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
Atticus from the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a character with a large list of traits. One that seems to stand out is his willingness to preserve life whenever he can. This is seen in chapter 10 when he shoots the sick dog. It is later emphasized that the dog is dangerous on pg. 128, “…he’s just as dangerous dead as alive”.
The entire town was against Atticus and his decision to defend Tom, but he stood up for what he thinks is right. Another way Atticus shows how courageous he can be is when he decides to spend the night alone outside the jail making sure Tom Robinson would be ok. Even when most of Maycomb came and tried to jump Tom and Atticus, he still wouldn't budge and continued to still stick up for Tom.
He knew before he decided to represent Tom, that he would be ridiculed, menaced and maybe even put in danger but he did it anyways and to me that really shows courage. Another example of when Atticus showed great courage is when the lynch mob came looking for tom and he opened the door and a man from the lynch mob said “you know what we want. Get aside from the door” but he did not move from the door.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee portrays Atticus Finch as the sage archetype, presenting him as a wise and shrewd lawyer who confronts prejudice with tenacity while concurrently fulfilling his responsibilities as a parent to educate his children regarding the nature of society. Atticus Finch employs his knowledge and moral convictions to guide his children, Jem, and Scout Finch, as demonstrated when he urges Scout to "hold [her] head high and keep [her] fists down" while hearing the unpleasant remarks of others concerning the Tom Robinson trial. By using indirect characterisation, his words reflect his knowledge of the consequences for defending Tom Robinson, which will be reflected on his family; thus, he wishes to protect his family from the vexatiousness of the trial, enunciating the attributes of the sage archetype as he is understanding of morality, with which he guides his children, and is represented as a wise family figure.
Atticus defends Tom Robinson against his own race despite knowing the fact that before the trial even begins, he's going to lose. He knows that many of the whites living in Maycomb want to see Tom Robinson, an African American accused of raping and beating a white woman, killed. He started receiving threats from whites men but that doesn't stop Atticus from doing what he thinks is right. When he acts with integrity, he received more support and love from the African American
Atticus shows courage by defending a black man in court in his extremely racist town. Judge Taylor asked Atticus to defend the black man, Tom Robinson who was on trial for his life. The judge knew Atticus would fight for Tom fairly. Atticus accepted this challenge knowing that the citizens of Maycomb may disagree with his decision. He believed every individual was equal and Atticus felt it was his obligation to represent him to the best of his ability.
Atticus, despite being called many things not fit for childrens ears, did what he knew was right. Against all consensus he did what was right and fought the case with all he had. He treated Tom like any other white person of the time, with respect. This was huge during the 1930s, african americans were almost never respected by white men. In fact it was quite the opposite.
In the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee there are many interesting characters, but to me Atticus Finch is the most interesting character. Atticus has many traits that everyone should aspire to have. He is respectful,humble and has a lot of dignity. The story would not be the same without Atticus. He is what makes the story interesting and fun to read.
In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus is courageous, wise, and well - mannered. One of the main characters is known for being courageous. Atticus was Tom Robinson’s lawyer in trial against Bob Ewell’s accusations of Robinson raping and beating Ewell’s daughter Mayella Ewell. In the 1930s this was unacceptable because whites stood supreme.
It all started from the 1600’s where African-American were brought in as slaves in America to do their harsh labors and work for long periods of time. This lead into a societal thing where white Americans believed that black people should be despised, and be discriminated because of their color. This then became even bigger in the society in the 1900’s, when it lead towards to individual colored washrooms, cinemas, bus sections, drinking fountains, etc. An African-American man (Martin Luther King Jr) who thought he should do something about the hatred towards the African-Americans. So, he began a civil movement.
He does not agree with social conflicts that the rest of Maycomb’s people put stock into. Atticus shows many characteristics throughout the story, showing not only the reader many moral lessons through his values, but also his children in the story. Atticus continues formidable by defending Tom robinson. With the whole town against him, Atticus stayed strong in his beliefs, defending Tom Robinson, because he believed it was the right thing to do. Even with the names he gets for defending Tom, and the beating he takes after the trial, Atticus stays devoted to his own moral beliefs.
Savior of Society Did you ever wonder why someone thought to separate blacks from whites, then wonder why someone decided to join them together again? In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, many uncomfortable situations were addressed that many people today preferably don’t like to talk about nowadays. This is why Atticus Finch encourages his children, Jem and Scout, to be aware of segregation. Within the novel, there is a rape case that discusses a black man being accused of the crime. This case afflicts many emotions and actions from multiple characters but specifically Atticus, the lawyer on the black man’s side.
Elizabeth Curtis Mrs. Abban Sophomore College Preparatory English 6 March 2023 Title To Kill A Mockingbird is about the racist, one-sided opinions in the Great Depression and its fight for justice towards Tom Robinson who was accused of raping a white woman named Mayella Ewell. Atticus Finch was one of the few white men who believed Tom. Atticus took his case with no hesitation.
For a novel to be great, it must possess characters that are also unique and great. But what makes a great character? There are many qualities and components that assemble a great character. One component is for the character to develop during the story. If they were fully developed, both the reader and the character wouldn't be able to learn anything over the course of the story.
