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Atticus Finch Essay

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In Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ Atticus Finch is a character who defies societal norms and stands up for what is right, even in the face of diversity. To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic piece of American literature written by an award-winning author born in Alabama U.S. In the fictional town of Maycomb Alabama Atticus Finch, a widowed lawyer and father of two represents the message that this story wants to convey in its entirety. In this book that explores themes of racism, injustice and the importance of standing up for what is right, Atticus Finch is the moral compass that decides to help a falsely accused black man to be acquitted of his charges to guide the racist town of Maycomb into a better future. Through analyzing his traits, …show more content…

The relationships he has with Scout and Jem, and his children, are possibly the best examples of his compassion. With his kids, Atticus is kind and sympathetic, taking the time to explain complex ideas and provide sincere responses to their inquiries (page. 100). He encourages his kids to put themselves in other people's skin in order to better comprehend their perspectives, demonstrating empathy for others (p. 26). When Scout is distraught following her first day of school, for instance, Atticus reassures her that she would soon comprehend the other students' actions since "most people are nice when you finally see them" (pg. 309). Atticus has sympathy for people in addition to his family. Despite knowing that doing so could endanger his personal life and reputation, he is prepared to defend Tom Robinson, a black man who has been charged with a terrible crime. Even when it is challenging, he thinks it is crucial to speak up for what is right (pg.100). Atticus's compassion towards others makes him a deeply empathetic and caring character and is one of the many reasons why he is so beloved by readers of all …show more content…

Atticus does not give up in the face of difficulty, despite the severe racial prejudice and bigotry that prevail in the town of Maycomb. Atticus is fully aware of the danger and the probable response from the community when he decides to take on the case of Tom Robinson, a black man charged with a major offence. He is strong in his opinion that everyone deserves a fair trial, regardless of their skin colour, and he never wavers in his devotion to defending Tom (pg. 100). When a lynch mob threatens to show up at the jail where Tom is being detained with the intention of enacting their own brand of justice, he shows his bravery once more. Atticus maintains his composure and refuses to allow the crowd to damage his client in the face of peril (pgs. 200–202). His bravery in defying both racist and vigilante forces serves as a poignant lesson on the value of standing up for what is right despite hardship. One of the many reasons Atticus is such a well-liked character in American literature is because of his courage, which serves as an example for readers of all

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Heroes are not invincible, and certainly are not the ones who always win; however, a hero is someone who, despite this, is courageous enough to fight for what is right. Atticus Finch, one of the most inspiring literary characters from the highly acclaimed novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, is an example of such. This classic novel is told from the perspective of Scout Finch, Atticus’ daughter, a young girl who lives in the town of Maycomb County, Alabama, in the 1930s, a town where prejudice and discrimination is rife. Rather than succumbing to societal expectations and adopting the extreme animosity held by the other citizens, Atticus views and treats all with the dignity and respect that they are entitled to, guiding his

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A critical event in the book is when Atticus accepts to defend Tom Robinson, a black man, who is accused of raping Mayella Ewell; however, he is disfavored against by the town due to his race. In the book, Atticus says, “...The only thing we’ve got is a black man’s word against the Ewells’. The evidence boils down to you did--I-didn’t. The jury couldn’t possibly be expected to take Tom Robinson’s word against the Ewells’...” (Lee 117).

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The Introduction Good afternoon, my name is Noah Oberfeld, and it’s my honor and privilege to represent The State of Maycomb and be the prosecutor for this case. On Aug 26, 1936, the defendant Atticus Finch failed to defend Tom Robinson because of his dereliction of duty. At the end of this case, and after you have heard the evidence, we are sure you will determine that Atticus Finch is guilty of his charge. The Theme and Theory

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Another courageous act is when Atticus takes on the Tom Robinson case. He informs Jack that “The evidence boils down to you-did--I-didn’t. The jury couldn’t possibly be expected to take Tom Robinson’s word against the Ewells’” (88). Knowing that he will lose this case, Atticus still gives it his all. Atticus is one of the bravest people in the small

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Atticus Finch and Courage True courage is something that is only shown during the toughest circumstances in life. We also see this theme in literature. In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, a character named Atticus is called upon to defend a black man in court. Atticus tries his best to help the man against the ideologies of the town.

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(100), here, Atticus knows even if everyone knows Tom is innocent and Tom’s opponent is white trash and ignorant, everyone understand that he will suffer racial discrimination and will be labelled guilty no matter the proof. Racial segregation will be the main factor as to why no one will choose a black man’s side over a white’s. No matter how much evidence there is, the mindset on blacks in Maycomb is nearly impossible to discard. “Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret courts of men’s hearts Atticus had no case. Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed” (276), it is no surprise when Tom tries to escape the prison and dies doing so, because everyone knew there was no hope for him once a white accuses him.

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Atticus takes on the case of Tom even though all odds are against him. Tom Robinson is a black man who is falsely accused of raping a white woman. The people in the town are taking out their anger and frustration over the case on Atticus. During this time, the color of Tom's skin is what is making people think he was guilty. Atticus knows that he will get a case that will affect his home life eventually, and this case was it.

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Atticus Finch should still be considered a hero nowadays because he showed bravery and perseverance. Atticus should still be considered a hero today because he expressed bravery on multiple occasions which is not often shown nowadays and when it is, many people see it as heroic. He — in page —, “—“ this shows how he acts brave even when —. Another example is

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As Atticus is talking to Scout, he remarks that “every lawyer gets at least one case in his lifetime that affects him personally. This one’s mine, I guess” (Lee 101). Atticus knows that accepting the opportunity to defend Tom Robinson in court is dangerous because it will put him and his family in an unforgiving situation. Furthermore, Atticus expresses courage when he frequently states, “it's not time to worry yet” (Lee 139).

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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.

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Atticus put his career; actually, his life at risk to save the unlucky black man, Tom Robinson, as the narrator says “Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret courts of men's hearts Atticus had no case. Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed.” (Lee 266). Atticus is categorized as a courageous man with real courage because with the amount of strength he put in to defend Tom Robinson, he was appreciated by the whole black community, and at the same time take care of his two children perfectly well. Atticus also teaches his kids valuable lessons, the ones that you wouldn’t learn in school; introducing them to the real world, the world with racial segregation.

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Atticus is appointed a case by Judge Taylor to defend a black man named Tom Robinson who has been accused of raping a white girl named Mayella Ewell. Because of the racism and prejudice against black people, he believes that he will not win this case and could risk the life of Tom Robinson. Because of this case, Scout gets bullied by Francis about how his dad is defending a black man, Atticus later talks to Scout about how “[Tom Robinson] lives in [a] settlement behind the town dump….there’s been some high talk around the town to the effect that I shouldn’t do much about defending this man” (Lee 86). Atticus knows that something bad can happen to him if he were to defend Tom Robinson but still does so because he has the courage to do it. After the trial had ended, Atticus was waiting for news but he did not expect something so terrible and heartbreaking, Tom Robinson, unfortunately, died after being shot several times.

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1166 Words | 5 Pages

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.

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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.

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Throughout, "To Kill a Mockingbird." Atticus shows his great value and intentions towards the people around him and the society. Atticus reveals this trait from his influence on his children and equal views of race. Because of his positive influence on others, he aids his children to respect others and is highly respected by his movement to fight for equality.

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