Mad Dog In To Kill A Mocking Bird

Racism is something that most people would claim they do not believe in or support; however, as clearly shown in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, racism is a disease that spreads through a region and worsens as time goes on. Racism is an issue that is still prevalent in the American society today, and Harper Lee’s timeless novel continues to teach the lesson that one needs to look beyond the color of another man’s skin and see them for who they truly are. Mr. Raymond’s conversation with Dill after Tom Robinson’s testimony initially shows that racism is better comprehended with age. He says, “Let him get a little older and he won’t get sick and cry… Cry about the hell white people give to colored folks, without even stopping to think that they’re people too” (Lee, 1960, p. 269). Here, it becomes clear that children can be naive to racism and the evil in the world, but as they continue to grow up in an area that feels so strongly about white supremacy, they become immune to the injustice and prejudice. Further, Mr. Raymond’s words allow the reader to better understand the severity of the racism in Maycomb and the entirety of the country. It also unveils a crucial theme in the novel, namely that one must consider a person of color to be no different from oneself, as all humans are equal. Additionally, racism is repeatedly referred to as a disease in the novel, which is explained when Atticus is talking to Uncle Jack about the trial and he says “‘... I hope and pray I can get

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

Clearly, then, throughout To Kill a Mockingbird there has been many ubiquitous effects of racism on the citizens of Macomb. The lives of many characters in this novel have been disrupted and deeply affected in many ways because of racism. Throughout this novel, Harper Lee shows that one's race and skin color can change other's opinions about a character, without knowing anything about the character. In the end, no matter the color of your skin or what race you are, we are all equal, and we should all be treated

Atticus is not .racially prejudice. Scout asks Atticus, “Do all lawyers defend n-Negroes, Atticus?” Atticus replies, “Of course they do Scout” (77). Atticus is moral and impartial. Clearly, Atticus is acting in a socially manner because he risks his reputation while defending a black man in a racist town so that he could feel equal himself. The third example of, Atticus, showing more social justice is when Atticus shoots the rabid dog, Tim Johnson, because he was a danger to the town. Atticus does not like to shoot guns, but he is a marksman shot. He was called “One Shot Finch” a long time ago. Therefore, Sheriff Heck Tate asks Atticus to shoot the dog because Atticus is a better shot and Atticus is able to kill Tim Johnson quickly and humanely. Mr. Tate handed the rifle to Atticus: “Jem and I nearly fainted...Mr.Finch, this is a one-shot job… I can’t shoot well and you know it!... With movements so swift so swift they seemed simultaneous, Atticus’s hand yanked a ball-tipped lever as he brought the gun to his shoulder… The riffle cracked. Tim Johnson leaped, flopped over and crumpled on the sidewalk in a brown-and-white heap. He didn’t know what hit him” (127). Atticus was very courageous and socially just for doing this for the safety of his town.

The jury ultimately decided a guilty verdict because of Tom’s skin color. They cannot go against society’s standards and “code”. Though Finch pleaded for the jury to “restore this defendant to his family” (275) the jury refused to take anything he said into consideration. He still fights even though he knows that, “ we were licked a hundred years before we started” (101). Atticus clearly knows that the chances of them winning the case are slim to none, but because of his noble and righteous character he fights for Robinson anyways.

Evidence: In killing the ‘mad dog’ the first initial reaction leaves the reader with an ironical sense of “why would Atticus do a cruel thing like that?” feeling. This concept is an idyllic symbol that represents the whole society of Maycomb as a whole. There is the way Atticus is indeed against using a gun normally as it “gives him an unfair advantage over nature”, however, since he knew he had to terminate the rabid dog and keep it from harm to anyone, he did it.

Atticus Finch is an honorable man because of his bravery. Any time he may be scared on the inside he never lets it show through his brave face. The was a time in the novel when a rabid dog was on the loose. Atticus was brave enough to go out there and shoot the dog. On page 127 the author states, “Mr. Tate almost threw the rifle at Atticus. ‘ I’d feel mighty comfortable

“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee is a book based upon racial tensions in the South more specifically Maycomb, Alabama. Atticus Finch, one of Maycomb’s finest lawyers takes a stand to defend a Negro, Tom Robinson. Atticus simply states, “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.” I personally believe it makes perfect sense for Atticus to defend Tom. Due to his beliefs in justice and equality, The Golden Rule, and taking a stand.

Atticus shows willpower and courage by agreeing to defend Tom Robinson in court. Back in those days, it was very unusual for a white lawyer to do their best in defending an African American. Atticus was unlike the many racist lawyers in Maycomb which showed how he was courageous. Atticus says, “Our courts have their faults, as does any human institution, but in this country our courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are created equal.” (Lee, 274) This shows that Atticus wanted to stand up for the rights of African Americans, even if people disagreed with it. This showed true

Atticus takes this case because he values equality and justice for any race of people. He wants Tom Robinson to have a fair case and not just thrown in jail because of accusations. Atticus’s family is talking about Atticus and how he is a disgrace because he took the case for a black man. “He’s ruinin‘ the family…” (Lee, ).

There are many people in this world that do good things that others don’t like because of who they are. Many people do things that would make themselves feel good inside but others bad inside. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee it states why it makes sense for Atticus to take a stand to defend Tom Robinson. Tom Robinson is a black man who is married and went to trial for opposable raping a white girl named Mayella Ewell. Sadly he lost just because of the color of his skin since racism is a strong thing in Maycomb which is ruining blacks lives. Tom Robinson eventually died because he got shot 17 times for trying to escape from a place he doesn’t belong for something he didn’t do. Now his lawyer Atticus is rethinking was it worth

chance of winning this case, but he wanted to try anyway. Atticus believed that the accusations were unfair and that Tom Robinson should be legible to a fair trial. Tom should be defended by someone who believes in him. Atticus thought it would be hypocritical of him to tell others to treat others fairly if he didn’t follow that rule

Although he was a fantastic lawyer, he was also once known as “deadshot” (Lee 101) This is significant because a rabid dog appears in Maycomb. Atticus knows his abilities, but other people did not know. Miss Maudie states, “ people in their right minds never take pride in their talents” (Lee 102). Atticus shoots the dog knowing people will look at him a different way. The rapid dog represents the racism in the county. While nobody else will shoot the dog/ racism down, Atticus does. He knows the people of Maycomb will hate his decision in taking up for a “nigger”, but he goes by his heart and does it anyways. The father of the victim was the most upset. Although he knows the truth, he refuses the truth. “ Mr. Bob Ewell stopped Atticus on the post office corner, spat in his face, and told him he’d get him if it took the rest of his life”(Lee 221). Atticus does not retaliate and fight fire with fire, because of his courageous character. Mr. Finch felt sorrowful for the victim.

The event all began yesterday afternoon when Atticus Finch’s children, Jem and Scout, spotted Tim Johnson, mad dog, walking very slowly through the forest behind their house. The children ran told their house servant, Calpurnia, she immediately called Atticus Finch, Maycomb lawyer and children’s father, while he was working at his office in town. After the phone call ended Calpurnia ran around the neighborhood warning fellow neighbors to stay inside to prevent injuries and harm. Atticus arrived at the neighborhood with Heck Tate, Maycomb County sheriff, with a rifle to shoot Johnson. Tate didn’t have a very

“To Kill A Mockingbird” is marvelous and unforgettable novel. Not only show how dramatic, sad in and old town – Maycomb be like, but through her unique writings, some big conflicts about politics and critical is going on through this tired old Southern town. Not just in general like education, friendship, neighbors but also pacific in individuals like family and the people’s characteristics themselves. In one book yet can covered with such many problems, Harper Lee must have been experienced a lot and deeply understanding that time. That is why the book lives, becoming literature and get the love from the audiences a lot. One of the problem and mostly run along with the story and interest me is racism between white people and black people