In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, wisdom is a very common theme. The theme of wisdom is portrayed in different ways, and I’ll be telling you how. Wisdom is illustrated in the novel by Atticus, Jem, and Heck Tate. There are many large events that take place in the book and they are times in need of wisdom. Atticus, Jem and Heck Tate all show wisdom in certain situations. I believe that Atticus Finch shows wisdom in the Novel by participating in Tom robinson’s trial. Not a lot of white men at that time were willing to stick up for a black man, let alone defend him in court. The trial was Tom Robinson (a black man) against Bob and Mayella Ewell, a white family who claims Tom raped Mayella. Everyone knows that the Ewell’s will win, because it’s a white family’s word against a black man’s. When Scout asks Atticus why he’s defending Tom, he responds with; “‘For a number of reasons,’ said Atticus. ‘The main one is, if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this county in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again.’” (Lee, 75) Scout and Atticus go on to talk about how Jem and Scout wouldn’t have to mind Atticus, if he didn’t defend Tom. Atticus’s first act of wisdom was deciding to defend Tom. He says; “‘Every …show more content…
I believe that this theme was illustrated through the characters Atticus Finch, Jem Finch, and Heck Tate. They all show wisdom at different parts of the book, and they all show wisdom in different ways, whether it be lying for the right purpose, or defending someone they don’t want to. Those things require a lot of wisdom, and each situation shows it. There will always be situations that occur in people’s lives, whether it be very important situations or just an everyday decision. Sometimes when those kind of things come about, it’s important to take a moment and think about your decision instead of just jumping to
Atticus knew the consequences of supporting tom because of his skin and how bad segregation was in his town. He knew the community of Maycomb would dislike his actions and call him and his family names like “negro lover”. Scout asks Atticus why he was defending Tom he says“ The main one is if I didn’t I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this county in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again”(Lee 86). Atticus could not live to know that he did not serve justice in his county, and that even though he would be called names or looked at differently, Atticus would still be doing the right thing.
Atticus Finch is one of the main characters from To Kill a Mockingbird. Throughout the story, he represents wisdom, knowledge, and equality, but white people look at him as a traitor. He became a lawyer during the 1930’s, but he did something that him and most
Atticus, however, did what he knew was right and defended Tom with passion. Atticus’s choice to defend Tom was heroic, but had major consequences for his kids. Amongst other things, such as almost getting Jem and Scout killed and letting them run free without
For instance, while Atticus and Scout discuss the talk of the trial at Scout’s school, he further explains the trial. Scout questions why Atticus defends Tom. He explains his reasoning for choosing to support him: “ ‘The main one is, if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this county in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again’ ” (100).
Tom Robinson was being charged with rape and everyone in the town was against him. Atticus saw the injustice and did his best to defend Tom. “... if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this county in the legislature” (Lee 75). Atticus is explaining to Scout why he couldn’t leave Tom without any help. Atticus is always looking out for his children.
He was willing to take the hit on his reputation and public image to defend his values. One of the times the reader really got to see Atticus’ inner turmoil that was established from Tom’s case was when he had his conversation with Scout’s uncle, Jack. “...Do you think I could face my children otherwise?”(Lee, 100) In this quote, we can
No matter what situation Atticus FInch is in he always sticks with what he believes is right. Atticus states, “If I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this county, in the legislature, I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do something again.” Atticus has spent his whole life trying to do the right thing. He knows that the right thing to do is defend Tom from the racist false accusations.
As these events take place, themes pop up throughout the book. While there are multiple possible lessons and themes hidden in To Kill a Mockingbird, three significant themes that are included are hidden identities, courage and Jem’s maturation. A theme incorporated into the book is hidden identities that characters have that readers might not know about. When a “mad dog” comes into the neighborhood, people aren’t sure what to do about it.
“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.
Atticus 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.
Everything changes after Boo Radley saves Scout and Jem from Bob Ewell. In To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee develops the theme to think for yourself through diction, imagery, and symbolism. In the first place, Harper Lee uses diction to develop the theme to think for yourself. For example in this quote it said, “ He almost whispered it, in the voice of a child afraid of the dark” (372).
Atticus is a courageous man and is also a good influencer to his kids, Scout and Jem. He teaches them that everyone matters in this world no matter how different someone can be. Harper Lee writes, "This case, Tom Robinson's case, is something that goes to the essence of a man's conscience-Scout, I couldn’t go to church if I didn't try to help that man."(104). This quote shows how much Atticus wanted to help out Tom even if he knows that the outcome will still be the same but if he at least tries he will not live with the guilt inside of him for the rest of his life. Not only did Atticus show courage, Boo Radley did as well.
Landon Bennett Mrs. Alfaro English 3 May 22, 2023 To Kill a Mockingbird In Harper Lee's timeless novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the character of Atticus Finch serves as a moral compass and a pillar of righteousness. Through his actions, words, and unwavering principles, Atticus demonstrates the qualities of a compassionate and just individual, whose beliefs are deeply rooted in fairness, equality, and respect for all individuals. Atticus's commitment to justice and equality is evident throughout the novel. He consistently upholds the belief that every person deserves to be treated fairly and without prejudice. Atticus imparts this wisdom to his children, Scout and Jem, when he tells them, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it”.
The theme of this novel is "Not everything is the way you predict it is". I believe this thematic statement suits the story because throughout the book there are lots of surprises, and most situations don't go the way people predict they will. For example, Aunt Alexandra was first seen as mean, according to her attitude towards Scout. At the end of the book Aunt Alexandra hands Scout her overalls, as mentioned in the story, "the garments she most despised." Because she always wanted Scout to be a lady and wear dresses.
To Kill a Mockingbird has many of underlying themes such as racism, courage, respect, femininity, etc. But the theme that fits this book most appropriately is innocence and the harm caused to the innocent by evil and bigotry. Examples of this include Jem, Dill, Tom Robinson, Boo Radley. While all these characters have completely different personalities and circumstances they all have one thing in common. All of them were innocent at one point and were harmed by the evil of