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How Does Atticus Use Moral Dilemmas In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Weislogel 1 Ben Weislogel Mrs. Crays English 9/10 28 April 2017 Atticus, the most Moral of Maycomb In Harper Lee's classic novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch is faced with moral dilemmas and deals with each with the utmost integrity. When Scout asks why Atticus is defending a colored man, he replies "For a number of reasons, 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, I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do something again"(75). He believed that not doing what was right would forfeit any moral authority he has ever had. A good example of Atticus using moral authority to correct others is when Jem had mutilated Mrs. Dubose's flowers, Atticus forced Jem to visit her and apologize(104). Even when people make choices and take actions that Atticus never would, he still respects them and their opinions(105). Atticus will go to any length to make sure the truth gets …show more content…

Atticus is by far the least prejudiced man in Maycomb, he has no problem with Calpurnia taking Jem and Scout to her church, and no problem with Calpurnia practically raising them. Atticus urges Jem and Scout not to use racial slurs and insults. Atticus stands up for Tom Robinson, is polite with Mayella Ewell, and does not become infuriated by Bob Ewell. He goes directly to the home of Helen Robinson to inform her of her husband's death, which is most likely more than anyone else would do. Atticus proves his unbiased beliefs the most when Bob Ewell spits in his face and he does not become enraged, because he knows that Bob Ewell's ego is all he

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In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Atticus Finch uses the three artistic proofs to persuade the jury of Tom Robinson’s innocence. The way Atticus uses the ethical, logical and emotional influences shows his standards, morals, character, and attitude towards racism. Atticus stepped up to represent Tom in court even though he knew he would most likely fail. Atticus knew he would most likely fail because Tom was black and back then any black person that was taken to court was automatically guilty. Atticus also tried to persuade the jury that it was their duty to grant Tom Robinson his innocence because he did not rape Mayella.

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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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To Kill a Mockingbird is a well know book that elaborates on racial, and social equality. Harper Lee authored, and published this book in July of 1960. The book is about a father with two curious children named Jeremy, and Scout. They learn many life lessons throughout the novel, helping them understand the state of racial and social inequality. Atticus their father is very educated, and a wise man.

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In To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, Atticus believes Maycomb is unjust because the town is inconsiderate of other people’s view, which is shown when Atticus gets targeted for defending a black man, worries that his kids will become bitter and catch Maycomb’s disease, and Aunt Alexandra advising Atticus that he is raising his kids wrong. To begin with, Mrs Dubose addresses to Scout and her family about how Atticus is disgracing his race and his color by defending Tom Robinson on the alleged rape case. Mrs Dubose says, “Your father’s no better than the ni**ers and trash he works for” (135). Atticus views Maycomb as an injustice town because during this time period black people were seen as a lower class. Atticus is mark as an overall victim because in the trial the county is shocked that Atticus is

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He wants Jem and Scout to realize how wrong the people of Maycomb are for thinking the way they do. Since Atticus doesn’t want Jem and Scout to listen to the town, I can infer that he believes their way of thinking is unfair. He said it himself that people go mad when anything with an African American man comes up because of their Southern ways of thinking. Therefore Atticus believes that Maycomb is unjust because he is a man of absolute

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Atticus is an idealist and knows what is right and what is wrong. Atticus shows the importance of compassion and doing the right thing. “Atticus insists the truth about what occured at the Ewell house will be heard in court. This further illustrates his integrity” (Text

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Most people try to have good morals, adults trying to raise kids are a perfect example. That's exactly what Atticus is doing in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. There are many instances where Atticus is showing extraordinary morals for himself and his family. Some would be dealing with hate the right way, another would be representing a black man in a time where segregation is very alive, lastly is making sure his family is religious. Its very clear that all of these traits/morlas are extremely important to Atticus. The first one to talk about is how Atticus deals with all the hate.

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(pg.137). This shows that even with family Atticus is willing to stick true to his

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In the story To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch has completely different views from the rest of Maycomb, who are heavily influenced by rumors and racism. He takes on a huge role in defending a black man, Tom Robinson, and faces many issues from other people by doing so. Atticus knows his client,

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These actions caused by the society advise Scout about people and the existence of Maycomb. For example, when Scout and Miss Maudie are discussing how some men were born to do undesirable jobs for the world, Scout says, “I always thought Maycomb folks were the best folks in the world, least that’s what they seemed like” (218). Scout is definitely learning the shady elements in reality of Maycomb, from the undesirable jobs to unpleasant people, they come from cowards. Miss Maudie realizes how prejudice citizens are about colored citizens and others unreasonable assumptions. In addition, when Atticus was strolling by the Post Office, Bob Ewell approaches him and spat in his face after stating he would get him if it took him the rest of his life.

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By urging others to look beyond prejudice and embrace their moral obligations, Atticus demonstrates extraordinary courage. Furthermore, Atticus's unwavering trust in the court system further exemplifies his courage in the face of racism. Despite acknowledging its imperfections, he firmly states, "I'm no idealist to believe firmly in the integrity of our courts and in the jury system—that is no ideal to me, it is a living, working reality" (Pg 207). Atticus's faith in the court system serves as a testament to his courage.

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Atticus is helping establish one of the main themes of this book, morality and ethics. He knows that Tom will not be acquitted, but he still gets the truth out which is a huge accomplishment. It leaves suspense in the story because the audience is not sure what it will accomplish, but they are hoping for something. It is important also because it shows one to take chances. Lee tries to get that across because nothing will happen unless someone tries to do something.

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Throughout every one of the sources, people face moral dilemmas and show different and unique reactions to these situations; although unique, they show a pattern. There is so much corruption in society, and every single person has the choice to either act according to society’s expectations or do what is right, meanwhile risking their reputation. Most adults in this world have seen corruption time and time again, resulting in many turning their backs upon witnessing injustice. Children, on the other hand, usually show naivetè and innocence from their lack of exposure to the corruption of the world. How strong might someone have to be in order to resist mindlessly following society’s expectations?

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In addition, Atticus went against his moral code and principles he had always upheld before, especially in the Tom Robinson trial. Now, Atticus is faced with the decision of abiding by the law or breaking it in order to do the right thing. He knew that incarcerating a man, as withdrawn and solitary as Arthur would have been unforgivable. Especially, after Arthur had performed a great deed by saving his children 's life. He knew that exposing him would be an awful way of repaying him; it would have been like "shooting a mockingbird."

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