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Atticus Rationality In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Atticus was a very patient and understanding man, yet he was very stubborn when he knew what was right. Many times throughout “To Kill a Mockingbird” he demonstrated his ability to stay rational and see others’ points of views. One intense instance he was able to stay rational in was in front of the jailhouse when the group of men came to attempt to kill Tom Robinson, Scout depicted his actions by saying, “We saw Atticus look up from his newspaper. He closed it, folded it deliberately, dropped it in his lap, and pushed his hat to the back of his head” (Lee 201). Scout did not understand at the moment why the men were there, but her father knew full well that if he did not stop them someone would be murdered. Atticus was able to confront the men calmly, and because of his rationality, he was able to save a man’s life. …show more content…

The poem “If” describes this characteristic as one of the virtues that will build you up by stating, “If you can keep your head when all about you// Are losing theirs and blaming it on you” (Kipling). If Atticus did not spend the night at the jail waiting for the men, Tom Robinson might have died. If Atticus did not do his best in the trial to save an innocent man, he would have lost his values. If he could not keep his temper and rationality, there could have been so many instances that would have turned out very different. As a role model for Scout and Jem, Atticus showed them how to remain reasonable in the heat of the moment, and always try to look from the other person’s perspective. He taught them that each person is allowed their own opinion, and they should be

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Atticus always accepted what came to him no matter the consequences or outcome. He did not complain about what happen with the court case and trial. He never backed down or changed his mind when heck tate and a mob came to his house threatening

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"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view ... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." (Elibrary database). Even though through most of the story Atticus’s beliefs about the case are not backed by anyone, he still holds strong in what he believes in and in that steadfast way. Atticus comes out a more respected man for proving to everyone that you do not know a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes.

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Atticus is a bold man considering he knew the mob would eventually come and he had to be prepared to protect Tom Robinson from harm. In addition, he was willing to risk his life for a black man which was very peculiar during the time but dared to stand his ground and fight for justice. Also, Atticus did not mind what other people thought of him or cared less about his reputation being ruined or his family being put on the line for defending a black man indicating he had the perseverance to fight for righteousness. When Scout sees that her father is in danger, or given that he is surrounded by unfamiliar faces, she realizes one of the men is Mr.Cunningham. In an attempt to cool the tension, Scout tries to find common ground with Mr.Cunningham by saying, "Entailments are bad" (Lee 205).

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For example, Atticus mention to Scout that, if he didn’t agree to defend Tom Robinson he wouldn’t be able to hold his head in town (pg:) This example reveals that, Atticus regard himself as a model for the role society and his family. In order for them to follow him he have to do the right thing, which is defending Tom Robinson. Atticus Spend the night looking

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Atticus is a nice and outgoing person who is trying to make a change in the town. He is a middle-aged man who lives in the suburbs. Who is also one of the finest lawyers in towns and is good at what he does. “Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.” … (Lee 90)

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He shows Jem and Scout not to judge people until they've walked in their shoes. Chapter 3 on page 85-87 Atticus says "First of all, if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.” Out of all the people in this book Atticus is the one who is most likely to not judge someone. He stands up for a black man knowing he will get judged and made fun of.

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Atticus knows that “there’s been some high talk around town to the effect that [he] shouldn’t do much about defending [Tom Robinson]” (100). However, even though his family and friends my disagree, may even think less of him, Atticus’ interaction with this case gives his cause to think greater of himself because he is fighting for what he believes in. This kind of situation is difficult when you’re opposing you’re enemies, but even harder when you are up against your friends. Even so, Atticus on the path he knows is right, risking his popularity and status among the town. Atticus tells Scout, “you just hold your head high and keep your fists down.

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But, one character stands out more then the rest, Atticus. Atticus is shown being a courageous character multiple time throughout the book. Some courageous things Atticus did was taking the case of Tom Robinson, defending Tom from the lynch mob, and shooting the rabid dog. To begin with, Atticus is very loyal and stays loyal throughout the book. The most loyal thing Atticus had done in the book was he defended Tom Robinson from the lynch mob when they came to kill Tom just before the rape trial.

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Though many people think that emotion helps make rational resolutions, often times it hurts one’s ability to do so. In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Scout, the protagonist, and her family discover the need for logic when her father takes an important court case. Sadly, most of the people of Maycomb in the 1930s became corrupt because they do not use rationality in their lives. Throughout the novel, Scout and the reader both learn that one should not let their emotions rule their reason when making decisions. Even before the court case began, Scout learns about the recurring theme of logic being more effective than her feelings when forming opinions of others and in communicating.

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We live in a society today where judging others is a regular, everyday activity. Many people may blame a significant amount of this issue on the excessive amount of technology we have access too, but this problem has been around for much longer. In the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, it shows the ugliness that can come from judging others, but it also teaches two young children, Scout and Jem, to listen to others, so that you can have the opportunity to learn from them. Throughout the story many characters were able to demonstrate this lesson for the kids, but three that were true examples of it were Tom Robinson, Atticus Finch and Boo Radley. With only aiming to stand up for what they believe in and not worrying what everyone

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