Preview

Attcius Finch in "To Kill A Mockingbird"

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
967 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Attcius Finch in "To Kill A Mockingbird"
Atticus Finch, a lawyer, is a very compassionate person, and a person who is not afraid to challenge the unwritten laws of the South. In the trial of Tom Robinson, Atticus decides to defend Tom to the best of his ability. Atticus is given the trial by the judge and has the choice to defend Tom or let an inexperienced lawyer have the case, but Atticus accepts the case with a lot of thought. He accepts the case because he could not be a good parent to his children, in which setting a bad example of not doing the right thing. Atticus an excellent lawyer and parent is also compassionate for Tom when defending him. First off, he accepts the case which is good for tom because Atticus is probably one of the most experienced lawyers in Maycomb County. Atticus's choice is accept the case and to defend Tom Robinson to his fullest.

This internal conflict of Atticus choosing to defend Tom Robinson or not affected a lot of people not just Atticus. Jem and Scout, Atticus' children, could possibly face harassment at school, Scout especially. Scout's anger control, which is very poor, might beat up more people for complaining about her father defending an African American. Also Jem will have to face similar experiences like this. Also, Aunt Alexandria might have some say in what Atticus' decision might be. She might come down to live with because she wants to protect the image of the family so it is not totally wrecked by Atticus conflict. Not only will the Finch family be impacted but the community of Maycomb will also have something to say about his conflict.

Often in small towns the people who live in work there follow a similar belief system or have some of the same morals. This statement holds true in Maycomb Alabama where they is much racism and a lot hate towards the blacks. When Atticus decides to defend Tom Robinson, the whole society in Maycomb is affected. In Maycomb, there is a history of racism. Most of the residents know the verdict before the case has even gotten

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Based on perspective, Atticus Finch considers that Maycomb is a racist, yet an atrocious town; due to its racialist/intolerant behaviors that the citizens practice towards different skin complexions. For instance, an example of this bigotry can be demonstrated by Tom Robinson’s case; as this was clearly shown/said throughout the arguments during the court trial. As a single parent and a lawyer, Atticus Finch receives a lot of negative attention in Maycomb for representing Tom Robinson's case; which also, happens to have a negative impact on his children. They are talked about, made fun of, and their lives are even threatened at some points.…

    • 199 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Atticus FInch has to be one of the bravest and most favored characters in the book. He takes on a very controversial case, even though he knows there is a very small chance of winning. On page 49 atticus says,”Courage is not a man with a gun in his hand. It’s knowing you're licked before you begin anyway and you see through it, no matter what.” Atticus takes on Tom robinson’s case and does not give up at all. HE knows that he won't win but he tries,…

    • 328 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    In “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Atticus is a wise lawyer, who endeavours to have a fair trial for Tom Robinson. Tom is a black man accused of raping a white girl. The time is within the early 30s taken place in southern Alabama. The townspeople believed that Atticus shouldn’t present a proper defence for a Negro. However, Atticus fully intends to do so because he believes in equal rights of others. Due to this strong belief he encounters many vicious comments directed towards himself and the people supporting him. He is wise enough to know the trouble this case will bring him. “… Simply by the nature of work, every lawyer gets at least one case in his lifetime that affects him personally this one’s mine, I guess” This quote helps to emphasise that…

    • 190 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Harper Lee portrays Atticus as a scrupulous and superb lawyer, who goes through a troublesome trial. “‘Your father’s no better than the niggers and trash he works for,’” (135) this was said about Atticus by Mrs. Dubose, and this was how many other people felt about the situation as well. He was defending Tom Robinson, who was accused of raping Mayella Ewell. Mr. Finch was known for using agile techniques during his trials to get the information he needed. Despite Tom Robinson being at a disadvantage…

    • 705 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    “I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university” - (Albert Einstein). These words reflect the way Atticus Finch, protagonist, attorney, and father in Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, lives his life. There is no difference to him in regards to race, social status, or gender. Atticus Finch is an admirable gentleman who demonstrates intelligence and respectfulness throughout the Tom Robinson trial and his interactions with people who despised the fact that he was taking the case. He strongly believes in respect for people of color and passes his belief down to his children by taking the Tom Robinson case. Although he is at times too trusting of people, his words and actions continue to prove to his children and community how a real gentleman behaves.…

    • 667 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Who Is Atticus Finch

    • 287 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Atticus Finch, a respected lawyer and the main character's father, is an exceptionally likeable character in the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. He will always stand up for what is right, which is an important factor in his representation of justice.…

    • 287 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Atticus Finch, stood by Tom Robinson for a year because it was the right thing to do, even though everyone in the community said it was wrong, “Scout, simply by the nature of work, every lawyer gets at least one case in his lifetime that affects him personally. This one’s , mine i guess” (Lee, 101). Atticus takes this case into a deep emotion knowing how the community and family…

    • 735 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    "To Kill A MockingBird''

    • 681 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Second of all, Atticus suffers injustice from the fact he commits into taking Tom’s case. He is regularly persecuted for this decision. “ You’re father is no better then the niggers and trash he works for!" (102) This makes Atticus work even harder to win the case. He tries to ignore the threats and harassments and keep the community happy. But tries to keep the law in…

    • 681 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    As made evident, it does make sense for Atticus to take a stand and defend Tom Robinson because of his belief in upholding and embodying the ethical precepts of the Golden Rule, understanding that his actions must reflect this in all aspects of his life, and his courage and integrity allowed him to set an example for his children, who looked upon his actions as a quintessence of an ethical person, both as their father and as a lawyer. Exemplified in the narrative that rivets itself on the choices we must all make in our lives, we as humans have the power to make decisions can advance and contribute to our society, and ones that can tarnish and impede its progress. Atticus proves that even when the odds are stacked against us, we must still make the choice that we believe is righteous, regardless of how difficult it may be. His actions, and the implications of his decisions, prove how choices motivated by morals and values can not only change the world around us, but reflect the type of person we really.…

    • 243 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Atticus Finch Justice

    • 565 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Atticus attempts to represent justice throughout the book. In Tom Robinson’s court case, Atticus is giving his final statement about the case. In a final effort to prompt the jury to unanimously decide Robinson’s innocence Atticus says, “A court is only as sound as its jury, and a jury is only as sound as the men who make it up.” (Lee 274). Atticus is reminding the jury that their own ethical values will decide the fate of this man. The judicial system is depending on their decision. This demonstrates that Atticus believes justice is equality. A courtroom to Atticus means you will be judged for your crimes and not your skin color, this is equality. Atticus, being a parent, wants his kids to have the best life with the best values. He tells Scout…

    • 565 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Sin to Kill a Mockingbird

    • 1044 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Atticus is portrayed as a mockingbird throughout the book. Atticus Finch was one of the best lawyers in town and he was good father to Jem and Scout. He teaches them to appreciate everything they have and to never judge or treat someone differently because of who they are. He also taught his children to not judge someone until they walk around that person’s skin. This character is just like a bird in real life where they only . Atticus is a peaceful man and kind. He's always there to help the helpless and innocent. In the middle of To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus was introduced to his new case with Tom Robinson . The people of Maycomb are expecting Atticus to not even try but he is not backing down. He knows that Tom is innocent but that doesn't change anything and Tom will still be guilty because of the color of his skin. Atticus was determined to defend Tom the best he could. He was an honest man and would always do the right thing. It would be a sin to have anything…

    • 1044 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Atticus Finch

    • 780 Words
    • 2 Pages

    The case Atticus is presented with in To Kill A Mockingbird is one that challenges his morals. The county sheriff, Heck Tate, tells Atticus that he has “everything to lose” from taking on the case. Knowing that he and his children will be looked down upon by the majority of the population in Maycomb County, Atticus decides that he will defend Tom Robinson anyway. When asked why by his daughter Scout, he says that if he did not he,” couldn't hold up [his] head in town, [and he] couldn't represent this county in the legislature”. Atticus knows the right thing to do is to defend Tom, so he would be ashamed of himself if he decided not to. Atticus could have easily turned down the case and spared himself and his children the backlash. Atticus' decision to take on Tom's case provided Tom with a defense attorney that would fight for his release.…

    • 780 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The Tom Robinson Trial

    • 1128 Words
    • 5 Pages

    The Tom Robinson trial is an important asset in To Kill a Mockingbird which emphasizes the racial injustices in court. Atticus Finch is a lawyer in Maycomb county and the father of the lead protagonist, Jean Louise “Scout” Finch. Atticus agreed to defend Tom Robinson, a black man accused…

    • 1128 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Atticus’ decision to defend Tom Robinson shows a ton of courage. Since the story takes place during segregation, a white man defending a black man is frowned upon. Atticus still accepts the case even though he knows he will receive hate from the racist townspeople. Atticus represents Tom Robinson because his conscious makes him feel like it is the right thing to do. He also wants to set a good example for his children and teach them that all people deserve to be treated fairly.…

    • 448 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Maycomb’s shining point in Harper Lee's plot is the Tom Robinson case. While Harper Lee quickly forces us to root for Atticus and Tom, we learn that Tom Robinson has already lost the case purely because of his skin color. Tom Robinson is an African-American. Maycomb recognizes that Atticus is unique and assigns him to take on this case because he is the only citizen in Maycomb that would support Tom fairley. Since their father is involved, Jem and Scout instantly begin to be curious. They wonder why Atticus would agree to such an event. The children later understand that Atticus is doing the right thing and must stand up for what is right. Atticus tells the children, “In our courts when it's a white man's world against a black man’s, the white man always wins” (Lee, 250). Furthermore, Atticus exclaims to the children that racism prevails within their county. “ We can conclude that Atticus shows disgust with white people taking advantage of black people's ignorance” (Felty, 300). The aged book lets us know that Maycomb's citizens do not feel good about responding to other people's differences. As we do today, Maycomb does not take action in up and coming problems such a…

    • 1033 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays