How Does Lee Use Atticus Closing Argument In To Kill A Mockingbird

Writing about the prejudiced Alabamian town of Maycomb, Harper Lee sets a scene of poverty and failed education through the lens of Scout Finch, daughter of a knowledgeable lawyer, Atticus Finch. She is participating in a trial that debates racism through accused rape; Atticus must defend a black man within the confines of a biased racial case, whilst believing in equality. Atticus’ contrasting beliefs create a differing clause amongst a town in the 1930’s. Surrounded by a struggling Great Depression and failed literacy, Atticus must convince Maycomb’s farmer jury to defend Tom Robinson, the accused. Though Atticus Finch appeals through logic to persuade a new concept of equity, by quoting a credible source to a jury of uneducated white men,

For certain people use this phrase out of context.We know all men are not created equal in the sense some people would have us believe.” (P.233) Atticus uses this credible source as a way to showcase the indoctrination of Maycomb’s phrase to claim that amongst the wealthy, the poor, and the skilled, race does not seem to be amongst the phrasing, referring to color as “man”. By using logic, it creates a discussion for the questioned phrase by abusing relatability to the impoverished town of

Atticus acknowledges that in the 30’s, he would never win, with a jury of white men pertaining to a black man that would die- Atticus wants to try and win, for the sake of his own dignity- to bring more eyes to the trial using his popularity to bring change in the future- not the case itself. When Jem has an outburst over the conclusion of the case, Atticus encourages Jem to change the law himself, knowing it would be difficult to change history, and holding onto the hope that while he lost, the public would find Jem’s attempts fruitful, even if equality’s concept would be achieved years on; “Change the law.. I won't live to see the law changed, and if you live to see it you’ll be an old man,” (P.251). With this, Atticus knows two things: the outcome of the trial will warm opinions towards impartiality- and that due to its time period and uneducated ways of indoctrination, it would take years for people to comprehend equality. Atticus knew that in Alabama during the 30’s, most of the citizens knew naught of book knowledge- just hereditary beliefs and