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Is Atticus A Hero Essay

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Atticus Finch is a hero in Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. The novel covers a span of three years, during which the main characters endure substantial changes. Atticus lives with his son Jem and his daughter Scout in the the small town of Maycomb, Alabama. Atticus raises his children by himself, with the help of some kind neighbors and a housekeeper named Calpurnia. Scout and Jem understand the complexities and differences amongst their neighborhood and town. Unlike most of the citizens in Maycomb, Atticus is different. Although he wasn't seen as a hero during the time the novel took place, his actions are of true heroism. He is a person who is known for certain beliefs and qualities and he is a good-hearted man of strong morals. …show more content…

Atticus stands up to racism, knowing that in doing so, he is exploiting him and his family to troubled times. His moral courage is as strong as his physical courage.

In To kill a mockingbird the courage that Atticus displays in defending Tom Robinson is because of his integrity. Miss Maudie explains to Jem that he stands up for the integrity of Maycomb county. Miss Maudie said "We are so rarely called upon to be Christians, but when we are, we've got men like Atticus to go for us" pg 237 Atticus demonstrated integrity and self-restraint when he walks away from Bob Ewell after he spits in his face. He said “Too old” pg 218 and walked away. Atticus used this situation to teach his children that real strength comes from walking away from a fight instead of making it worse. Another example of Atticus displaying integrity is when he takes it upon himself to tell Helen Robinson that her husband has been shot down trying to escape jail. He could’ve just as easily passed the message onto Calpurnia and told her to say it but he didn’t because of his integrity.

In the novel, Atticus sees past a man's color and looks into the depth of their character. Atticus believes that “you never really understand a person until you consider things from their point of view”. Pg 39 He thinks that everyone is equal and therefore just because Tom Robinson is black, that doesn't mean that he should not defend

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