Analysis Of ' Kill A Mockingbird ' By William Shakespeare

The purpose of this statement is to show the jury that in court, everyone is equal. This could poteniálly sway the jury because they are forced to look beyond race. Without a doubt, Atticus shows the jury that the court is only as fair as the people sitting in it. "I 'm no idealist to believe firmly in the integrity of our courts and in the jury system—that is no ideal to me, it is a living, working reality. Gentlemen, a court is no better than each man of you sitting before me on this jury. A court is only as sound as its jury, and a jury is only as sound as the men who make it up.” Atticus tells the jury this to persuade them to be their best selves and really consider everything going on beside the race in play. A reader could infer that Atticus is using ethos to persuade the jury to really listen and trust him. In conclusion, Atticus’ use of ethos played a very important role in his closing argument. It was extremely useful to show the jury and the rest of the court that they need to trust his credibility in order to make the right decision.

Atticus shows true courage by defending Tom Robinson, a black man charged with the rape of a white woman. Atticus continues to fight for justice despite knowing he can’t win the case because he is

Finally, Atticus teaches his children about racism and morals by defending Tom Robinson. Atticus knows he will not win the trial but decides to defend Tom in a case of personal moral

I value this next quote because I believe a lot of what Atticus is saying still applies today. Not just white men cheating black men but white people in general cheat colored people everyday simply for being white. “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, he is trash.” For example in today’s society we have wage gaps, people get paid based on what their race is even if they share the same job and do the same work. Even though today we like to deny racism exists, it does we just chose to ignore it.

Mayella Ewell is living in a racist southern community in the 1930’s. During this time no one was treated the same because of their skin color or if they were intelligent. Mayella has one thing that makes her powerful, her race. Laws back then was harsh. Between white and Negroes, both were wrong and mean to each other. Whites had more power than the Negroes because of the history it has behind them. They were not considered to be equal citizens. Atticus even knows the trial should not be happening, he knew the jury was going to side on with Mayella because she’s white. As Atticus is closing his argument he says, “[The Ewells]....have presented themselves to you, gentlemen, to this court….confident that you gentlemen would go along with them on the assumption-the evil assumption- that all Negroes lie, that all Negroes are basically immoral beings, that all Negro men are not to be trusted around our women…”as said in chapter twenty. Mayella only goes through all of this because of her father.

than the code she was breaking, she persisted in breaking it"(Lee 207). Atticus is a civil white

Throughout his speech, Atticus introduced the concept of pathos where he sought to arouse the emotional side of the jury. His first evidence of pathos came when he expressed his pity for Mayella Ewell, the young woman for whom the trial took place. He addressed her hopeless condition when he called her the “victim of cruel poverty and ignorance” and defended her case in the situation. Mayella had led a cruel life with virtually no love so she had sought love from a defenseless black man, Tom Robinson. Afterwards, he approaches the basis of the US government with the statement that “all men are created equal.” This statement laid the foundations for the American government and spurred on the American rebels to build a new nation. However, Americans soon forgot this statement and Atticus beseeched the jury to remember their beliefs in freedom. To conclude he made a final emotional appeal to the jury and requested the jury to their duty, both to God and themselves.

Two forms of argumentative techniques are used most effectively within Atticus’ closing argument in the Tom Robinson trial. One technique used most effectively is anaphora. Atticus states, “...- that all Negroes lie, that all Negroes are basically immoral beings, that all Negroes are not to be trusted around our women… You know the truth, and the truth is this: some Negroes lie, some Negroes are immoral, some Negro men are not to be trusted around women-black or white. But this is a truth that applies to the human race and to no particular race of men. There is not a person in this courtroom who has never told a lie, who has never done an immoral thing, and there is no man living who has never looked upon a woman without desire.” This quote uses anaphora whilst using terms repeatedly, such as “some Negro men” and “who has never.” This use of repetition stresses the fact that although white folk

Atticus spoke up and said that her story had differed than how she told it before and said “Well which story is it Mayella?” She got very angered at that comment, and then screamed at the court that she didn’t lie and that everyone is a bunch of bad people if they don’t accuse him to be guilty. There were a couple moments of silence, and then the trial continued on. After that, the jury went to go decide on the conviction. Atticus noticed his children in the back of the building, and told them to go home immediately. He also said after they ate dinner, they could come back

“ 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 forget it whether a white man does that to a black man, no matter who [or what] he is … That white man is trash” (297). Atticus is saying that every man should respect and accepting of all men including the blacks. The truth of the matter is that man is a man and prejudice is never the answer but a choice of those who don’t want to try to understand but they pre-judge making a stereotype. Prejudice still exist but we need to bring awareness and extinguish it.

For him, like many other real-life Negroes in American history, the principles underpinning political, social and criminal justice failed. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus’ belief that, “in our courts all men are created equal,” ( p. 209) makes a complete mockery of the judicial system.

Regardless of one?s race or colour, Atticus has a fair attitude towards all people. Early in the novel, a black man named Tom Robinson was accused of raping a white woman. Atticus took on the case to defend Tom without another thought simply because he treats everyone

These words indicate not only a vituperative nature, but arrogance and obstinacy. She believes white people are better than black people. She refuses to consider anything positive about people she finds reprehensible; she is steadfast on her opinions about people and would rather not get to know them. She is also quite domineering and officious; she often meddles with Atticus’ fatherly role:

Atticus uses a combination of convincing and logical evidence, but is also very passionate as he is not doing this as a “lip” service. He was doing this, as he could not live with himself if he did not do his best to defend Tom Robinson despite the chances of winning the court case. The use of emotive language and well-reasoned arguments makes the case more persuasive and plausible. Atticus is rather astute in showing compassion for Mayella, this shows honesty and integrity in his character therefore the jury is more inclined to believe him over the witnesses. Atticus makes a direct plea to the jury but he does this on a personal level. Atticus pauses to create more impact as it is dramatically effective as it focuses our attention to the truth. Atticus throws the burden of blame on Mayella making her culpable of the crime that happened and not his client. He uses repetition to emphasise his case and evidence. Atticus’s tone becomes increasing aggressive and uncompromising however, he remains courteous and dignified throughout. Atticus highlights to the jury the sheer arrogance of the witnesses of the state who believed their word would not be questioned over a black man. Atticus shouted “TEMERITY” as he had become so frustrated. This is the only point in the speech where

During this time in history racism was acceptable, not only those who were black, but also those who affiliated with blacks, were also considered inferior. Atticus and Mr. Dolphus Raymond were both treated unfairly because of their non-segregation believes. Mr. Dolphus Raymond pretended to be a drunk so he didn't have to explain the fact that he was simply in love with a black woman. The alcohol, he said, ¡°gave the people an excuse to say he didn't know what he was doing¡±. Atticus defended Tom Robinson because it was what he strongly believed in. For this he was mocked, according to Mrs. Dubose, Atticus was ¡°no better than the niggers and trash he works for!¡±