To Kill A Mockingbird Golden Rule Analysis

Throughout life, numerous peoples and cultures have their version of the Golden Rule. The Golden Rule states “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7:12). In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, some characters choose to live by the Golden Rule, and others choose to contradict it. If one follows the Golden Rule, one would want others to have the same rights and receive equal treatment. The novel shows this through characters such as Atticus, who believed in an equality without skin color defining who you are. One always seeks to be equal with everyone, no matter who they are, but some people make others feel inferior. When a rich white man compares himself to a poor white man or a white man to a black man and one will assume they’re better. Primarily, the day after the trial Mr. Ewell confronts Atticus and spits in his face, and says, “Too proud to fight, you n~-lovin’ b~” (291)? Atticus could have responded in an impudent manner, but he decided on deserting the situation. This shows even people of the same color treat the other person as if they were an animal. Some people desire equal treatment, but others believe that they’re better, whether one has more money, education or respect.

If one did not care about other people, that is how that same person wants to be treated. For example, when Uncle Jack visits the Finches and talks about the trial, Atticus says, “Before I’m through, I intend to jar the jury a bit--I think we’ll have a reasonable chance on appeal, though. I really can’t tell at this stage, Jack. You know, I’d hope to get through life without a case of this kind, John Taylor pointed at me and said, ‘You’re It’” (117). Atticus wants to gain appeal because he wants a fair trial since the jury in Maycomb would probably say Tom Robinson is guilty. Finally, one should look out for their neighbor and care for