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How Does Atticus Lose His Dignity In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Michael Fox once said, “One’s dignity may be assaulted, vandalized and cruelly mocked, but it can never be taken away unless it is surrendered.” This idea is represented in many instances through To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Night by Elie Wiesel, and Sounder by William H. Armstrong. In To Kill a Mockingbird instead of following the status quo, Atticus chooses to do everything in his power to protect Tom Robinson. In Night, while in the concentration camps, Elie Wiesel refuses to become animalistic and cruel. He cares for his father even when it means giving up food or space. Over the course of Sounder, the boy refuses to give up and instead sees his self worth, gets an education, and makes something of himself. These people refuse to surrender their dignity though it may have been easier to do otherwise. Dignity acts as an important factor in moral growth throughout the human life. …show more content…

When chosen to defend Tom Robinson, a black man accused of rape, he must`decide to truly defend Robinson or not. Atticus’ choice to protect him shows immense integrity and dignity although it earns him cruel criticism from his neighbors and family. When Scout asks Atticus why he took the case, he replies that he would never be able to ask Jem and Scout to mind him again if he didn’t take the case. Atticus would have lost his dignity and respect for himself if he hadn’t attempted to save Tom Robinson from an unjust fate. One can only strive to attain such integrity and dignity as the character of Atticus

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