Who Is Atticus's Defense In To Kill A Mockingbird

Defending others by taking a stand while risking your life is a courageous thing to do. In the novel. To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, Atticus, a lawyer defends a black man named Tom Robinson, who was accused of raping a white women. Atticus decides to defend Tom even though it was obvious that Tom will lose, “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.”( Chapter 9) However, during this case, he encounters many problems, such as verbal abuse. Thus, it does not make sense for Atticus to defend Tom Robinson. Atticus’s family name and reputation was ruined because those in society could not trust a black mans word. Also, by defending Tom Robinson, Atticus and his family’s safety

Atticus risked the safety of his family, his friends and himself by choosing to sincerely defend Tom Robinson. Atticus was afraid that his family would have to endure harsh criticism and negativity if he joined. For example, on page 100, the book states “ What bothered me is that she and Jem will have to absorb some ugly things soon.” Atticus believes that his family will have a tough time overcoming the “ugly” things. Such as not being able to face their peers during school because of the rumors about their father defending a negro.When Atticus was in front of the jail in order to defend Tom Robinson from getting hurt, the lynch mob threatened to kill him if he did not move out of the way. The book mentioned “ In ones and twos, men got out of the cars, shadows became substance as light revealed solid shapes moving towards the jail

For example, Aunt Alexandra cares a lot about their family names. She would brag about how her family is made up of intelligent members and is the best in town. However, she said to Atticus (stated from Jem) “ She won't let him alone about Tom Robinson. She almost said Atticus was disgracing the family.” Atticus defending Tom made the name “Finches” into a joke. Aunt Alexandra put a lot of work into keeping their family name well known, however, after Atticus’s decision on defending Tom Robinson, the name became well known for its bad aspects.. Even Aunt Alexandra, Atticus’s family member couldn’t take it anymore. Furthermore, even Scout’s cousin made fun of Atticus. The book stated “ but he turned out a nigger lover. I’ll never be able to walk the streets of Maycomb again. He’s ruining the family.” Francis explains how Atticus is making not only Atticus’s life miserable but his relatives embarrassed. To add on, even in the streets, their neighbors talked bad about them. Page 117 states, “ ‘Not only a Finch waiting on tables but one in the courthouse lawing for niggers!’ Jem stiffened. Mrs. Dubose's shot had gone home and she knew it. ‘... Your father's no better than the niggers and trash he works for!’” This quote shows how Mrs. Dubose, their neighbor insulted Atticus. Not only did she insult Atticus but the verbal attack led to Jem being out of control. Furthermore,