Justice In To Kill A Mockingbird

Harper Lee's seminal 'To Kill a Mockingbird' was written in 1960, yet set during the 1930s during a time of considerable financial unrest and widening social inequality. The novel coalesces around the prosecution of a black man, Tom Robinson, for a crime that he did not commit, and therefore Lee is illustrating the systemic racism that was deeply embroidered within US society in the 30s in her novel. Through the voice of defence attorney Atticus Finch, Lee demonstrates the importance of empathy, compassion, and seeking justice even when all appears to be against you.

Lee primarily presents Atticus as a voice of reason and justice, who has a moral calling to finding the truth, even if that is at a cost to his reputation. He knows that Tom

Taking on the Tom Robinson case was inevitably going to result in society ostracising him and abusing him, but Atticus's moral compass decides that he should second his reputation, and prioritise finding justice at all costs. He is frequently called a 'ni**er' lover from the caustic tongues of the Maycombian citizens, and the abuse that he receives culminates in death threats from Bob Ewell, and Lee even insinuates that the Lynch Mob may have violently attacked him outside the Maycomb Jail if Scout and Jem hadn't intervened. Clearly, Atticus has the mental fortitude and bravery to withstand such setbacks, and he is insistent that he continues with the case. Equally, whilst Atticus acknowledges that 'real courage isn't the gun', he is also illustrated as brave when he shoots the wild, dangerous dog, Tim Johnson. Despite not having shot a gun in over 30 years, 'One Shot Finch' is quick to neutralise the threat to the town, marking him as a dutiful, kind man that is always prepared to help the needs of others. Although Atticus shooting the dog depicts his physical bravery, it is also a moment of foreshadowing for the court case, with the name 'Tim Johnson' redolent of 'Tom Robinson', and therefore the reader is reminded of the great sense of duty for protecting the population that Atticus feels. Similarly, the fact that he is described as 'One Shot' illustrates his ability to find the morally

When Scout and Jem continually sneak into Radley Place, Atticus displays a rare moment of anger and instructs them to 'stop tormenting that man!' He is deeply frustrated with the children's actions because they are only looking at Boo Radley at face value- they haven't empathised with him. As Atticus frequently reminds the children, before holding an opinion on someone, they must 'step inside of their skin and walk around in it', illustrating the importance of considering things from the viewpoints of others. Because of this maxim, Atticus tends to not vehemently dislike others: treating Miss Henry Lafayette Dubose with respect despite her filthy comments towards him, because he knows she is trying to wean her way off morphine, or perhaps even somewhat understanding why Bob Ewell has resorted to alcoholism, because his whole family have probably been equally unfortunate as him. Equally, Atticus teaches his children on the importance of being morally courageous, and although Scout remains too young throughout the novel to fully admire her father for his actions, holding genuine moral responsiblity and acting with compassion will go much further than just being skilled with a