In 'To Kill A Mockingbird' the idea of living according to one's beliefs requires courage through the character of Atticus Finch. As a moral compass in the novel, Atticus embodies the importance of following one's conscience despite societal pressures. When defending Tom Robinson, a falsely accused black man, Atticus declares, "Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win" (Pg 76). This quote highlights Atticus's unwavering commitment to justice, even in inevitable defeat. His willingness to confront the deeply ingrained racism of Maycomb County exemplifies the courage needed to challenge prevailing opinions. Furthermore, when Scout questions Atticus about his decision to take on the …show more content…
As Atticus states, “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” (Pg 30). Atticus acknowledges the daunting odds stacked against him in the racially charged society of Maycomb County, yet he remains resolute in his pursuit of justice. Additionally, Atticus challenges societal norms and calls upon others to do the same when he passionately implores, "In the name of God, do your duty. In the name of God, believe Tom Robinson" (Pg 104). By urging others to look beyond prejudice and embrace their moral obligations, Atticus demonstrates extraordinary courage. Furthermore, Atticus's unwavering trust in the court system further exemplifies his courage in the face of racism. Despite acknowledging its imperfections, he firmly states, "I'm no idealist to believe firmly in the integrity of our courts and in the jury system—that is no ideal to me, it is a living, working reality" (Pg 207). Atticus's faith in the court system serves as a testament to his courage. He recognizes the flaws within the system, yet he perseveres in his defence of Tom Robinson, highlighting his unwavering dedication to justice. Atticus's courage lies not only in his actions but also in his ability to believe in the potential for change within flawed
In Harper Lee's classic novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird," Atticus Finch serves as a compelling embodiment of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream of a just and equal society. Atticus is a principled, wise, and compassionate lawyer who, in the racially charged setting of 1930s Maycomb, Alabama, stands as a beacon of moral integrity and racial tolerance. He not only supports the ideals of equality and justice but also demonstrates them in his actions and interactions with others. One of Atticus’s main ways in which he embodies Dr.King is through his commitment to treating everyone with respect and fairness, regardless of one's race.
Isaiah says, “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression…” (Isaiah 1:17, ESV). Following God’s will by doing good and correcting wrong defines Atticus Finch, a lawyer in Harper Lee’s book, To Kill a Mockingbird. Atticus defends an innocent black man, Tom Robinson, who was falsely accused of raping a white girl, Mayella Ewell. The trial takes place in the 1930’s in Maycomb, Alabama, a small racist town.
From the late 1870s through the mid-1960s, Jim Crow laws affected many African Americans. With these laws, blacks were given very limited rights and were often victims of unfair judgment. In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch, a highly educated lawyer, gets a case where he needs to defend a black man named Tom Robinson. Atticus faces many challenges, including judgment from the white community in his town and questions from his kids about the trial. Atticus demonstrates moral integrity, bravery, and empathy in response to conflict, which connects to the idea that one should achieve social justice by following morals, taking a stand when no one else will, and understanding other people’s perspectives.
“The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.” In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Atticus uses Pathos, ethos and logos to convince Tom Robinson could never have committed this crime. Atticus is fighting the inevitable battle of racism and trying to prove a black man's innocence in court. His strength and intelligence is about to change at least one person in the jury to look past his skin color and see him as an equal. Taking this one small step forward is a major step for the equality of everyone.
He has to face the challenge of changing the racist mindset of the jury to rule in favor of his wrongly accused client, of raping a white woman. During Atticus’s closing statement, he defends his client and how the jury was unfair during his trial. His speech includes, “I’m no idealist to believe firmly in the integrity of our courts and in the jury system—that is no ideal to me, it is a living, working reality. Gentlemen, a court is no better than each man of you sitting before me on this jury. A court is only as sound as its jury, and a jury is only as sound as the men who make it up” (234) Even though he knows the verdict won’t be in his favor he continues to defend his client who was wrongly accused.
Despite racial inequalities in the South, Atticus sticks to his own morals and agrees to be the defending lawyer for Tom Robinson, a black man being accused of raping a white woman. Although Atticus’ defense in court was thorough and clearly proved Tom’s innocence, the jury was prejudiced towards black folks and convicted Tom as guilty. Nonetheless, Atticus is still a hero despite losing the case. He has the courage to stand up for what he believes in, fights with reason rather than guns, and has utmost determination, making him a hero despite being just an average human being. Ultimately, his thoughts and actions set the stage for major changes in the meaning of equality throughout Maycomb County, changing lives of numerous people.
Being fortunate enough to afford education, Atticus not only possess the “necessary intellect and unwavering morality” (20), but he is a renowned lawyer who understands that his skills should be put to better use than to encourage the exploitation of Negroes from the “negligence of unscrupulous racists” (3). In doing so, he understands the extra precaution needed to avoid “the storm of persecution” (4), and this personification manifests the growing hatred directed towards Atticus as the Maycomb community divides greatly enough to distinguish two groups of people that are for or against the actions of Atticus. Despite the incoming threats, Atticus ignores their efforts to stop him because he personally knows what it’s like to “be licked by low grade men” (16), and knowing what it’s like, he doesn’t favor the opinions of the majority over his own conscience which can be quite daunting. But unlike Hamlet who just prates about how he should just commit suicide, Atticus sees “through it no matter what” (27) because he already has a preconceived notion that he would fail so that he doesn’t go into grief if he
When asked by his children why he chose to defend Tom Robinson when he knew he would most likely not win. He replied to them that if he hadn't, he wouldn't be able to believe in himself anymore. He chose to defend Tom Robinson because if he did not he would be going against all his personal morals and principles. Atticus tries to make his children realize that it is not because of the person's color that makes them innocent or guilty. Nor is it the economic status of a person that decides the amount of respect deserved by the person in question.
Yet, one brave character, Atticus chose to do what he knew was right, over preserving his name. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus chooses to display moral courage and represent Tom, despite the fact that “most folks (pg.116)” thought “[Atticus] was wrong (pg.116)”. This shows that Atticus had a strong moral compass and was courageous enough to overcome societal pressure, by defending a black male. In addition, Atticus had gone above and beyond, for the defendant, by guarding Tom’s jail cell in an act to protect him from the lynching mob, despite being well-aware of the certain danger he would encounter. Heck Tate advised Atticus, “I don't look for any trouble, but I can't guarantee there won't be any (pg.160)”.
Atticus, a white lawyer in a racially divided town, knows that taking on this case will put him and his family at risk of being ostracized by the community. However, he decides to take the case because he believes in the fundamental principle of equality and justice for all. As Atticus states, "Courage is not a man with a gun in his hand. It's knowing you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway
Atticus’s courage shows greatly throughout the trial and daily life, he shows Mcourage to his children to show that none of this is right so Atticus must show them how to stand up for what's right. “You never really understand a
The courtroom is a place everyone should be equal and Atticus firmly believes that. Atticus also knows in this case, Tom Robinson will not have justice, he knows the jury will be in vote of Mayella’s story, just because she is white. This shows Atticus’s courage not only because he is going against what the jury and state belief in order for Tom Robinson to have justice, but because he is still fighting even when he knows he will lose. Atticus shows courage by doing
Courage of a Character In Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch demonstrates courage through the course of his actions. In the novel, a significant point of courage is depicted when Atticus decides to defend a black man; Tom Robinson, in court. In the town, where the trial is being held, the people have the same distinct perspective as to how their society should be maintained. Atticus also displays courage when he was ready and waiting to protect Tom when he knew an angered mob would appear. In the final chapter of To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus is brave enough to suggest that his injured son had killed Bob Ewell.
Throughout Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," Atticus Finch serves as a model of tolerance. He consistently demonstrates his conviction that others should be treated with empathy and understanding. One of the most prominent examples of Atticus' tolerance is his defense of Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. Despite the community's intense racism and prejudice, Atticus maintains his belief in Tom's innocence and fights for his rights in court. This shows his tolerance and acceptance of people of different races and his refusal to be swayed by the prejudices of others.
However, throughout the trial, Atticus acted courageously, standing up for what he believed to be the greater good, not allowing the fear of people hurting him and his family or damaging his reputation as a lawyer to get in the way of doing what he had to. For example, “We don’t know, but there is some circumstantial evidence to indicate that Mayella Ewell was beaten savagely by someone who led almost exclusively with his left….he swore out a warrant, no doubt signing it with his left hand, and Tom Robinson now sits before you, having taken the oath with the only good hand he possesses- his right hand.” (Lee, 232-233.) This quote shows us a good representation of how Atticus demonstrates the qualities of someone described as a hero. He put aside his safety and that of his family to win the case.