In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus is the undeniable hero of the story and stands for justice and equality. As a beacon of hope for many, Atticus stands up to the masses of people that prejudice has blinded. However, he attempts to reason with them throughout the novel to rectify their dissolute ways. Wisely, he helps Scout and Jem learn what is right or wrong as they grow up and outgrow their innocence. Utilizing many words of wisdom, they attest to Atticus’s rationality. One such example is, “Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ’em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (Lee 103). A courageous man, Atticus stands up for what he believes is right and does not give in to societal pressure. With these …show more content…
First, Aunt Alexandra tells Atticus about the children watching the trial,“I didn’t think it wise in the first place to let them” (Lee 243). However, Atticus responds with,“They might as well as learn to cope with it” (Lee 243). This quote demonstrates Atticus’s rational thinking by his intelligence and comprehension of the situation. Shrewdly, he recognizes how the children will eventually encounter the prejudices of the community and realize they cannot hide behind the curtain of innocence forever. Next, “these experiences over the three-year period validate the truth of Atticus’s remark that“it’s a sin to kill a Mockingbird.”The analogy between the senseless slaughter of innocent songbirds and Tom’s tragic death becomes clear to Scout” (Zaidman). This quote shows how Atticus is opening the eyes of many, including Scout, with his logical and rational thinking. Consequently, he reveals that prejudice is detrimental and Tom’s death is the result of the horrendous prejudice plaguing the community. Also, it helps separate Atticus from the rest of society by contrasting his actions with the communities. Furthermore, society withdrew to their shelter of traditions while Atticus stepped out into the light to condemn prejudice and …show more content…
First, after the trial, Atticus ruins Bob Ewell’s reputation and; consequently, he becomes irate. This results in Mr. Ewell spitting in Atticus’s face, which does not even anger him. He simply responds when Scout questions him, “See if you can stand in Bob Ewell’s shoes a minute” (Lee 249). Surprisingly, Atticus remains calm and does not even become angered or upset. This displays Atticus’s understanding of people’s situations and feelings. In this situation, he remains calm and does not retaliate. Next, after Jem destroys Mrs. Dubose’s flowers, Atticus forces him to read and care for her flowers. This helps demonstrate how Atticus recognizes that she was harsh and prejudiced, but Jem should compensate for what his actions and help her (Smykowski). This portrays the character trait of understanding by showing how you should always walk in someone else’s shoes. Moreover, this shows how he is the voice of reason in a cluttered
Today’s society is damaged with the results of people doing terrible things to each other. Peoples actions can make or break lives.The novel To Kill A Mockingbird, is about a little girl, her Brother, their Dad, and the negro they all fight to defend. The main character scout and her older brother Jem, get into all sorts of dilemmas in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama. As they learn new valuable lessons about life, they also pick up that the small town they grow up in is not as clean and safe as it seems. The father, Atticus Finch is a kind hearted soul who was given the case of Tom Robinson, a negro accused of Raping a white woman. As soon as Atticus was given the case he aimed to defend Tom but a faulty jury made sure it did not happen.To
Atticus teaches the children how to not only recognize this problem of prejudice, but also how to defeat it. When a mob of men try to lynch Tom Robinson at the jailhouse and Atticus protects Tom, Scout innocently involves herself in the situation and as a result forces Mr. Cunningham to put himself in Atticus’s shoes. In his moment of realization, he disbands the mob, which saves Tom’s life. Atticus later explains to his children that “A mob’s always made up of people, no matter what. Mr. Cunningham was part of a mob last night, but he was still a man. Every mob in every little Southern town is always made up of people you know - doesn’t say much for them, does it?” (Lee 179). Atticus says this in order to give his children a better understanding of the events of the previous night. He also wants the children to understand that all chains have a weak link, and finding that weak link in Mr. Cunningham
Furthermore, Tom’s trial also affects Atticus’ personal life because it creates internal conflict within Scout, who is unsure of whether to follow society or her father. However, when faced with this dilemma, he counters in a manner that is not appealing, but rather eye-opening. Atticus firmly tells Scout: “This time we aren’t fighting the Yankees, we’re fighting our friends. But remember this, no matter how bitter things get, they’re still our friends and this is still our home.” ( Lee, 76 ). By stating that he can not be selective about his cases and how he must uphold the law at all times, Atticus shows Scout that his integrity will not compromised for the sake of his community. This shows the magnitude Atticus is willing to go to not stray from his original morals. The fact that he did not sugarcoat his beliefs for Scout emphasizes how necessary he finds it to stay true to himself, this reinforces that he is not willing to bend his moral code for those closest to him such as his own flesh and blood. This also alludes to the abstract idea that he is willing to sacrifice himself in order to follow his sense of integrity and avoid undermining it. When the town’s men gather at the jail Tom is residing in, they come armed with weapons for their “snipe hunt” (Lee 151), to ensure that Tom does not make it to his trial. Atticus, who is standing there as Tom’s shield, does not waver in front of the mob of angry white men.
“Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ’em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird (119).” In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird this quote from Atticus Finch alludes to one of the central themes the novel focuses on. The mockingbird is an innocent creature that does not cause harm, it is purely for the enjoyment of others. When killing a mockingbird it symbolises destroying this innocence. There are many incidences in this novel which display this theme, as several characters are unjustly persecuted by the people in Maycomb. The significance of the title To Kill a Mockingbird is a main theme throughout the novel. It shows that in a society that carries prejudice, innocence is easily destroyed and good does not always triumph over evil. This can be supported through the characters of Arthur “Boo” Radley, Jeremy “Jem” Finch, and Tom Robinson.
Through the eyes of an innocent child, the story of To Kill a Mockingbird introduces a world of corruption. In the disordered town of Maycomb, certain character traits are developed and displayed in a specific local family. The opposition against their beliefs brings daunting situations to their door. Yet, this one family perseveres through the continuous corruption of Maycomb. Therefore, this recurring motif of character development really plays into the characters and, consequently, the story. This evident pattern of courage composes the Finch family: Jem, Scout, and Atticus.
One of the many things Atticus is passionate about is to teach his children that everyone is equal and not to judge others “until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” Much of Maycomb believe that Atticus is wrong by taking the case of Tom Robinson and thinks he is an inadequate parent. Even Jem and Scout’s cousin Francis quotes, “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… t's bad enough he lets you all run wild, but now he's turned out a nigger-lover we'll never be able to walk the streets of Maycomb again. He's ruinin' the family, that's what he's doin'”. Scout attempts to understand the town’s disappointment towards her father and whether he truly is a ‘nigger-lover’ and receives the answer; “I certainly am, I try my best to love everybody…if I didn’t I wouldn’t be able to hold my head up in this town. ” Atticus best
In the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch shows he is a true moral man by always setting the right example by doing what is right, not what everyone else is doing.When Jem and Scout got air rifles for Christmas, Atticus told them he would like the kids to shoot cans, but he knows they will go after birds, so he reminds them,” ‘Shoot all the bluejays you want if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.’”(90) Atticus tells his children to not kill or harm something that doesn’t do anything wrong, which is a reference to racism and how black people do not do anything wrong, so they should not be the victims of hate. Atticus shows how he wants his children to not become advocates of racism,
Atticus explains to Scout that the only conclusion doesn’t always have to be informed physically. In this novel, the most important act of courage that occurs through Atticus is his fearlessness towards the case. Atticus speaks of the Tom Robinson trial. He must face a court case that will have a serious personal effect upon himself and his family. Atticus recognizes the need for justice and that it is his duty to achieve this to make this town realize the discrimination and racism that lies between it.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” Justice Essay Throughout the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus is constantly striving for justice. Atticus is a lawyer who strongly believes in doing the right thing. He has two children, Jem and Scout, who he believes should be taught complete honesty and fairness. Atticus is a vital character of the story who always shows his aspects on what he feels life should be lived. Throughout the novel, Atticus defends a black man, Tom Robinson, who is accused of raping a white woman, treats everyone equally, and is truthful.
The valuable lessons that Atticus teaches and demonstrates to his children (Jem and Scout) in the novel To Kill a Mocking Bird are very crucial. Atticus teaches Jem and Scout to put themselves into other people’s skin before they pre-judge a person. Atticus also teaches the two children compassion and forgiveness. The children learn an important lesson not to kill a mocking bird during the novel from Atticus. Throughout the novel several incidents happen where Atticus teaches Scout and Jem these very valuable lessons.
This shows that Atticus is an honorable and respectful man that is conscious that he needs to stay that way if he wants the townspeople and his children to trust and have an amicable relationship with them. Atticus preferring that option goes along with the case to prove innocent the black man, Tom Robinson. By accepting to defend a black man even though it could tarnish him. it upholds the themes of putting others first and that of not discriminating others and not taking away opportunities because of their color. While the case becomes the forefront of everything in that town and the nasty comments continue Atticus always remains cool and collected,but his children do not. That is why he advises Scout when he realizes she want to start a fight , “Try fighting with your head for a change”(101). As time passes Jem and her learn to adapt and not react in uncivil ways, enough so that Scout recognizes, “I had become almost accustomed to hearing insults aimed at
Atticus is the town’s most respected lawyer. He is not wealthy, but he is well off in the community and is very kind towards everyone. As a single parent, he faces the world, raising his two children with his maid, Calpurnia, who experiences better conditions and responsibilities than other African Americans of her time, due to Atticus’ beliefs. He has a reputation for being an open-minded, fair man, and a unique personality that is overflowing with honesty. He has been assigned a case of defending a black man who is apparently accused of rape. Now Atticus is both loved and unloved by the townspeople. Since they live in the South during the 1930’s, Atticus gives a lot of advice to his children, Scout and Jem. Atticus tells Scout and Jem that they should not say anything about a person especially when they do not know that person. Atticus describes what he means in a quote “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around it”(Lee 39). Atticus defends a black man named Tom Robinson, who is accused of raping a girl. Atticus has the confidence and the courage to defend Tom and prove that he is innocent. Scout does not believe that her father is nice enough or has the courage to defend Tom. Atticus proves that
After Jem and Scout Finch receive air rifles for Christmas, their father, Atticus, wisely tells his children, “Shoot all the blue jays that you want…, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (Lee 154). While this is certainly the most well-known quote in Harper Lee’s classic coming of age novel To Kill A Mockingbird, the true intent of the words is not meant to be merely about bird hunting-- it is much deeper than that. The novel focuses on the horrifically common racism in the South during The Great Depression and the characters who have to deal with it. During the course of the three year span that the novel covers, Jem and Scout grow to recognize the harsh realities
People learn life lessons when they are just children however they do not understand the meaning of these messages until they mature and grow up. Throughout Jem and Scout’s childhood they not only learn where evil is to be found in their community, but also develop the ethical principles to withstand it. The children inherit these principles from adult characters throughout their lives. The relationship between Atticus and his children develops as he devotes himself to instilling a social conscience into his children. Atticus’s most important lessons are those of sympathy and understanding and before judging someone on the basis of class, gender or race you should ‘put yourself in their skin...and walk around in it’. Atticus’s ability to
Atticus is teaching Jem and Scout that it is wrong to kill a mockingbird. When Atticus says “Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit'em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” (103), his children listen attentively. Then Miss