Atticus: A Symbol of Justice and Equality Essay

This can be seen when Atticus announces to the judge, “I have nothing but pity in my heart for the chief witness for the state, but my pity does not extend so far as to her putting a man’s life at stake, which she has done in an effort to get rid of her own guilt” (Lee 271). Atticus is almost positive that Mayella is trying to cover up what she did, but Atticus does not poke around too much. Atticus reveals what is necessary to help his case and nothing more. While Atticus could have targeted Mayella to get her to reveal more information, he simply infers what he thinks happened. Atticus is very fair to Mayella in the fact that he doesn’t destroy her reputation by continuing on further with his idea of the way things went one night when Tom was at her house. Atticus believes that Tom and Mayella need to be treated equal, regardless of whether Mayella is going to hurt Tom or not. Atticus says that he has no sympathy for Mayella, but the rest of the book says otherwise. This shows how Atticus treats everyone equally, whether it be Tom Robinson, Mayella, or even the

It is rare to find a courageous and sympathetic person who is willing to stand against social injustice. In Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus represents this rare hero. He is a lawyer and a single parent to his kids Jem and Scout. He understands that society should not be black and white and helps those who are mistreated. Not only does Atticus demonstrate acts of courage and empathy, he is also an excellent role model to his children. Atticus represents the qualities of a true hero by exposing injustice, and through courageous and sympathetic activities, teaching his children moral values.

Throughout compositions of literature, it is usually natural for characters to stand up for their beliefs or to stand ground when their beliefs are being challenged. Like in the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. One of the protagonists, Atticus, stands up for Tom Robinson a black man who was accused of raping a white woman. Atticus knows that Tom will not receive a fair trial because of the extreme prejudice of Maycomb Country. Atticus believes that every person despite their differences deserve equality. Also, he admits he cannot win the trial but must do what is right despite the probable outcome.It is not only because he wants to do what is right, he also wants his children to see him do what is right.

Atticus Finch to many readers can be considered as a righteous and selfless person. As a just lawyer, he only fights for justice and chooses to do the things that are proper in God’s eye and law-abiding. In the novel, Atticus Finch had done the things that other whites wouldn’t do, which is to become a defense lawyer for a black man. In a racial society, it can be

Undoubtedly, one of the most controversial subjects in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, would be whether or not Atticus Finch should have defended Tom Robinson. However, in order to understand this controversy, a person must first be able to understand Atticus Finch himself. Atticus as a character is a very intellectual person who possesses the fortitude to stand up for whatever he believes is right and will not let other people’s choices affect his own. Furthermore, it is also important to understand that Atticus is not a racist, nor does he approve of the idea that one group of people are better than another based on their appearances in general, and because of this, a person can generalize that Atticus’s characteristic traits are why he did not complain when given the task of defending a black man, Tom Robinson, who had been wrongfully accused of raping a white woman. A man that he, as well as a small group of other people from town, viewed as the picture of innocence. In their eyes, Tom was no more than a mockingbird, “[and mockingbirds] don’t do one thing but make music for [people] to enjoy” (Lee 119). Knowing this, anyone with a reasonably strong sense of what is right and what is wrong can conclude that it does make sense for Atticus Finch to have taken the case due to his belief that it is a sin to kill the innocent as well as his courage that allows him to stay true to his ideas, even though when taking the case, he was inevitably going to be putting his

Atticus’s diction when he says, “must be removed” (272) is significant because it persuades the jury that Mayella was the aggressor in the case. Mayella brings Tom to court to get rid of him as a way to get peace with her decision to tempt him. Following this fragment of Atticus’s testimony, the jury can then recognize that Mayella threw herself on Tom and that he, the accused, is truly not guilty.

Another time during this trial that Atticus is wise is when he cross-examines Mayella and Tom. It is very peculiar that Mayella’s story doesn’t match Tom’s at all, and even though this is a town that will believe whites over blacks, Tom is a lot more believable.

One of the most interesting characters in To Kill a Mockingbird is Atticus Finch. He is a good representation of someone that is strong while keeping in mind other’s feelings. Throughout the book Atticus is show as a kind man who really cares for the people of Maycomb County. However, he still demands justice when someone is treated unfairly, even for the likes of a black man. Atticus Finch is very influential and yet still listens to what needs to be heard. In “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Harper Lee portrays Atticus as a man who values justice, wiseness and fair-mindedness.

Injustice and judgments are well known in the world. With so many people who get out of what they deserve or are punished for nothing at all. People who are judged by how they appear or seem, and how cruel it can all be. The concept of injustice and judgments is written out in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Injustice and judgments is the theme of To Kill a Mockingbird with certain symbols that help convey it, certain examples are Mr. Raymond’s “liquor” bottle, the snowman Scout and Jem made, and the gifts from Boo Radley.

Atticus did the right thing by standing up for Tom, because he was an innocent man and he shouldn’t be imprisoned for what he didn’t do. Atticus knew and believed this and he did whatever he could to save Tom Robinson “ “Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson…” “(Lee, CH.25). This shows us that Atticus truly wanted to save Tom and he knew that Tom was an innocent man. If Atticus wouldn’t have stood up for Tom the chances are no one else would and Tom would never have a chance of freedom. Atticus also knew that Tom was innocent when Tom began to explain that he was sorry for Mayella “ “felt right sorry for her” “(Lee, CH. ?). This shows that Tom was truly innocent because if he wasn’t a black man would never say that they felt sorry for a white women. This helped Atticus understand that he was innocent, and made it the right thing to do when standing up for him. Atticus also knew Tom as a friend, they were always kind to each other and never treated the each other any different from the other. Atticus knew that Tom was innocent and when guarding Tom’s cell at the jail Atticus stood by him the entire night. “ “Mr. Finch? “A soft husky voice came from the darkness above: “They gone?” Atticus stepped back and looked up. They’ve gone,” he said. “Get some sleep, Tom. They won’t bother you any more.” “ (CH. 15). This shows that Atticus truly cares for Tom and if Atticus

Atticus Finch in “To Kill A Mockingbird” did no conforming to the town when he chose to defend a black man, which was obscene back then. Being a lawyer, Atticus felt it was his responsibility and duty to defend the man and would feel ashamed and remorseful if he didn’t. Even when his own children questioned his actions, ‘"If you shouldn't be defendin' him, then why are you doing' it?"’ He answered them with what he knew they would understand and respect. ‘"For a number of reasons," said Atticus. "The main one is, if I didn't I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this county in the legislature, I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do something again. […] Scout, simply by the nature of the work, every lawyer gets at least one case in his lifetime that affects him personally. This one's mine, I guess."’ (p.100) Atticus fought for what he thought was right, but ended up losing the lawsuit in the end. Nevertheless, his actions and choices earned him respect from every African American in that little town. Filled with gratitude for what Atticus had tried to do for one of their own, they wanted to give all the respect they could. The whole court house stood as he passed, and Reverend Sykes even said “Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father’s passin’.” (p.283) to have her understand her father was a great and noble person.

The novel To Kill a Mockingbird is a timeless American classic that has been appreciated and loved by readers for decades. Harper Lee explores the story of a lawyer and his family in the deep parts of the South who is given the task of defending a black man accused with the rape of an adolescent white girl. Atticus Finch, the father of the protagonist and narrator Scout Finch, represents an elite group of minds that see beyond the invisible lines of race and wish to treat everyone with respect and equality. Atticus faces a series of external and internal struggles that brings meaning to the novel and reveals the overarching themes of the novel. Through several

To start off, I’d just like to say that I respect Atticus for defending Tom, despite knowing that he’d be dealin’ with some crude feedbacks just because he’s protecting a negro. The people around my neighborhood felt thankful to Atticus seeing that he was the only one who actually had the courage to represent Tom Robinson. I know for a fact that this is not just cuz he’s black, but because Tom’s as innocent as he looks and doesn’t deserve any of this. At least this time we got someone with authority who could at least back him up.

This quote describes how society can change what someone does by majority rule but, they can’t change the way a person thinks. Individuals are the only one who can control their own minds. When Atticus said this statement to Scout, he exemplified the Tom Robinson case by talking about why he was fighting for an unwinnable case. Moreover, during that time, everyone was very racist. Atticus was the only one to see that everyone equal. To be at peace with himself, he wanted to do the right thing and follow his heart. I agree with Atticus because I see this quote being properly used in everyday life. For example, democracy and rules can determine how a group acts, but it can’t control what the person is thinking. My conscience is not ruled

Atticus continues to remain calm and collected as the town continues to harass him for defending Tom Robinson. Once Tom returns to town for his trial Atticus decides to stand guard at his house knowing that trouble will arise. Low and behold, a crowd of angry racist men show up with rifles to kill Tom. Scout, Jem, and Dill arrive just as the trouble does. Atticus tries to send the children away but they refuse to leave. Scout recognizes Mr. Cunningham and goes up to him. Mr. Cunningham then calls off the mob. The next morning after the incident, marks the first day of the trial. The kids attend the trial. As the trial unfolds Mayella provides a very inconsistent recount of what happened the day she was allegedly raped. Atticus wittingly proves she is lying based on the fact that Tom cannot use his left hand due to a cotton gin incident, but coincidently her father is left handed. Tom recounts that he did help Mayella with her chifferobe, but that he helped her many times because he felt bad for her and always refused payment. Until one day she grabbed him and tried to get him to kiss her which Bob saw and threatened to kill her for it. The prosecutor questions him about how he could possibly feel bad for a white woman and gets him to admit that he is indeed strong enough to cause great harm. As the lawyers give closing remarks, Atticus shares that there is a gross lack of evidence to prove that Tom committed this crime. He does