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To Kill A Mockingbird Standing Up For What Is Right Quotes

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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

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541 Words | 3 Pages

Atticus shows courage by defending Tom Robinson in court and by going so far as to defend his life as he sleeps in a jail cell. Atticus’ motivation for all of this is his wanting for wanting his kids from “Catching Maycomb’s usual disease” (Lee 117) of prejudice and racism, seeing that if he doesn’t take this risk and give it everything he’s got, he can do nothing to keep his children from becoming like the rest of the town. Atticus’ devotion to keep his children with open-minds drives his courage to the point where he puts himself between a mob of Maycomb’s hateful racist folks and the man that he is

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700 Words | 3 Pages

Atticus is a bold man considering he knew the mob would eventually come and he had to be prepared to protect Tom Robinson from harm. In addition, he was willing to risk his life for a black man which was very peculiar during the time but dared to stand his ground and fight for justice. Also, Atticus did not mind what other people thought of him or cared less about his reputation being ruined or his family being put on the line for defending a black man indicating he had the perseverance to fight for righteousness. When Scout sees that her father is in danger, or given that he is surrounded by unfamiliar faces, she realizes one of the men is Mr.Cunningham. In an attempt to cool the tension, Scout tries to find common ground with Mr.Cunningham by saying, "Entailments are bad" (Lee 205).

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1600 Words | 7 Pages

Atticus not only tells Scout and Jem what real courage is, but shows by defending Tom Robinson. Even though Atticus will probably lose the case, he “sees it though” anyway. Atticus attempts to teach his children the proper way to treat people as well. Atticus says, “cheatin’ a

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681 Words | 3 Pages

During tense times and when insulted and mistreated, Atticus keeps his cool, stays out of fights, and leads a pleasant life. For instance, after the trial when Bob Ewell, Mayella’s father, spits in his face, Atticus “[doesn’t] bat an eye, just [takes] out his handkerchief and [wipes] his face and [stands] there and [lets] Mr. Ewell call him names…” (217). Even though Mr.

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634 Words | 3 Pages

Another courageous act is when Atticus takes on the Tom Robinson case. He informs Jack that “The evidence boils down to you-did--I-didn’t. The jury couldn’t possibly be expected to take Tom Robinson’s word against the Ewells’” (88). Knowing that he will lose this case, Atticus still gives it his all. Atticus is one of the bravest people in the small

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863 Words | 4 Pages

Atticus shows determination by fighting for an African American while being discouraged by the white citizens of his town. When Scout asks Atticus why he’s defending Tom even though people of the town had started talking bad about it , he says “‘Scout, you aren’t old enough to understand somethings yet, but there’s been some high talk around town to the effect that I shouldn’t do much about defending this man. … the main [reason] is, if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town.’”

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1220 Words | 5 Pages

Equally important is the character Atticus, he is a hallmark of a controlled pride. His decision to take on the Tom Robinson case was risky but he knows that he “couldn’t face [his] children otherwise”(100). Atticus proves again that he is prideful when even after being threatened by Bob Ewell he “strolled on” and later explains that in taking the wrath of Mr. Ewell he

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708 Words | 3 Pages

Atticus knows that “there’s been some high talk around town to the effect that [he] shouldn’t do much about defending [Tom Robinson]” (100). However, even though his family and friends my disagree, may even think less of him, Atticus’ interaction with this case gives his cause to think greater of himself because he is fighting for what he believes in. This kind of situation is difficult when you’re opposing you’re enemies, but even harder when you are up against your friends. Even so, Atticus on the path he knows is right, risking his popularity and status among the town. Atticus tells Scout, “you just hold your head high and keep your fists down.

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400 Words | 2 Pages

“There is some men outside in the yard , they want you to come out. ”Atticus always will stand up for his clients to the full extent. “Do you remember him beating your face? No I don’t recall him hitting me, I mean yes he hit me.” Some might say that Atticus should have not taken this stand because he was was treated badly.

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966 Words | 4 Pages

Courage has gone through many changes. It has been altered throughout races, cultures, religions, sex, and time. However, the core values of courage has always remained parallel. It is difficult to explain in words the meaning of courage, like describing a color, but everyone knows what courage is, how it feels, and how to perform it. In Harper Lee’s

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859 Words | 4 Pages

To Kill a Mockingbird and The Help both demonstrate the hard times during the civil rights movement by showing the theme growing as a person, even though the novels have their differences throughout different perspectives. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout is talking to Atticus about why Jem is acting differently than what he used to. In the novel, it states,” Jem was twelve. He was difficult to live with, inconsistent, moody. His appetite was appalling, and he told me so many times to pestering him, I consulted Atticus: “Reckon he’s got a tapeworm?””

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2400 Words | 10 Pages

Atticus Finch demonstrates an important act of moral courage. He stood up for what was right and attempted for Tom a fair representation in court. Sophia Grillo, a writer from the University of Richmond, writes “Atticus was one of the few people of Maycomb who believed in racial equality. It took great courage to challenge the racist climate of that time.” (Grillo, Sophia).

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1015 Words | 5 Pages

During this time she learned a little bit of what tom has to go through. By doing this she was able to see how he feels being acused of something he did not do. She now has the knowledge to understand other poeple and will be able to interact with them better. In addition to that she has finally found out the main lesson that Atticus has been trying to teach her, it is called

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477 Words | 2 Pages

He recognizes the flaws within the system, yet he perseveres in his defence of Tom Robinson, highlighting his unwavering dedication to justice. Atticus's courage lies not only in his actions but also in his ability to believe in the potential for change within flawed

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846 Words | 4 Pages

Courage is a key part of life and some people are more courageous than others. In Harpers Lee novel TKAM set in the racist town of Maycomb County, where everyone is blood related and everyone knows each other. Atticus, Scout, and Jem are the three main characters that exhibit courage: Atticus takes on an unwinnable case, Scout by sticking up to a mob, and Jem by not backing down.

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