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What Is Atticus Finch's Behavior

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Savior of Society
Did you ever wonder why someone thought to separate blacks from whites, then wonder why someone decided to join them together again? In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, many uncomfortable situations were addressed that many people today preferably don’t like to talk about nowadays. This is why Atticus Finch encourages his children, Jem and Scout, to be aware of segregation. Within the novel, there is a rape case that discusses a black man being accused of the crime. This case afflicts many emotions and actions from multiple characters but specifically Atticus, the lawyer on the black man’s side. The emotions from him are about how his life revolves around social disrespect and racial dishonesty which causes …show more content…

Atticus explains to Jem that no matter the circumstances you should treat every man kindly, although their appearances may not be appealing to you. “As you grow older, you’ll see white men cheat black men everyday of your life, but let me tell you something and don’t you forget it-- Whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that white man is trash”(298). The lesson Atticus is teaching is that no one should be treated differently because of their social status, and that you look cheap talking to someone like that. Another time Atticus taught something similar to this was when he was explaining phrases that were commonly used to associate white people with black people in a bad manor, to Scout. “‘Scout,’said Atticus, ‘nigger-lover is just one of those terms that don’t really mean anything-- like snot nose. It’s hard to explain-- Ignorant, trashy people use it when they think somebody’s favoring Negroes over and above themselves...they want a common, ugly term to label somebody”(107-109). Atticus explains this to Scout because although inconsiderate people use these names to shame anyone in relation to black people, Atticus wanted to make sure Scout wasn’t losing her head over what he believed he truly was. These events changed Jem’s point of racial dishonesty by showing him there will always be a bias point of view, and for Scout there is always a positive thing to come out of something

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599 Words | 3 Pages

“The White Savior Complex:” a white individual will engage in an activity to benefit those of color for personal satisfaction. To Kill A Mockingbird, stimulated a great controversy regarding the character of Atticus Finch and the white savior mentality. Harper Lee, wrote Finch as a character who defends Tom Robinson in a criminal trial. Robinson, being of color was not expected to have an opportunity in court. Atticus Finch was allotted by Judge John Taylor to be Robinsons lawyer.

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349 Words | 2 Pages

With pathos, an emotional argument, Atticus’ speech becomes powerful enough to have the audience feel a sense of guilt of Mayella and pity for Tom Robinson. Atticus’ beginning part of his speech tells the courthouse audience to understand the true purpose of this case, which eventually leads up to the morals of Tom and the courthouse. “The defendant is not guilty, but somebody in this courtroom is.” (271) Atticus is pointing out that Tom Robinson is not guilty, but someone else is. This hits the emotions of the audience because it is insinuating that Bob Ewell could be the one who abused Mayella.

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205 Words | 1 Pages

This book, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, is all about racism. There is one character that fights for equality, Atticus Finch. Atticus represents the desire for fairness. He proves some of it in his speech he gives at the courtroom. An example/quote, of his desire for equality is this quote, “…Gentlemen, a court is no better than each man of you sitting before me on this jury.

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1166 Words | 5 Pages

Despite racial inequalities in the South, Atticus sticks to his own morals and agrees to be the defending lawyer for Tom Robinson, a black man being accused of raping a white woman. Although Atticus’ defense in court was thorough and clearly proved Tom’s innocence, the jury was prejudiced towards black folks and convicted Tom as guilty. Nonetheless, Atticus is still a hero despite losing the case. He has the courage to stand up for what he believes in, fights with reason rather than guns, and has utmost determination, making him a hero despite being just an average human being. Ultimately, his thoughts and actions set the stage for major changes in the meaning of equality throughout Maycomb County, changing lives of numerous people.

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1192 Words | 5 Pages

Dolphus Raymond, "Atticus says cheatin' a colored man is ten times worse than cheatin' a white man. Says it's the worst thing you can do," (Lee, 201). Scout has learned from Atticus that it is wrong to cheat anyone whether they are Black or White. However, she knew specifically not to cheat black people as they are already cheated enough. Both Scout and Jem are very good and well behaved individuals, usually well-respected by their peers and neighborhood friends because of the morals and ethics which Atticus has influenced them with.

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916 Words | 4 Pages

You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view" (Lee 39). Atticus also continuously advises Scout and Jem to maintain self-control and to engage in respectful behaviors throughout the book. In Chapter 9, Scout asks Atticus if he defends “niggers” Atticus explains to Scout that he will be defending a man named Tom

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860 Words | 4 Pages

People of the town including children refer to black people as “Niggers”, and raised to think of black people as lower class individuals. “To Kill A Mockingbird” has a strong message towards racism, this is learned from Scout & Jem as they mature throughout the novel and are constantly being exposed to demeaning segregation in Maycomb County. In giving Scout a lesson about racism, Atticus also does the same for the readers of the novel. This happens when Scout asks Atticus what the term ‘Nigger-lover” meant, after being insulted several of times and not knowing if it is an offensive word or not, but had a slight feeling it was when Atticus was being called at. A quote from the novel: "nigger-lover is

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875 Words | 4 Pages

1st- Within this excerpt from Kepler’s work called New Astronomy, he describes how the belief that the Earth rotates around the Sun does not contradict the Scripture of God. In order to claim this premise, he builds this idea on a series of arguments and explanations. Kepler first argument elaborates on the idea that people in society produce most of their supporting evidence for their interpretation of the Bible through the use of senses, specifically that of sight. He argues that empirical observations cannot always support their interpretations of the Scripture because there is much that society cannot accurately describe just using their sense of sight. Kepler uses this argument to show that society should not always trust its observations and that even though there is no observed feelings of wind or vibrations, society should not claim that this absence of observed phenomenon supports their interpretation of the Bible that there is a geocentric universe.

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781 Words | 4 Pages

It's hard to explain—ignorant, trashy people use it when they think somebody's favoring N*****s over and above themselves. It's slipped into usage with some people like ourselves, when they want a common, ugly term to label somebody" (Lee 113). In this scene, Scout explains to Atticus that a fellow classmate of hers was calling her dad this derogatory name. This was because everyone knew that Tom Robinson was Atticus’s client. This is an active demonstration of prejudice taking place in many people's lives in Maycomb, and is even influencing kids.

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451 Words | 2 Pages

In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Scout asked Atticus if he was a N-word lover and Atticus was trying to explain to her that he loves everyone equally. Atticus says to Scout. ” I certainly am. I do my best to love everybody… I’m hard put, sometimes thinks is bad names.

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634 Words | 3 Pages

Atticus explains this to Scout after she asks if he is a n***** lover. This quote is an example of how Atticus is amorous toward Tom Robinson even

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1488 Words | 6 Pages

As you grow older, you’ll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don’t you forget it—whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that white man is trash." (Lee, 207). Atticus had been teaching Scout and Jem lessons since they were little children. He had raised them to be compassionate to all people, even those who were boorish. Now, it is imperative that all parents teach their children to treat people the same, regardless of their skin color and/or race.

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980 Words | 4 Pages

He knows the rest of the town will disapprove, but he believes in the innocence of this man and does not care of his complexion. In this moment, Scout and Jem only see how everyone will downgrade them and see them differently. Atticus shows, it does not matter what others think, all that matters is that you support what you believe in. This shows how Atticus is a strong character who contributes a lot to the overall lesson

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635 Words | 3 Pages

Atticus tells his children “In our courts, when it’s a white man’s world against a black man’s, the white man always wins” (251-52). This quote alone shows great prejudice because it judges someone because of the color of their skin instead of their innocence which they should be judged off of. When you first begin reading the novel you notice that everyone you meet has a reputation by their last or first name. As you meet the new people as you progress in the book you realize that no matter who a person is they are judged by their name. Scout states in the novel “ He’s a Cunningham.. the Cunninghams never took anything they can't take back” (22).

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740 Words | 3 Pages

“You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here-they got their church, we got our’n” (p. 119) Lula, a colored woman is a prime example of the two way road of racism. When Scout and Jem hear this they are completely astonished by the fact that the white race is looked down upon by other races. Racism is a problem that affects everyone; even the “master” race. “Now don’t you be so confident Mr. Jem, I ain’t ever seen any jury decide in favor of a colored man over a

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