As the hero of the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch has an unorthodox outlook on racism. He says, “As you grow older, you’ll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don’t you forget it— whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that white man is trash.” (252). This outlook allows him to approach the obstacles that come with a trial of a black man vs a white woman. Harper Lee, the author of the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, worked on revisions for 2.5 years on the novel before it was published in 1960. Many events and characteristics in the novel are real memories experienced by Harper Lee. Scout Finch’s character
People have in mind that courage is about being able to save other peoples’ lives and risking your own, or to climb Mount Everest, or to jump from the top of a high building. In the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, real courage is demonstrated in a different and encouraging way. Real courage is shown as fighting for what is believed in and what is most important, regardless of whether you win or lose. Atticus and Scout are two characters who define courage perfectly. The reasons why Atticus shows courage is that he argued the best he could to defend the innocent man from going to jail since he knew that no one else would. Also he raised, as a single parent, two children on his own. Scout is courageous because she is a person who cherishes her
To children like Jem and Scout Finch, being courageous is completing a daredevil like task to impress others; however, as they grow up they learn what true courage is as they face situations where their courage is tested. They also witness an obstacle Atticus Finch overcomes that enhances their definition of courage. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee distinguishes foolishness from real acts of courage through the experiences of Jem, Scout, and Atticus Finch.
“Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask. Act! Actions will delineate and define you.” In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, there is a strong connection from this quote by Thomas Jefferson to what is Atticus’ most important lesson that he indoctrinates upon his children. That lesson, which is the most important lesson that Atticus instills in his children, is to look at people’s actions and intentions because what is heard about people and what meets the eye is not always the truth and because the characteristics that define people are their behaviors and their actions.
Integrity is the quality of being sincere and having powerful high-minded principles. Integrity is shown in To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, a book that took place in Maycomb County, Alabama where racism was profoundly entrenched. Atticus Finch, a character in the book, is a lawyer who is assigned the case of Tom Robinson, an African-American, who was unjustifiably accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white woman. Arthur “Boo” Radley, his neighbor, is a mysterious person in the beginning of the book but ends up revealing his kindness. His children, Scout and Jem Finch, are following their father’s word of wisdom and learning about integrity throughout their experiences on the way. The amount of integrity can dictate someone’s reputation.
In the book, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Scout, Calpurnia, and Atticus stand out when courage comes to mind. These characters show courage in many unique ways with different situations. In the early 1930s, in the deep south, racial discrimination was a huge conflict, for example, the Jim Crows Laws were in play, and it legalized segregation between blacks and whites. Courage isn’t always shown in situations, but simply throughout growing up.
Charlotte from the book Charlotte's Web embraces similar qualities to Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. In Charlotte’s Web, a pig named Wilbur fearfully awaits the day his owner slaughters him. A clever spider named Charlotte notices Wilbur’s angst and feels tremendous empathy toward him. As a result, Charlotte weaves a web that illustrates positive words describing Wilbur. Charlotte intentionally brings attention to Wilbur so his owner will develop empathy for him as well. Her plan proves successful and the slaughtering fails to take place. Charlotte’s ability to empathize saves Wilbur. In addition, Charlotte demonstrates humility as she never desires credit for her hard work with the web. Similarly, Atticus never draws attention toward
Maycomb, Alabama is a motionless community where life is still, those who were there, lived there for generations, rarely did anyone move into or out of this paralyzed town. The town follows the 1930s stereotypical lifestyle where racial discrimination is clearly visible, as proven in the Tom Robinson court case. In this quiet town, the only thing that seems out of the ordinary is the Radley Place, from the outside, the house appeared almost vacant with rarely any sound. The neighborhood children made horror stories about Boo Radley who never left his house, in fact, only Mr.Radley, Boo’s brother, occasionally came out of the deserted house. In To Kill a Mockingbird, various events happened that showed the courage of the community. Courage
True courage is when a person does what he or she believes is right even when he knows he will fail. Atticus Finch sets aside his pride and reputation to be humiliated for defending Tom Robinson a black man, this is one of the truest acts of courage. Scout was questioning Atticus about why people say such offensive things to him. “ They’re certainly entitled to think that, and they’re entitled to full respect for their opinions. - I’ve got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.” said Atticus to Scout(pg139). Atticus is showing that he respects others opinions, although they might try to hurt him. But he believes in his conscience. After Mrs.Dubose dies, and Atticus explains to Jem about
As a father Atticus has done everything he can to maintain his children, Jem and Scout, informed of what really is like out there in the real world. Honesty seems to be Atticus rout when dealing with life. In times Atticus will lose trial but the courage he has won’t allow him to give up on innocent people, like Tom. Atticus is the definition of role model to follow. He’s a great father to his children showing the the truth will always push them forwards in life. Not only that he believe everyone in this world is a mockingbird who isn’t truly known till walked in their shoes. LAstly his pride in taking a stand for someone who only has hope in himself is beyond exceptional for anyone else. Finally remember to treat other the way you want to be treated and don’t just assume, become them for a minute
In a world full of injustice and cruelty, people like Atticus who fight against that norm are incredibly important. Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird remains one of the best novels ever written, partially because of Atticus, a very wise man who embodies exactly what dignity ought to be. Atticus carries himself in a matter that deserves respect and honor. Not a word comes out of his mouth that he has not thought through carefully and he possesses words of wisdom for any scenario or situation in life. Throughout the novel, Atticus clearly lives his life in a very discerning, upstanding and peaceful manor. Despite those who stand firm in their unjust and biased beliefs in Maycomb, Atticus never doubts standing up for what is right, even if it means he could be mocked.
It was courageous of Atticus when he shoots the mad, rabid dog. At this point he risked a lot in his life. Atticus risks the chance of missing, the dog running up to him, and attacking them. Atticus could also miss the dog and cause damage to a living or a nonliving thing. Thirdly it is courageous of Atticus to not charge Jem with Bob Ewell’s death. Also it was courageous of Atticus to teach his children not to judge another until they know what that person is really going through. There is a quote that Atticus said “Never Judge anyone, until you have been in their shoes, and walked around in them” (pg. 86).
Atticus was kind hearted and strong enough to extend his ability consider Bob Ewell’s situation the father of the woman who alleges Robinson for rape. He understands the anger in Ewell and pledges to understand him when Ewell tries to spit on him. He said, “if spitting in my face on threats may save Ewell, which it is okay with me.” Atticus works extremely hard to ensure that children learn humility, empathy, and kindness in which he was so successful.
Thesis:He wanted to give Tom the voice he deserves. He also wanted to do what was right. Clincher;Atticus Finch shows how important to stand up for others because it follows the golden rule of treating others the same way you want to be
Do you see people having courage in their society? Harper Lee puts courage as a central idea of To Kill a Mockingbird just as courage is a central idea in The Giver and if you have read the book then you would know that Jonas uses his courage to change society. It is almost the same thing in To Kill a Mockingbird except Atticus is trying to stop racial segregation in the society. If you haven 't read To Kill a Mockingbird then you have to know it is a fictional story about a girl named Scout who grew up in the 1930’s when segregation was all over America. I believe that Harper Lee adds courage as a key component of the overall To Kill a Mockingbird story because courage can change a whole society as she proves in her book. My main points are going to be that Atticus, his kids, Mrs. Dubose, and Mr. Raymond all show courage but in very different ways as the the book unfolds.