Atticus Finch: Modern Day Hero

Atticus Finch- Modern Day Hero In general, the first thing that comes to people’s minds when they hear “hero” is superheroes. Batman, Superman, the works. And fiction can be thanked for this. However, a real life hero has very little to do with superpowers, rather they fight for the good cause, even though others may not support them. Harper Lee’s, To Kill a Mockingbird is not only renowned for its complex themes such as racial inequality and race, but also for Lee’s humorous writing style. The narrator’s father, Atticus Finch serves as an inspiration and hero for many. To Kill a Mockingbird teaches readers that a hero, such as Atticus Finch, does not necessarily have to kill a monster or save a princess, rather if a person possesses

Towards the middle of the book, Atticus, as he is a lawyer, decides to defend an innocent black man, Tom Robinson in court. During Atticus’s speech to the jury, he says “You know the truth and the truth is this: some Negroes lie, some Negroes are immoral, some Negro men are not to be trusted around women- black or white. But this is a truth that applies to the human and to no particular race of men” (Lee 273). Atticus argues that it would be unfair and unjust to convict a man just because he is black. Everyone is born equal; your skin colour does not define the way you act and behave. Atticus also proves this point earlier in the book. During a discussion with his daughter, Jean Louise “Scout” Finch, about racism, his daughter asks Atticus “You aren’t really a nigger-lover, then, are you?” Atticus responds “I certainly am. I do my best to love everybody”. (Lee 144). Atticus loves everyone the same; in his eyes, everyone is equal. Atticus proves to readers throughout the book that he believes in racial equality; skin colour does not change his opinion about what he thinks of a person, even though others in his society might think otherwise. Atticus’ actions and words speak