Sacrifices In Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird

1. Though there is an incredible amount of important characters in the novel, to me, the most significant character in Part 1 of To Kill a Mockingbird is Atticus Finch. His actions and treatment towards everyone and everything caused me think the most in comparison to the other characters. For instance, Atticus makes an important decision to defend Tom Robinson, a black man, in trial during Chapter 9, thus leading to harassment towards his family not only from school, but even from their own neighbor and a relative. While his actions put him and his family in trouble, Atticus still stands firm in his beliefs. He also demonstrates his defense for not only people, but for animals too. In Chapter 10, Atticus is shown to be reluctant to shoot a disease-ridden dog, as it is implied he believes he would not shoot any living things until he had too, thus showing respect for animals and living things
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Sacrifices, such as a small favor, make someone’s day, a genuine, true sacrifice comes with much more meaning. While Atticus’s decision may be just another court case, seeming like a small sacrifice, it is actually a significant sacrifice and important favor in the book. During Chapter 9, Atticus is called a “n-lover” by his own nephew, Francis, who claims that Atticus’s choice to defend Tom Robinson ruins their family reputation. On page 110, Francis says, “‘Grandma says it’s bad enough he lets you all run wild, but now he’s turn out a n-lover we’ll never be able to walk the streets of Maycomb agin. He’s ruinin’ the family, that’s what he’s doin’.’” By taking this court case, Atticus lays down his own dignity alongside his family’s pride. Atticus’s dignity is very important, as he holds high social status in Maycomb. To lay that down for the sake of Tom Robinson is a very large