Personal Narrative On Trial

Atticus shows true courage by defending Tom Robinson, a black man charged with the rape of a white woman. Atticus continues to fight for justice despite knowing he can’t win the case because he is

In a stuffy courtroom during the summer of 1935 located in a simple Southern town, a lawyer stands ready to defend his client. However, in this trial the lawyer, Atticus, has a rough road ahead of him since he must defend a black man; in front of a white jury. Plus, he must break down the jury’s mindset established in the pre-Civil War ideas. He does not hesitate for a second but delivers a profound and moving speech which sears itself into the audience’s brains. Regrettably, this speech does not exist in history books, but instead in the fictional story, To Kill A Mockingbird. Despite its fictional roots, this speech earned its place on the chart containing many other well-known speeches. Yet, what made this speech noteworthy and proved Atticus’ skill in debating? To answer one could say his attempt to prove the innocence of a man stemmed from his adept use of pathos, ethos, and logos.

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

It took an unimaginable amount of courage for Atticus to take the Tom Robinson case knowing he and his children would be harassed by all the other townspeople. For instance, when “My folks said your daddy was a disgrace an' that nigger oughta hang from the water tank” (105). Also, Atticus knew he had a very low chance of succeeding in winning the case, but he took it anyways. He knows the town will think differently about him solely because he is defending a black man. He also knows that his children will be shown a lot of hatred. Even knowing this, Atticus takes the case and tries his best. Not only did he know he would take hatred, he also knew he would lose. But, he knew this case would define who he was “every lawyer gets at least one case in his lifetime that affects him personally”(96). While talking to the Judge he knows that he will most likely not win, but that does not change his mind. He knows just because Tom Robinson is black that he will not win. The Jury will see the white man who claims his white daughter was raped and believe him with no doubt. No matter what Atticus says to try to change the jury’s mind, he knows he can only try his best. To summarize, Atticus shows courage knowing not only that the town would hate him, but also that he would lose the

Even with the incriminating evidence supporting his innocence, Tom Robinson was proven guilty by the jury. Even though Atticus defended him, it did not make a difference in whether he was proven guilty or not. Knowing the backlash, Atticus still defended Tom Robinson, which took a lot of courage. Atticus’s courage did not help Tom Robinson win the case. The case did not win because it does not take one person’s courage to change the status of Jim Crow racism. Atticus showed courage by defending Tom Robinson, but it did not effectively fight against Jim Crow racism.

Tom Robinson had been accused of raping a white woman, and Mr. Finch is his lawyer. Because of racism in this time period; Atticus had no hope of winning the case, but winning wasn’t his ultimate goal. He fought for Tom Robinson because he felt that everyone deserved justice in the court no matter what race. “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). The lawyer wasn’t fighting an impossible case for the challenge of winning. He was arguing for this man so that he could walk with courage, knowing he had done the right

“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 your duty¨ (Atticus). In Atticus Finch’s closing argument he uses rhetorical devices (Ethos,Logos,Pathos) to convince the jury that Tom Robinson did not commit the crime of raping a white woman. Throughout the closing argument atticus slips in his opinion of the matter.

Atticus reveals there was no evidence to prove Tom Robinson’s actions towards Mayella. Atticus tries to appeal to the jury with hard physical evidence, for the jury to look at Tom Robinson as an equal not as an African American man. The use of ethos is evident in Atticus’ argument, by convincing the jury with credibility, “‘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 his name of God, do your duty’” (Lee para.13).

Atticus tackles a situation that many would avoid. Defending an African American man during the time of segregation. Although he is very much aware of this fact, Atticus still takes on the challenge. “Scout, you aren’t old enough to understand some things yet, but there’s been some high talk around town to the effect that I shouldn’t do much about defending this man.” (86). Atticus states this fact to scout so that he may understand that Atticus is practically defending Tom against the whole town. Although he’s outnumbered by townspeople, Atticus courageously still decides to defend Tom Robertson; even in the face of uncertain failure.

This shows how Judge Taylor wants to maintain Tom Robinson’s rights. With his every will and resource, Atticus attempts to provide Tom with the most just form of defence, meriting his honest and non-discriminating behaviour. He does this while he is aware of the opposition and downgrading he will face.

Atticus aims to strike this change into the hearts of others when he is appointed to defend Tom Robinson; however, courthouse critics have said “Atticus aims to defend him. That’s what [they] don’t like about it” (137). This shows that Atticus is willing to give his all to show people Tom Robinson is an innocent man and convicting him just because he is black would be wrong, so it needs to change. Atticus has been leading the charge for change mostly in the beginning chapters of this book, but during the trial is when Atticus can truly influence people to write their wrongs and free an innocent man despite his skin color. Although some people don’t like what he’s doing, eventually they begin to realize that what Atticus is doing is the right thing. After finding out about the news of Tom’s death, Aunt Alexandra proceeds to complain about how all the strain of changing things gets to him. To ease Alexandra’s worries, Miss Maudie says Maycomb “[trusts] him to do right” (201), showing that Atticus has a crucial role in leading the change, and people flock to him when they want change to occur as Judge Taylor did when he didn’t want the jury to convict Tom Robinson, so he appointed Atticus as his lawyer in hopes that he would win the

“Scout, simply by the nature of the work, every lawyer gets at least one case in his lifetime that affects him personally. This one's mine, I guess.” (Lee, 101) The following quotation establishes the reason why Atticus has chosen to defend Tom Robinson during the trial. Atticus explains to his children that he knows he doesn’t stand a chance, but he will try anyways, encouraging Scout and Jem to stand up for what they believe is right. “‘Lemme tell you somethin' now, Billy,’ a third said, ‘you know the court appointed him to defend this nigger.’ ‘Yeah, but Atticus aims to defend him. That's what I don't like about it.’”(Lee, 218) Despite what people might think, Atticus continues to go along with what he believes is right even when people are judging

In chapter 11, Atticus and Jem are talking about Mrs. Dubose, and how she was the bravest person Atticus has ever met. Atticus is talking about how she has courage, and implies “It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.” (149) This shows that Atticus wants to stick to Tom Robinson’s side because he is courageous. He knows he is going to lose, but is sticking to his views and fighting for Tom Robinson anyways. In chapter 20, Atticus is giving his speech in the courtroom. Atticus says “ To begin with, this case should never have come to trial. This case is as simple as black and white.” (271) Atticus means that it is obvious on who is going to win, but he is going to defend Tom Robinson, no matter what because that is the type of person he is. It didn’t matter if Atticus knew he was not going to win because he wants to prove a point that race should not matter, and everybody should be treated equal. He wanted to just have one person see past color and think that Tom Robinson might not have committed the crime. In chapter 22, Miss Maudie says “Atticus Finch won’t win, he can’t win, but he’s the only man in these parts who can keep a jury out so long in a case like that.” (289) Overall, Atticus knows how to make the right decision and follow what he

He first tears down the prosecution's arguments by stating beyond belief that there was not “one iota of medical evidence that the crime Tom Robinson is charged with ever took place” (Lee 271). By asserting this he immediately discredits the only piece of evidence that wasn’t circumstantial. This effectively forces the jury to think about the validity of the prosecution’s arguments and witness’ accounts. He goes on all through his closing statement to compromise the reputation of Bob Ewell and the rest of the prosecution. He consistently uses ethos relating back to the reliability and innate goodness of Robinson to simultaneously make Mayella Ewell's account of the “rape” seem far fetched. He later states, “What did her father do? We don’t know, but there is circumstantial evidence to indicate that Mayella Ewell was beaten savagely by someone who led almost exclusively with his left” (272) Atticus insinuates that the Ewells are not to be trusted to tell the truth by implying that it was Mayella’s father who beat her, not Robinson. The use of ethos everywhere in the closing statement effectively led the way for other devices to be used

Atticus uses a combination of convincing and logical evidence, but is also very passionate as he is not doing this as a “lip” service. He was doing this, as he could not live with himself if he did not do his best to defend Tom Robinson despite the chances of winning the court case. The use of emotive language and well-reasoned arguments makes the case more persuasive and plausible. Atticus is rather astute in showing compassion for Mayella, this shows honesty and integrity in his character therefore the jury is more inclined to believe him over the witnesses. Atticus makes a direct plea to the jury but he does this on a personal level. Atticus pauses to create more impact as it is dramatically effective as it focuses our attention to the truth. Atticus throws the burden of blame on Mayella making her culpable of the crime that happened and not his client. He uses repetition to emphasise his case and evidence. Atticus’s tone becomes increasing aggressive and uncompromising however, he remains courteous and dignified throughout. Atticus highlights to the jury the sheer arrogance of the witnesses of the state who believed their word would not be questioned over a black man. Atticus shouted “TEMERITY” as he had become so frustrated. This is the only point in the speech where