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To Kill A Mockingbird Conflict Analysis

Decent Essays

The novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee is set in in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930’s. During this time period, racial segregation was present and influences the view of the people in Maycomb. Atticus Finch, a lawyer and father of two, decides to defend Tom Robinson, a black man in a case against his neighbors, which as a result angers the community. In the chapter 15 passage, a mob of men confronts Atticus and Tom Robinson at the jailhouse, ready to kill Robinson. Atticus’s children Jem and Scout along with Dill arrive at the jailhouse to help their father. Lee portrays the characters of Jem and Atticus in a tense environment of conflict, to convey standing up for your beliefs even if others do not agree with your ideas. Lee’s use of conflict depicts the character of Atticus and Jem in a time of conflict, to develop the message, of standing up for what you believe in. Tensions are further increased when the mob arrives at the jailhouse to hurt Tom Robinson. As the men arrive conflict immediately develops: “‘You know what we want,’ another man said. ‘Get aside from the door, Mr. Finch’” (151). The angry mob wants Atticus to leave because he is a hindrance to their plans for Tom Robinson. Throughout this confrontation Atticus remains calm, replying, “You can turn around and go home again” (151). Atticus’s demeanor reveals that his character is able to remain calm in a tense situation. It demonstrates that Atticus is not afraid and that he will

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