Theme Of Humility In To Kill A Mockingbird
Mary Sarton explains that,”One must think like a hero to behave like a merely decent human being”. In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, one of the more prominent figures in the book is the father of Scout and Jem, Atticus Finch. He serves as the voice of reason for the audience, his children, and himself. He gives life lessons to both Scout and Jem that shape who they are as a person, especially towards the end of the novel with the encounter of Bob Ewell and Boo Radley. Throughout the novel, Atticus symbolizes the virtue of humility. These traits are especially prevalent in the events of the rabid dog, the encounter with Mr. Ewell after court, and the death of Mr. Ewell. First off, what exactly is the virtue of humility? The virtue …show more content…
Even though Heck Tate tries to convince that Mr. Ewell’s death is self-inflicted, Atticus insists that Jem should go to court as if this is like any other case. He continues to bicker with Heck Tate by explaining that, “...if they don’t trust me they won’t trust anybody. Jem and Scout know what happened. If they hear of me saying downtown something different happened- Heck, I won’t have them any more. I can’t live one way in town and another way in my home” (Lee 367). Atticus is willing to put Jem on trial in order to teach his children that lies will only lead to disloyalty and deception. He does not want disloyalty to run through the family, so, when the time comes, he sets an example by telling the truth. No secrets or lies to hide from himself, his family, or the townspeople. Jones supports Atticus’s honest nature by saying that, “Reflection gives us humility, forces us to confront our own frailties and limitations; and compassion helps us love…”(Jones 152-153). In this situation Atticus has to confront his lawyer and father side; however, his decision tells readers that he still cares about Jem through his honest nature. Ultimately, Atticus would rather tell the truth and put his son on trial rather than let lies fester and develop into rumors in the small town of Maycomb because it is the right decision to
To Kill A Mockingbird Dignity Quotes
933 Words | 4 PagesThe case has gone on for two years and now it’s being settled with many conflicts along the way. Atticus is also a father of two who, teaches his children the morals of life, especially how to treat others with respect no the matter the race and give dignity to everyone even if they don’t deserve it. Scout,
Atticus Finch's Mistakes
705 Words | 3 Pagesit's not fair for you and Jem, I know that, but sometimes we have to make the best of things, and the way we conduct ourselves when the chips are down—well, all I can say is, when you and Jem are grown, maybe you'll look back on this with some compassion and some feeling that I didn't let you down." And he’s not a parent that keeps stuff away from kids but knows that they will always remember this trial and someday look back at it. (Chapter 11, page 20) As you can see in all of these, Atticus is a very smart kind and loving person.
How Does Lee Show Moral Courage In To Kill A Mockingbird
811 Words | 4 PagesShe said Jem got up and yanked him off her— he probably got hold of Ewell’s knife somehow in the dark … we’ll find out tomorrow” (Lee 365). This shows that Atticus has integrity. Most men would not want to turn in their own son for murder. As a father, Atticus would wanted protect his son, but as a moral individual, Atticus knows that someone who commits murder needs to be punished.
Who Is Atticus A Hero
1059 Words | 5 PagesHeck Tate decides to give the Tom Robinson case to Atticus because he believes that although he might not win it, the jury will actually think about the case before deciding their verdict. Atticus accepts the case because he felt as though he “couldn 't hold up [his] head in town” and that he “couldn 't represent [the] country in the legislature” (Lee 100). He acceptes the case to prove he is reliability. Another example of Atticus showing how reliable he is is when he is interrogating Mayella. She feels as though he is making fun of her.
Atticus Finch's Life
618 Words | 3 PagesAtticus would often find Jem furious at something that she would say, and would tell him, “You just hold your head high and be a gentleman. Whatever she says to you, It’s your job not to let her make you mad.” Atticus would not only say that, but he would also be the perfect exam. Whenever the Finches encountered Mrs. Dubose, he would say, “Good evening Mrs. Dubose! You look like a picture this evening.”
Theme Of Courage In To Kill A Mockingbird
949 Words | 4 Pages“I want you to understand that courage isn’t a man with a gun in his hand,” (Lee 112). This is a quote spoken from a courageous man who put himself in other people’s positions and did not believe he was superior to African Americans like many in that time period. Atticus Finch is a lawyer, and also the father of Jem and Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The finches live in a small town called Maycomb during 1933, also known as the Great Depression era. Throughout the book, the town faces many racial discrimination issues, especially when an African American man named Tom Robinson is falsely accused of rape of a white female.
To Kill A Mockingbird Quote Analysis
893 Words | 4 PagesHeʻs a good boy” I added, a real nice boy…” (175). In addition, she also helps Heck Tate persuade Atticus to leave Bob Ewellʻs death as an accident. “Atticus sat looking at the floor for a long time. Finally he raised his head. “Scout,” he said, “Mr Ewell fell on his knife.
To Kill A Mockingbird Quotes To Show Courage
708 Words | 3 PagesAtticus knows that “there’s been some high talk around town to the effect that [he] shouldn’t do much about defending [Tom Robinson]” (100). However, even though his family and friends my disagree, may even think less of him, Atticus’ interaction with this case gives his cause to think greater of himself because he is fighting for what he believes in. This kind of situation is difficult when you’re opposing you’re enemies, but even harder when you are up against your friends. Even so, Atticus on the path he knows is right, risking his popularity and status among the town. Atticus tells Scout, “you just hold your head high and keep your fists down.
Golden Rule In To Kill A Mockingbird
722 Words | 3 PagesAtticus 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
Empathy Quotes In To Kill A Mockingbird
827 Words | 4 PagesBy grasping the psychological explanations behind mob behavior and showing compassion for his fellow neighbors, Atticus radiates empathy. While most would readily perceive the fury of the mob as an act of personal disloyalty and consequently act upon that misinterpretation, Atticus manifests rapport, ergo preventing additional feuds. Thus, through his choice of empathy over immediate action, Atticus represents a man of good morals and sensitivity. In an identical manner, Atticus shows empathy when he explains his reasoning behind why he is not consumed with apprehension from Bob Ewell’s threats. It is the morning after the trial when Jem and Scout learn of the most recent townwide gossip:
Atticus Respectful Quotes In To Kill A Mockingbird
452 Words | 2 PagesIn chapter 23 Atticus says "Jem, see if you can stand in Bob Ewell's shoes a minute. I destroyed his last shred of
How Does Jem Mature In To Kill A Mockingbird
811 Words | 4 PagesIn To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, Jem grows from a little boy to an intelligent young man. Throughout the book, he discerns many things that shape his personality. As Jem grows, he learns how bad society is and that not everyone is perfect. Fortunately for Jem, this ends up helping him and he finds out that Atticus is a hero and that he should look up to Atticus. Through Atticus and the trial, Jem loses his innocence by learning about prejudice, bravery, and that the justice system is crippled.
Atti Humility In To Kill A Mockingbird
901 Words | 4 PagesOne of the most prominent character traits that Atticus tries to teach Scout and Jem is honesty. During the Robinson case, Atticus
Examples Of Honesty In To Kill A Mockingbird
888 Words | 4 PagesAs 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.
Atticus Father Analysis
1027 Words | 5 PagesSo don’t let Mrs. Dubose get you down. She has enough troubles of her own” (pg. 124). Consequently, this short sentiment displays Atticus’ unfailing desire to find everyone agreeable despite the circumstances and does well as an example for his growing children. Furthermore, he presents his unconditional love by following, possibly unconsciously, the commandments of the Bible where it lies said, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Not once in the pages of the To Kill a Mockingbird novel does Atticus result into severe and unfair disciple toward Jem and Scout, rather he determinedly instructs them in the ways of tenderness.
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