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Examples Of Atticus Finch's Code Of Conduct In To Kill A Mockingbird

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In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch violates the rules of conduct in his society. Mr. Finch goes against the grain of his society when agreeing to defend a black man named Tom Robinson at a trial. Finch resists the pressure to follow conventional rules in his society by believing a black man over a white woman in the trial. Additionally, he resists the pressure to conform his children to the expectations that society has due to their gender. Furthermore, Finch’s unique parenting style raises many questions and concerns from the other adults in Maycomb, Alabama, but he does not change his way of raising his kids. Atticus Finch uses logic and reason to make what he believes is the right decision, despite going against …show more content…

Finch and his family face abuse from many people in Maycomb, including his own family. “I guess it ain’t your fault if Uncle Atticus is a nigger-lover besides, but I’m here to tell you it certainly does mortify the rest of the family -” (Lee 110). Francis, Atticus’ own nephew, tells Jean-Louise that Atticus defending a black man is shameful. This opinion is reflected by nearly everybody in Maycomb. However, Mr. Finch proudly admits to defending Tom Robinson. Also, Finch believes that he is doing the right thing in defending Robinson. Another time Atticus showed his disregard for stereotypes was when he made his concluding statement to the jury. “‘I am confident that you gentlemen will review without passion the evidence you have heard, come to a decision, and restore this defendant to his family. In the name of God, do you duty’” (Lee 275). Despite the conventional belief that white people are superior to black people in every way, Finch has unwavering faith in Tom Robinson’s innocence. He believes that the jury’s duty is to return Tom Robinson to the life of a free man. Atticus Finch being the only person willing to truly believe and defend Tom Robinson demonstrates the author’s purpose of discrimination and hatred of people based on race cruel. By making the character of Atticus Finch violate the rules of conduct by defending Tom Robinson, Harper

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