How Does Atticus Finch Learn To Do Good Seek Justice

Isaiah says, “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression…” (Isaiah 1:17, ESV). Following God’s will by doing good and correcting wrong defines Atticus Finch, a lawyer in Harper Lee’s book, To Kill a Mockingbird. Atticus defends an innocent black man, Tom Robinson, who was falsely accused of raping a white girl, Mayella Ewell. The trial takes place in the 1930’s in Maycomb, Alabama, a small racist town. Mr. Finch justly argues the innocence of Tom even though most of the townspeople would convict a black man regardless of the evidence. Risking almost everything for the Tom Robinson trial, Atticus keeps his composure and bravely finishes the case even though he knows there is no hope. In fact, Atticus exhibits calmness, courage, and justice as he works and lives with the people of Maycomb.

First, Atticus is a calm person. 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.

He fairly upholds Tom’s case in court even when the odds are against his client winning. While many other lawyers would scorn representing a black man, Atticus defends Tom Robinson’s with a non-racist view believing that all men should have equal rights in court. Also, he questions both the defense and prosecutor’s witnesses with a very respectful tone while Mr. Gilmer, the prosecutor, harasses the defense’s witnesses but not his own. Furthermore, his friends saw Atticus as a just man. As Miss Maudie, the Finch’s neighbor, remarked, “We’re paying the highest tribute we can pay a man. We trust him to do right. It’s that simple” (236). Undoubtedly, Atticus demonstrates justice as he defends Tom in a fight for his