Examples Of Integrity In To Kill A Mockingbird

What do you think is the most important trait a person can have during stressful times? In To Kill A Mockingbird there are many situations in which the main characters are put through stress and are forced to make hard decisions. Having integrity during stressful times is incredibly important, one character who is especially good at this is Atticus Finch. Throughout many times in this story he keeps his head up and holds true to his beliefs. In To Kill A Mockingbird Harper Lee shows that having integrity is vital in order to do what is morally right through Atticus. First off, Atticus shows integrity throughout the book by sticking by his decision to defend Tom Robinson even though many people believe he is a guilty man. There is a lot

Atticus responds by saying a few things: “‘For a number of reasons,’ said Atticus. ‘The main one is, if I didn't I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this country in the legislature,’” (pg.75). And, “‘This case, Tom Robinson’s case, is something that goes to the essence of a man’s conscience- Scout, I couldn’t go to church and worship God if I didn’t try to help that man’” (pg.104). Both of these quotes from Atticus show that he believes that having integrity and standing by your beliefs is crucial. If you do not do what is right then you are betraying yourself, others around you, and your faith. Another time that Atticus sticks up for Tom is when Mr. Heck Tate shows up and tells Atticus that the people wanted him in the county jail he said “‘Heck, we’ve gotten one postponement of this case just to make sure there’s nothing to be uneasy about. This is Saturday,’ Atticus said ‘Trial’ll probably be Monday. You can keep him one night, can't you? I don't think anybody

Atticus stands up for Calpurnia many times however one of the first showings of this is when Calpurnia gets mad and Scout speaks of her “She was furious, and when she was furious Calpurnia’s grammar became erratic. When in tranquility, her grammar was as good as anybody’s in Maycomb. Atticus said Calpurnia had more education than most colored folks” (pg.32). This shows that Atticus had taught Scout to still see Calpurnia's strengths even though she was heavily looked down on, to have integrity in their beliefs and treat her as one of them. When Scout disrespects her Aunt, it's shown once again that Atticus expects his children to respect Calpurnia “‘Let's get this clear: you do as Calpurnia tells you, you do as I tell you, and as long as your aunt’s in this house, you will do as she tells you. Understand?’” (pg.136). The most important or relevant time that Atticus sticks up for his belief that Calpurnia deserves the utmost respect no matter her skin color is when Aunt Alexandra tells him she thinks Calpurnia shouldn't live with them and be around the children. Atticus says: “Alexandra, Calpurina’s not leaving this house until she wants to. You may think otherwise, but I couldn't have got along without her all these years’” (pg.137). This shows that even with family Atticus is willing to stick true to his