To begin with, I am characterizing Atticus Finch’s courageous and caring behaviors. First, Atticus is choosing to defend this black man named Tom Robinson, which shows that Atticus is courageous. Any lawyer in Maycomb would not even consider helping a black person in court, but Atticus does. That shows that he is mentally separated from everybody else in Maycomb because he is choosing to help a black man. In that time period, it was rare for a white person to help a black person. Atticus knows that he has no chance to prove that Tom is not guilty, but he helps him because he is courageous. His choices to help a black man in a time of racism shows that he is courageous. It is also important because it shows that Atticus is separated socially …show more content…
First, Calpurnia is relevant to the Finch family. In chapter three she says, “but you ain’t called on to contradict ‘em at the table when they don’t” (Lee 32). That comment confirms that Calpurnia is trying to teach Scout manners and to be polite to their guests. That is important because it shows how Calpurnia is relevant to the Finch family, if she would not have said anything, Walter would have thought that Scout was even more rude than he already did. To illustrate my point, Aunt Alexandra is not a better mother than Calpurnia because she does not teach the kids manners, she just tells them what they are doing wrong in a mean way. Next, Calpurnia does not stress out the Finch family, while Alexandra is best at stressing their family out without even trying. She stressed out the family when she declared her opinion about Calpurnia, “we don’t need her now”(Lee 182). Therefore, Aunt Alexandra and the Finch family are mentally separated, an example of them being mentally separated is that Alexandra thinks Atticus does not need Calpurnia anymore because she is there. The Finch family thinks that they need Calpurnia more than ever in this time of hardship. What Aunt Alexandra said that about Calpurnia caused a great amount of stress and fighting within the Finch family. All that stress that Aunt Alexandra causes proves that she is not a better mom than Calpurnia. Finally, Calpurnia is a better mother then Aunt Alexandra because she is strict. Aunt Alexandra cares way more about appearances and she still is strict in a different way. In chapter fourteen, Atticus says, “ If anything, she’s been harder on them in some ways than a mother would have been... she’s never let them get away with anything” (Lee 183). Her actions display the importance of her strictness with the kids, but only because she wants the best that she can provide for them. Aunt Alexandra on the other hand is
Atticus shows true courage by trying every way to help others who were in the need of it. First of all, it is courageous of Atticus to take the Tom Robinson case. Even his own family disagreed of taking the case because of the bias. He takes many risks when taking the Tom Robinson case. He risks the chance of critization by the people that live in the Maycomb County. Mrs. Dubose criticizes him when she said, “Atticus is a Nigger lover!’’ (100). With many prejudice people living in Maycomb County Atticus also risks the chance of not being re-elected for legislature. Secondly, it is
Throughout this journal, one can see that Calpurnia is a better mother then Aunt Alexandra. Initially, Calpurnia is a good mother figure for multiple reasons. First of all, She was constantly caring about what the kids had to say. In the text it states, “She followed us beyond the Radley place and looked where Jem pointed”(Lee 123). Emotionally, if I was in Jem and Scouts shoes it would make me feel good if someone listened to me like Calpurnia does to them. In addition, Calpurnia brought Jem and Scout to her church. She did this because Jem and Scout have not been to a church in ages. In a Spiritually way, this could help make Jem and Scout a better person. Thirdly, she wanted people to know she loved the kids and cares about them. In the
She allows Scout to sit with her on her porch, and they talk about things a mother might talk to one about. We meet Aunt Alexandra at around Christmas time, but later she moves in with the Finch Family. Aunt Alexandra is like a babysitter, because she doesn’t act as friendly as a mother would towards Jem and Scout. I once had a babysitter, and she was paid to look after me, just like Calpurnia and in a way Aunt Alexandra. But then my mother cared about me from her motherly instincts, like Miss Maudie.
Atticus is one of the most bravest people in Maycomb. He shows true courage by defending Tom Robinson based on the principle of right and wrong. For example, on page 88, he says, “ It couldn't be worse, Jack. The only thing we've got is a black mans word against the Ewells”. At this moment Atticus explains to his brother Jack, why he had to defend Tom Robinson. Atticus influences his children by being brave enough to defend a black man. Atticus was getting ready to the next trial, by telling uncle Jack that the trial essentially boils down to Bob and Mayella's words against Tom Robinson testimony. Later Atticus shows true bravery by “ Standing outside of Tom robinson's cell, knowing that the men from the town will show up trying to kill
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 is a lawyer who does not believe in racial discrimination. His courage is evident by his actions throughout the novel. Atticus accepts the Tom Robinson case having to know that he and his children will have to face racial slurs and many difficulties. “'Your fathers no better than the ____ and trash he works for!'” (102 Lee). This quote shows that Atticus and his children are going through a difficult time caused by the Tom Robinson case. Atticus stands up to his neighbours and to the racism of Maycomb. This is done while knowing that him and his children will have to go through a rough time. Although exposing his children to the difficulties from racism, he still shows courage by defending Tom. This was a very moral kind of courage, Atticus also shows acts of physical courage
She tells scout, "Baby… I just can't help it if Mr. Jem is growing up… so you just come right on in the kitchen when you feel lonesome. Will find lots of things to do in here." (154). This shows that Calpurnia is not only their housekeeper but she is also like a mother to Scout and Jem. During a conversation between Atticus and Alexandra, Atticus tells Alexandra "If anything she's been harder on them than a mother
She first proves her personality traits by trying to change Scout into more of what she thinks is a lady. Although Scout explains that she will not change her tom-boyish ways, Alexandra goes as far as moving in with the Finches hoping to have a feminine influence on Scout. Alexandra then learns of the trial and convicts Atticus of “turning out a nigger lover”. Further regarding Alexandra’s prejudice ways, she disregards the fact that Calpurnia was not important the Finches, nor does she play an essential role in Scout’s life due to her
One assertion about Atticus Finch is that he is a courageous man, who believes in what is right even when it may not be popular. In chapter 17-20, he proves that he is a courageous man when he’s forced with a court case, in which he has to defend Tom Robinson. A black man that was accused of raping a young white girl. The case occurs in the small town Maycomb, where the racial tensions are high. Atticus is a white man and since he is lawyer he has to defend Tom, he knows he cannot win, but he does what is right and goes through with it. That’s why he is courageous, willing to go against all the odds, and do what’s right. Another reason that Atticus is courageous is when Mrs. Dobouse says, “Atticus is a niger lover” (100). This also shows that everyone in the town is against him. They were all once his friends and now because of him defending a black man, now all of the town is against him.
Atticus Finch shows moral courage because he is defending an African American because he knows it’s the right thing to do. Atticus is standing up for what he believes in while the majority of the town is against him. In the book Atticus says “but there’s been some high talk around town to the effect that I shouldn’t do much about defending a black man. (Pg. 26 Chapter 9) This evidence shows that citizens of Maycomb do not agree with Atticus. Most people in his town are racist, so they believe African Americans should be treated unfairly. Atticus believes that all people should be treated fair and as equals. He does the job that is needed that others refuse to do. Atticus shows moral courage because he does exactly what he believes. He also treats people fairly. This shows that Atticus is a fair and honest
In the book ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ we have seen only sides of Aunt Alexandra that are cruel and hateful. The first time we went Aunt Alexandra in the book we heard about her scrutiny towards Scout when she left her all alone at the kid table, but let all the other kids sit at the adult table. This was only the beginning of what happened that Thanksgiving Day. Jem, Scout’s older brother was to old to play, so Scout had to amuse Francis. This is when things got messy. When Scout was outside with Francis he started talking trash about Atticus. He told Scout Atticus was ruining the family name, that he was a nigger lover. At the start of
Going against the preconceived notions of society can be very challenging. Atticus Finch displays bravery throughout To Kill A Mockingbird by standing up for his beliefs in all aspects of his life. Maycomb is a corrupt town full of preconceived judgements and unjustified assumptions. Rather than be a bystander to the misjudgements of his fellow townspeople, Atticus stays true to himself.
Atticus has moral courage when he defends Tom Robinson. Even though people critisize his choice, like when Mrs. Debose says “‘Not only a Finch waiting on tables but one in the courthouse lawing for niggers”’ (Lee 101), Atticus perseveres and defends Tom as well as he would defend a white person. The lionhearted Atticus is willing to defend a black guy, who will likely lose the case, in order to uphold his morals. He also risks his physical health to go protect Tom Robinson at the jailhouse at night. He stands up to an armed mob whose intention is made clear when one guy says, “‘You know what we want… Get aside from the door, Mr. Finch”’ (Lee 151), to which Atticus synonym for courageously replies “‘You can turn around and go on home”” (Lee 151). Atticus puts himsels in mortal peril in order to save Tom Robinson which is remarkably audacious. Despite being an older father, Atticus Finch is by far the bravest character in the book To Kill a Mockingbird.
An example of how Calpurnia disciplines Scout Finch is when she takes Scout into the kitchen after she complains that Walter
On the other hand, Aunt Alexandra faced a different but common obstacle, prejudice. Since prejudice was ubiquitous, Aunt Alexandra demonstrated maturity when she became more accepting of others especially Calpurnia, Boo and Scout. Aunt Alexandra, Scout and Jem’s caretaker, had some difficulties interacting and talking around people who were a different race or a lower social or economic class. When Aunt Alexandra first met Calpurnia, the African-American maid who worked in the Finch’s house, she despised her and all of her actions. No matter what Calpurnia did or what she said, she could not please Aunt Alexandra. However, later on in the novel, Aunt Alexandra developed a more accepting attitude towards Calpurnia. She allowed Calpurnia to serve the children dinner. This shows how much Aunt Alexandra has grown to be more accepting of other races and not be prejudice. Not only does Aunt Alexandra accept Calpurnia for who she is, but she also learns to accept Scout. “She brought me something to put on, and had I thought about it then, I would have never let her forget it: in her distraction, Aunty brought me my overalls” (Pg.264).