agree with it. Bob Ewell was a nasty man, who was the only character in To Kill A Mockingbird who even remotely deserved to die.
Atticus is an idealist and knows what is right and what is wrong. Atticus shows the importance of compassion and doing the right thing. “Atticus insists the truth about what occured at the Ewell house will be heard in court. This further illustrates his integrity” (Text
The justice system has always been the heart of America. But like this country, it has many faults. Prejudice has played a major role in the shaping of this system. In the 1930’s the way a courtroom was set up was completely different from how it looks to day. In the book To Kill A MockingBird, Harper Lee shows just how different it is.
Tom Robinson has qualities in him that make him an excellent role model. Atticus is given Tom Robinson’s case and he does his job and defends Tom Robinson because he knows it’s the right thing
After Atticus loses his trial, Jem notices that the Maycomb County justice system is broken and it needs help, “Then it all goes back to the jury, then. We oughta do away with juries. ”(294) This shows that Jem now understands that people are racist in everything and racism needs to be fought. On top of realizing that the justice system is in shambles, Jem realized that Tom Robinson’s case was very good at showing that.
Showing them the harsh reality of life with honesty and fearlessness. During this time the Great Depression was hitting the southern town of Maycomb. This novel compares many of its characters to mockingbirds, a symbol of pure innocence. One summer, Atticus, who is a lawyer, finds himself in the middle of a controversial case, involving a African American man, Tom Robinson and a white woman, Mayella. Despite the town throwing hatred towards Atticus and his family, he doesn’t back down because he takes pride in helping the innocent.
Justice. The dictionary definition of that word is "just behavior or treatment". In the 1960's when "To Kill A Mockingbird" was written blacks were still facing prejudice for being colored, even though the story takes place in the 1930's. They were stereotyped and not given a chance to show who they really were. Some people may think that justice is the same for everyone, in my eyes I think some people are shown more justice than others.
A) What happens in the trial to the characters involved (ie the witnesses, judges, lawyers)? To Kill a Mockingbird is entered around the trial of alleged rape of Mayella Ewell by Tom Robinson. Atticus Finch is Tom Robinson’s defence lawyer.
The main theme of the book is that fairness and justice are two virtues that are extremely hard to find. The central question, “How can a virtuous person continue to believe in these morals and not get discouraged?” is portrayed by the central characters Atticus and Scout. The deeply ingrained prejudice, that people of color cannot hope to live up to those who are “high class and white ” is explored and exposed. Sexism and class warfare are other conflicts within the story line. People in Maycomb are discriminated against because of the color of their skin, their social class and their gender.