One central idea shown in Chapter 15 of "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee is the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition. In chapter 15, Atticus risks his life to protect Tom Robinson when he is in the Maycomb jail. Even when Atticus was surrounded by a mob of people willing to hurt him, he remains calm and does not show any signs of fear or panic, and only wants to protect Tom Robinson. The author reinforces this theme when a man asks, "He in there Mr. Finch?" a man said. "he is," and Atticus replies, "He is, and he is asleep Don't wake him up." (202). This quote proves the theme of standing up for what is right because Atticus, despite the danger, chooses to protect Tom and stand up against the unjust …show more content…
Atticus is depicted as a wise and patient character who never loses his temper, even when facing danger. His calm demeanor is contrasted with the aggressive and violent behavior of the Old Sarum Bunch, who are willing to resort to violence to get their way. Harper Lee uses Atticus's character to highlight the importance of remaining calm and rational in the face of adversity. For example, when confronted by the mob Atticus says, When the mob confronts him outside the jail, he refuses to back down and never compromises his values. He even puts himself in harm's way to protect Tom Robinson. Atticus says, "You can turn around and go home again, Walter" (202), showing how he is willing to face the mob alone and stand up for what he believes is right. This quote exemplifies Atticus' strong character and reinforces the theme of standing up for what is right in the face of opposition. Another example of characterization is seen in Scout's naivety. Despite the danger that the mob poses, Scout is unaware of the gravity of the situation and does not fully understand the potential consequences of the mob's actions. Her innocence and lack of understanding of the situation allow her to diffuse the tension in the scene. For instance, she strikes up a conversation with Mr. Cunningham about his son, and this helps to humanize the mob and make them see the error of their