How Is Atticus Finch Brave

Although criticized openly, Atticus Finch is respected throughout the town of Maycomb. The reason is that Atticus is very Honorable, Humble, and Valiant. He shows all three of these characteristics throughout the book. These specific traits help describe the great man everyone knows and loves. One of the most important traits Atticus Finch has in this story is Valiancy. This trait is shown when Bob Ewell spit on Atticus’s face and instead of showing anger, he wipes his face and walks away. Another example of Atticus’s Valiancy is when Atticus agrees to represent Tom Robinson even though it was an unpopular move and his children took a lot of grief from it. This and shows that he is willing to take the name calling and insulting from the townspeople of Maycomb in order to stand up for what he believed in.

Atticus shows this trait when he defends Tom Robinson, a black man. Jem and Scout, Atticus’s children, are teased about his father being a “nigger lover’ at school and ask Atticus why they say that when they get home. Instead of Atticus dropping the case because of what people say about him representing a black man, he says to his kids “they’re entitled to think that, they are entitled to full respect for their opinions. But before i can live with other folks i’ve got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.” (139-140) This quote shows that Atticus couldn’t live with himself if he did not honor is word and represent Tom. Another way Atticus shows us his honorableness is when Mrs. Dubose hurls insults about Atticus and Jem destroys her flowers, Atticus speaks politely to her and requires Jem to make retribution for his vindictive act by reading to her. This shows that Atticus is honorable to his neighbors even though they disrespect