Atticus
Extended Character Analysis
The widowed father of Scout and Jem, Atticus Finch forms the moral center of the novel. As a respected lawyer, Atticus uses his exalted position in the community to fight against injustice. His deep sense of fairness and empathy extends to his private life, where he teaches Scout and Jem the value of compassion for others. Atticus’s great influence over his children can be seen in Scout’s intelligence and Jem’s strong sense of justice. Atticus makes a point to treat those around him with dignity, even characters such as Calpurnia and Mayella Ewell, whom the rest of the town considers his social inferiors. This respectful attention is also extended to his children, who can always count on him for an honest and straightforward answer to their questions. Though Atticus may initially appear to be almost unrealistically perfect, he is not completely without flaws. He occasionally suffers from self-doubt, as shown when Aunt Alexandra questions his parenting of Scout. Atticus’s ability to find the good in others may also blind him to people with truly evil intentions, as is the case when he fails to take Bob Ewell’s threats seriously. Despite these minor failings, Atticus’s determination to defend Tom Robinson teaches Scout and Jem the importance of doing the right thing, even when the odds are stacked against you. It is Atticus’s unfailing belief in the innate goodness of humanity that allows Scout and Jem to emerge from the traumatic events in Maycomb with heightened compassion rather than cynicism.
Quotes
- “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view . . . until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
- "I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what."
- “There's a lot of ugly things in this world, son. I wish I could keep 'em all away from you. That's never possible.”
- “Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.”
- “This time we aren’t fighting the Yankees, we’re fighting our friends. But remember this, no matter how bitter things get, they’re still our friends and this is still our home.”
Expert Q&A
What does Atticus's quote about why he is defending Tom Robinson mean?
"The main one is, if I didn't, I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this county in the legislature, I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do something again"
3 Educator Answers
Quick answer:
Atticus's quote about defending Tom Robinson in "To Kill a Mockingbird" reveals his strong moral principles and sense of justice. His decision to defend Tom, despite the community's prejudice, is driven by his belief that it is the right thing to do. He feels that not defending Tom would compromise his integrity and undermine his authority as a father and a representative of the county. Atticus's actions serve as a lesson to his children and a challenge to his community's discriminatory attitudes.
In Chapter 9, Scout tells her father what Cecil Jacobs said on the playground about him defending niggers, and Atticus elaborates on his unpopular decision to defend Tom Robinson. When Scout asks her father why he chooses to defend a man against the community's wishes, Atticus tells his daughter,
"For a number of reasons...The main one is, if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this county in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again" (Lee, 49).
Atticus knows that Tom Robinson is innocent, and not defending him against a prejudiced community would be immoral. Being that Atticus is a morally upright man with integrity, he feels obligated to do the right thing, which is to defend Tom Robinson despite the community's beliefs. If Atticus chose not to defend Tom Robinson, he would be going against everything he believes in. Atticus feels like his words would have no authority because he would lose his integrity if he followed the popular decision of not defending Tom Robinson. Atticus cannot go against his conscience and feels obligated to do the right thing, which is why he courageously defends Tom Robinson in front of a prejudiced community.
First, this quote defines Atticus's character. When he says that he could not hold his head up in town if he didn't defend Tom, he means that he has spent his life trying to do what is right and moral. He knows, and he truly believes that his town knows, that the right thing to do is to defend and protect Tom from a racist, false accusation.
The second part of his quote--"I couldn't represent this county in the legislature"--establishes that Atticus does not simply try to live a personally moral life. He wants his county to exemplify a group of people who are just and forward-thinking. Because of his strong moral attributes, it would go against Atticus's ideology to know that his county really cares nothing about justice and to have to represent them with passion and loyalty to others. Atticus sees Tom's case as a bellringer of how his county and small town will be remembered, and he wants no part in going down in history as one who contributed to prejudice and simple-mindedness.
Finally, Atticus is such an ideal father because he strives to teach by example. All of the morals and lessons he imparts to his children are ones that he truly believes. He doesn't simply tell them to live those morals because they will be better people; he lives those morals himself because he believes them himself and hopes to make the world a more just place.
Atticus tells Scout this so that she will realize that his choice to defend Tom Robinson is a moral choice.
Atticus says that there is a case in every lawyer’s career that “affects him personally” (ch 9, p. 100). His point is that he takes the case seriously because it requires him to make a moral decision. He has to stand up not just for Tom Robinson, but against the town. He has to make the choice to do what he thinks is right.
“Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win,” Atticus said. (ch 9, p. 101)
Atticus is telling Scout this so that she will learn a life lesson. It is a person’s responsibility to stand up for what he or she believes in. You need to stand by your choice, if you think it is right, even if it is not the most popular choice. This is the strongest lesson that Atticus teaches Scout. He leads by example, showing her that it is important for a person to do the right thing. This is the only way that racism can be overcome.
It is also significant because "Atticus represents the moral backbone of the town of Maycomb" (enotes, character analysis). By standing up for what he feels is right, he is showing the town what is right. Ultimately this does make a difference, because the jury does at least consider Tom Robinson's potential innocence.
To read more character analysis, see here: http://www.enotes.com/to-kill-a-mockingbird/character-analysis
To read a summary of this chapter, see here: http://www.enotes.com/to-kill-a-mockingbird/chapter-9-summary-analysis
Citation:
- Enotes. "To Kill a Mockingbird: Character Analysis." Enotes.com. Enotes.com. Web. 17 May 2012. <http://www.enotes.com/to-kill-a-mockingbird/character-analysis>.
- Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. New York: Warner, 1986. Print.
How and why do black people show appreciation to Atticus after the trial?
3 Educator Answers
Quick answer:
After the trial, the black people in Maycomb gift Atticus with food to show their appreciation for his defending Tom. While Atticus is touched by the gesture, he also feels guilty for accepting the presents; the town suffers from an economic depression, one that is exasperated in the black community because of the town's deplorable racism. But it's suggested that the black community in Maycomb has all come together, nonetheless, because they feel it is important to thank Atticus.
The black people of Maycomb shower Atticus with gifts of food to show their appreciation for his act of defending Tom at the trial. They do this almost as soon as the trial has ended. Atticus is amazed when he sees all the food piled up: 'enough food to bury the family', as Scout observes in a hometown allusion to food being given after a person's death (in itself, foreshadowing of Tom's ultimate fate).
Atticus's reaction to these gifts is telling. At first he appears amused when he 'grins' at seeing a 'jar of pig's knuckles' and wonders: 'Reckon Aunty'll let me eat these in the dining room?' However, just a moment later the tone changes when we are told that his 'eyes had filled with tears'. He is overcome at the generosity of these people and at the fact that they appreciate him as their champion.
The incident also paints a perhaps rather-too-good picture of the blacks as being humble and thankful as a whole community. As Atticus remarks: 'times are too hard', meaning that there is an economic depression on and that, thanks to the deplorable racist conditions of society, the blacks are poorer than anyone else in the town. Yet, Lee suggests they still give their food unstintingly as a whole community to Atticus in the nature of a grateful offering.
Incidentally, this is the only time that Atticus is ever seen to cry in the novel. This shows how just deeply he is touched by these gifts of food and gestures of thanks.
How does the black community show appreciation to Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird?
The black citizens of Maycomb display their appreciation in several ways for Atticus’s valiant defense of Tom Robinson. At the end of the trial, Atticus walks down the aisle and the black community stands as he is passing to show their respect and appreciation for his services. Reverend Sykes even tells Scout to stand as her father walks out of the courtroom.
The following morning, Atticus wakes up and is surprised that Calpurnia made chicken for breakfast. When Calpurnia tells Atticus to follow her into the kitchen, he is overwhelmed with emotion to discover that the black community has given him a massive amount of homemade food as a sign of their appreciation. Scout mentions that their kitchen table was full of “hunks of salt pork, tomatoes, beans, even scuppernongs.” Calpurnia then tells Atticus that she found all of the food carefully placed on the back steps in the morning. Overall, the black community shows their respect for Atticus by standing out of recognition as he walks out of the courtroom and presents him with gifts of food on the morning after the trial to show their appreciation.
How does the black community show appreciation to Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird?
They do this in two ways. First, all of the black people who are sitting in the balcony stand up as Atticus is leaving the courtroom. It's a particularly moving scene in the movie, as the lower courtroom is empty, and the balcony is completely full of black people, just standing in silence as Atticus walks out.
The other thing they do is send over a lot of food to the Finch house. Atticus mentions something about dinner or food to Calpurnia, and she responds that they have more than enough food--the black community has been sending it to him to thank him for what he did. Atticus, being the honorable man he is, insists it's not necessary.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, what does Miss Maudie mean by saying Atticus Finch is the same at home and in public?
5 Educator Answers
Quick answer:
Miss Maudie's statement about Atticus Finch in "To Kill a Mockingbird" implies his authenticity and integrity. She implies Atticus is transparent, not a hypocrite, and remains the same in his private and public life. He doesn't pretend to be someone else or hide anything. Atticus treats everyone equally, regardless of their skin color or class, and his actions in the house align with his public behavior. This consistency and authenticity make him a good father and role model.
In Chapter Five of Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout is having a conversation with Miss Maudie Atkinson, the Finch family’s neighbor and friend. Scout admires Miss Maudie, and looks to her for explanations and advice regarding the events that surround her, including her father’s place in the community. When the subject turns to the mysterious figure of Arthur “Boo” Radley, Scout asks whether Miss Maudie thinks he is crazy, and whether people present different fronts depending upon their surroundings. Boo Radley, of course, is a reclusive figure whose life is the subject of constant speculation among the town’s people. Replying to the young girl’s question regarding Boo Radley’s sanity, Miss Maudie states, “If he’s not [crazy] he should be by now. The things that happen to people we never really know. What happens in houses behind closed doors, what secrets-”
Scout, then, observes that her father never presents different personalities or appearances to different people, prompting Maudie’s observation regarding Atticus:
“Atticus don’t ever do anything to Jem and me in the house that he don’t do in the yard,” I said, feeling it my duty to defend my parent.
“Gracious child, I was raveling a thread, wasn’t even thinking about your father, but now that I am I’ll say this: Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets.”
Miss Maudie is saying that Atticus is the same person on the street as he is in the privacy of his home. He is not a hypocrite who says one thing to one set of people in one setting, and says something different to a different set of people in another setting. The man you see in private settings is the man you see in public. Atticus, she is stating, is a genuine individual who treats everyone the same. He is not two-faced, and you can take him at his word.
It means that Atticus Finch is not a hypocrite. It means that he respects everyone, whether they are his children, his relatives, his neighbors, his colleagues, the townspeople, etc. He is not two-faced, wearing one face while at home, and the other face while out in public. He is a man of his word, and his word is the same for his own family and for others.
Atticus proves this at the end of the story when he thinks Jem is guilty of stabbing Bob Ewell. He tells Heck Tate that he expects Heck to treat Jem just as any other person who committed a crime. He explains to Heck Tate that he believes his son should have no special treatment, just because he is the son of Atticus Finch.
Read more about Atticus Finch's character here at enotes at the link below.
Atticus Finch is a character who lives by his own principles. He is steady in his beliefs and doesn't compromise his ethics because society may think something different. He doesn't put on a front. He treats everyone the same, and therefore would be the same at home as he is in public. He doesn't feel like he has to be anything that he is not. It is this steadiness that people of Maycomb rely on. That is why he is asked to defend Tom Robinson, and why he comes to Boo's defense with the sheriff at the end of the book. His teachings to Scout and Jem are life long lessons. He will teach them about respect and finding goodness in everyone. He will teach them patience and to look at the world from other peoples' perspectives. He treats everyone the same no matter who they are.
Often we feel like we have to play out a role or "wear a mask" to fit into society. We sometimes go against our basic beliefs and values to fit in. You won't find Atticus doing this as he is stalwart in his convictions.
When Scout tells Miss Maudie that Atticus is the same inside his home as he is in public, she means that he doesn't handle disciplinary matters or personal matters any differently than he would "on the street." In fact, Scout specifically says that Atticus acts the same in the yard as he does in the house.
Men from this region (The South) and during this time frame, in particular, had a reputation of acting one way during church or in "polite society," but being someone totally different behind closed doors of their homes. For instance, while one might be mannerly and courteous out in company, that same man might be an abuser or a drunkard in the four walls of his house. Atticus, however, defies that stereotype: His behavior, attitudes, conduct, and refinement are the same no matter where he is. His regularity is a testament to his character, and he is respected as a result.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, what does Miss Maudie mean about Atticus's consistent behavior?
In Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, Miss Maudie says that Atticus acts the same way at home, in the office, and in town, and by this, she means that Atticus is a man of integrity who behaves according to his principles no matter what. Let's examine some examples of this.
Atticus values respect, honesty, hard work, practicality, and courage, and he exhibits those values continually. At home, he teaches them to his children. When Scout has a conflict with her teacher, for instance, Atticus helps her understand and overcome it with some practical advice that maintains her respect for her teacher while at the same time allows her to continue her reading. When Jem destroys Mrs. Dubose's flowers, Atticus makes him read to her for a month to teach him (and Scout, too) a lesson in respect and to allow the children to see Mrs. Dubose's courage.
In his job as a lawyer, Atticus follows his principles. He defends Tom Robinson when no one else will and makes an excellent case to show Tom's innocence. When the jury decides against Tom, Atticus continues the fight by preparing an appeal. He knows the chances are slim that Tom's innocence will be recognized, but he will not stop trying.
Among the townspeople, Atticus holds to the same high standards of integrity. He will not give in to the mob coming to lynch Tom Robinson. In fact, he puts himself in harm's way to protect Tom. Atticus even treats Bob Ewell with respect when he meets him, refusing to retaliate even when Bob insults and threatens him.
What reasons does Atticus give for the children not to play the Boo Radley game? Is he right?
4 Educator Answers
Quick answer:
Atticus tells his children not to play the Boo Radley game because it is an invasion of Boo's privacy and disrespectful to put his life's story on display for everyone in the neighborhood. Atticus is right for chastising his children and instructing them to respect the Radley family. He understands that Boo is a reclusive, private person and would not appreciate children bothering him. Atticus is teaching his children to be considerate, appropriate neighbors.
The children, Scout, Jem, and Dill, have been acting out their ideas about the Radleys in much the same way they had previously acted out stories they had read. This shows that they view the family as just a part of their fictional games. They don't see the Radleys as real people and the don't realize that their game may be hurtful to real humans behind the Radley windows. Atticus catches them and orders them to “stop tormenting that man” with either notes or the “Boo Radley” game. As an adult, Atticus can see the real hurt the game may be causing. In a quiet way, he reminds the children that “What Mr. Radley does is his own business.” So Atticus has taught the children as lesson about respecting other people. This foreshadows the lesson he will try to to teach the town of of Maycomb by defending Tom Robinson. Most people today would agree that Atticus was right.
Atticus tells the children to stop "tormenting that man." Further, he advises them that what Boo Radley does in his house is his own business. That is, Boo can come outside if he so desires, or he can remain inside. So, they should be respectful of the Radleys' choices to be reclusive and not socialize with neighbors. In other words, they should not enter the Radley yard unless invited.
In Chapter 5, as he tries to slip a note to Boo Radley on the window sill of his house, Jem is stopped by Dill's ringing of a bell which signals the approach of Atticus. Tipping his hat back on his head, his father asks, "Jem, what were you doing?" Jem tries to say that he was not doing anything, but Atticus knows better. So, Jem tells his father the truth:
"...we were just tryin' to give somethin' to Mr. Radley....Just a letter."
Atticus scolds the children for violating Mr. Radley's privacy and he instructs them to "stop tormenting the man." To underscore the lesson of respecting other people's privacy, he asks his children how they would like it if he barged in on them in their rooms at night without knocking.
Concluding that what they do to Boo Radley is tantamount to barging into someone's bedroom, Atticus urges the children to stay away from the Radley house unless they are invited there. He tries to impress upon the children that Mr. Radley is a real person, not a fictional character from one of their stories.
He gives them a stern lecture about propriety and states outright:
"I'm going to tell you something and tell you one time: stop tormenting that man. What Mr. Radley did was his own business. If he wanted to stay inside his own house he had the right to stay inside free from the attentions of inquisitive children...How would we like it if Atticus barged in on us without knocking, when we were in our rooms at night?...No, [you are] putting his life's history on display for the edification of the neighborhood."
This little lecture is classic Atticus-he brings up manners and how it is rude to torment the poor guy, and it is rude to make fun of things they didn't know about right where everyone in the neighborhood could see. He compares it to a peeping tom watching them at night in their rooms-it is that disrespectful and invasive. He is more than a little stern with them too, telling them to knock it off. The kids don't listen though, and nearly get shot with Mr. Radley's shotgun on their next escapade to peek in the windows.
Atticus saw their play as "putting his life's history on display for the edification of the neighborhood."
He gets mad when he catches them with the note and the fishing pole and Dill with the bell. He wants them to leave poor Arthur alone. What he did was his own business and they were to stay away form him.
"If he wanted to come out, he would. If he wanted to sty inside his own house he had the right to stay inside free from the attentions of inquisitive children, which was a mild term for the likes of us."
They were making a scene in front of the whole neighborhood and it embarrassed him. He wanted the kids to learn what was right and what was acceptable. This begins some of the lessons he teaches his children along the way.
How do Maycomb's people treat Atticus and his children after learning he's defending Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird?
5 Educator Answers
Quick answer:
After learning Atticus is defending Tom Robinson, the people of Maycomb criticize and insult him and his children, with derogatory comments and even threats. Figures like Mrs. Dubose and Scout's cousin Frances openly denigrate Atticus, while his sister Alexandra moves in to help maintain the family's respectability. Despite the overwhelming prejudice, some, like Miss Maudie, support Atticus's decision.
The overwhelming majority of citizens in Maycomb's community are prejudiced and criticize Atticus Finch for defending Tom Robinson. The racist citizens talk behind Atticus's back, make derogatory comments about his decision in front of Jem and Scout, and even physically threaten Atticus and his children. Mrs. Dubose openly criticizes Atticus for defending Tom Robinson and makes crude remarks to Jem and Scout as they walk past her home. Mrs. Dubose tells the Finch children,
Your father’s no better than the niggers and trash he works for!
Jem becomes so enraged by Mrs. Dubose's comment that he destroys her camellia bush. Cecil Jacobs makes fun of Scout's father on the playground and her own cousin calls Atticus a "nigger-lover." In both cases, Scout attempts to respond with physical violence. Atticus is also forced to contend with his opinionated sister, who disagrees with his decision, and even risks his life standing up to a lynch mob outside of Tom Robinson's cell in chapter 15.
Before the trial, Jem and Scout overhear people making derogatory comments about Atticus and recognize that their father is making an unpopular choice. Scout even asks Atticus why people are so upset with him and initially believes that he is in the wrong. Overall, the prejudiced citizens publicly criticize Atticus for defending Tom Robinson, label him a "nigger-lover," and treat his family with contempt. Jem and Scout are forced to defend their father and suffer as a result of his valiant choice to stand up for an innocent black man.
By agreeing to represent a black man accused of rape, Atticus is defying established social mores and conventions. Inevitably, this puts him and his family in the firing line. In many ways, it's worse for his children, as they don't know the full extent of the racial prejudice and bigotry that exists in Maycomb. Cecil Jacobs cruelly taunts Scout at school, calling Atticus a "n****r lover." Children can be very cruel, so no surprise here. But it's clear that he's simply repeating what he's heard from adults. A fish stinks from the head, as the old saying goes, and it's no different with racism. If children grow up in a racist environment, then they're more likely to develop racist attitudes themselves.
Things are not much better on the home front, either. Scout's boring cousin Francis spews out the exact same bile as Cecil Jacobs. What's even worse is that he heard it from none other than Aunt Alexandra herself. Apparently, not only is Atticus a "n****r lover," he's also ruining the family, and for Alexandra that's even more serious. It would seem that Atticus's sister, like virtually every white person in the town, has been infected with what her brother euphemistically describes as Maycomb's "usual disease." At least the children have the excuse that they haven't been inoculated against this particularly stubborn virus. The adults, however, really should know better but don't.
The children and adults alike are cruel to Atticus and his children.
No one was very happy with Atticus defending Tom Robinson. They understood that he was appointed, but they also understood that he was going to try. They did not want him to try. In their minds, Tom Robinson was guilty because he was black.
"Before I'm through, I intend to jar the jury a bit- I think we'll have a reasonable chance on appeal, though. …. You know, I'd hoped to get through life without a case of this kind…" (ch 9)
Unfortunately, most of the town teased Scout and Jem, from children up to adults like Mrs. Dubose. Jem got so upset at her insults that he ruined her flowers. Scout fought her own cousin because of what he said about her father.
"… I guess it ain't your fault if Uncle Atticus is a nigger-lover besides, but I'm here to tell you it certainly does mortify the rest of the family-" (ch 9)
Scout even asks her father why what he is doing is so wrong, and he explains to her that some people do not want him defending a Negro, but that he would have no self-respect if he didn’t. It was his duty to stick to his moral imperative and do what he thought was right.
By the time it gets closer to trial time, everyone is talking about the Finch family. People talk about the children behind their backs, but loud enough for them to hear.
..."There's his chillun," or, "Yonder's some Finches." Turning to face our accusers, we would see only a couple of farmers... (ch 14)
The Finch family tries to stick together, even Aunt Alexandra, because they want to support Atticus. They know they are taking flack because of him, but they also want to stand behind him and stand up for him.
How do Maycomb's people treat Atticus and his children in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Atticus Finch receives significant pushback from his prejudiced neighbors for defending Tom Robinson. In Maycomb's racist community, the majority of citizens are upset at Atticus for defending a black man and go out of their way to express their displeasure. Atticus becomes the subject of local gossip as ladies like Miss Stephanie Crawford and Mrs. Merriweather, who criticize him behind his back. He becomes alienated from his neighbors and is forced to endure the pressure on his own.
Even Atticus's family members disapprove of his actions, and Alexandra believes that he is "ruinin‘ the family" and tarnishing their upstanding reputation by defending Tom Robinson. Atticus's friends also question his decision, and Link Deas tells him,
—don’t see why you touched it in the first place ... You’ve got everything to lose from this, Atticus. I mean everything. (77)
In chapter fifteen, disgruntled community members also threaten Atticus's life outside of the Maycomb jailhouse when he prevents them from lynching Tom Robinson.
In addition to the overwhelming peer pressure and criticism Atticus receives, Jem and Scout also experience conflict and are forced to defend their father’s reputation. Cecil Jacobs tells everyone on the playground that Scout's daddy is a disgrace, and Scout is forced to control her temper. Mrs. Dubose also yells at the Finch children and says,
Your father’s no better than the niggers and trash he works for! (55)
Mrs. Dubose's comment incites Jem's anger, and he proceeds to destroy her camellia bush. Scout also receives criticism from Francis Hancock, who calls Atticus a "nigger-lover." Scout responds by punching him in the face, which ruins their Christmas gathering. Overall, Atticus and his children endure a significant amount of criticism and pushback from their racist neighbors, who resent Atticus for defending a black man in court.
How do Maycomb's people treat Atticus and his children in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Once word gets out that Atticus is representing Tom Robinson, the whole town starts to act differently. Atticus wants to protect his children from this, but he knows he is unable to do so now. The real attitude of people are starting to come into the light.
The people of the town start saying things to Atticus and the kids. Jem and Scout also hear people whispering about them, as they walk by them. The townspeople think it is horrible for Atticus to take a case like this and try to prove that a black man is innocent. The small town of Maycomb is very much stuck in their view of prejudice.
Scout wants to fight anyone who says anything about her father. She is so young and doesn't understand why the people are acting like this now. Atticus tries to tell her and Jem how to handle themselves.
"You just hold you head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don't you let 'em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change."
Atticus also tries to teach Jem and Scout that this is just how some of the people are in this town. He wants his children to know that doing the right thing, can sometimes mean people will turn against you, but you just have to keep on fighting for what is right.
"This time we aren't fighting the Yankees, we're fighting our friends. But remember this no matter how bitter things get, they're still our friends and this is still our home."
Atticus is one of the very best characters in literary history. He fought for the rights of people and taught his children to do the same thing. He is the shining example of what more people should be like.
What three quotes show Atticus's determination to defend Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird?
1 Educator Answer
Quick answer:
Three quotes that show Atticus is determined to defend Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird are when Atticus says that he is against "preserving polite fiction at the expense of human life," when he insists that Tom will not die until "the truth's told," and when he takes the radical position in court that while some black people might be immoral, this is "a truth that applies to the human race and to no particular race of men."
When Scout first hears about her father taking Tom Robinson as a client to defend in court, it's not from Atticus. Cecil Jacobs tells her at school in chapter 9, and he doesn't say it to compliment her. Scout is confused and asks her father what Cecil was talking about. Atticus tells her that some people in Maycomb don't believe that he should be defending a black man. Scout asks why he is doing it, then. Atticus says the following:
"The main one is, if I didn't I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this county in the legislature, I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do something again" (75).
This passage shows Atticus's deep commitment to the case because he knows that it represents the problems that both Maycomb and the whole South face--discrimination and prejudice based on race. Atticus could simply show up to court and not do much by way of a good defense for Tom, and no one would think any less of him; but that's not who he is. Atticus wants to give Tom the best defense because otherwise, he wouldn't have one at all. Even people who are on his side think Atticus has a lot to lose from defending Tom. Link Deas even says so in chapter 15. To that Atticus says the following with determination:
"Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he's not going till the truth's told . . . And you know what the truth is" (146).
This quote shows that Atticus won't let anything get in the way of Tom having his day in court. He is determined to tell the truth that Tom did not rape Mayella Ewell no matter if the traditions and prejudices of the county are facing him. In fact, Atticus makes it known during his final speech that a court shouldn't be swayed by prejudice or tradition; rather, a man should be convicted only if the facts prove that he committed a crime. Atticus elaborates as follows:
"But there is one way in this country in which all men are created equal--there is one human institution that makes a pauper the equal of a Rockefeller, the stupid man the equal of an Einstein, and the ignorant man the equal of any college president. That institution, gentlemen, is a court. . . 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" (205).
Because of Atticus's belief in the judicial system, and that courtrooms are where people should receive equal treatment, this is why he is determined to defend Tom Robinson. Each day, black people like Tom go out and face racism, prejudice, and discrimination; but, they shouldn't have to face that in a court of law. The law can't make people treat others with respect, but when it comes to a case to be decided in court, that is where everyone should receive a fair shake. Again, this belief is why Atticus feels he can't turn his back on Tom's case.
How does Atticus's speech about bending the law in To Kill a Mockingbird contribute to the novel's theme?
1 Educator Answer
Quick answer:
In To Kill a Mockingbird, the author includes Atticus's speech saying it is acceptable to “bend the law a little” in some instances in order to remind us that laws aren't always fair or just. This contributes to the theme of racial injustice in the novel, which is backed up by unjust laws and an unjust legal system.
Scout is discussing with her father the annual farce of Burris Ewell's turning up to school on the first day of term to get his name on the list of students and then effectively being allowed to play hooky for the rest of the term by the education authorities. Scout doesn't think it's fair; why shouldn't she get a similar break?
Scout tells Atticus that the truant lady reckons that she's carried out the law by getting Burris's name on the school roll. But Atticus knows different. He knows that the truant lady is actually bending the law, which in his view is necessary in certain cases.
It may seem strange to hear a lawyer say such a thing, especially one with as much integrity as Atticus Finch. But Atticus is also a very wise man, and he knows that in the real world, it's often necessary to bend the law a little in order to make things function properly.
In practical terms, it would be impossible to apply the law strictly in Burris Ewell's case. A member of the notorious Ewell clan, the disgrace of Maycomb, Burris shows no signs of wanting an education, and so, according to Atticus, it would be silly to force people like the Ewells into a new environment.
Although Atticus greatly respects the law, he also knows that it's far from perfect and does need to be bent in certain cases. At times, the law can also be unjust, especially in relation to the treatment of African Americans. As we will see during the trial of Tom Robinson, the law in the Deep South at this time was used as an instrument of white supremacy and as a way of keeping Black people in line.
Having Atticus undermine—albeit ever so gently—strict adherence to the law allows Harper Lee to hint at the possibility of not just bending the law, but also breaking it where it is manifestly unjust. As a supporter of the civil rights movement, we would expect nothing less from her.
The moral and valuable lessons Atticus Finch teaches his children in To Kill a Mockingbird
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Summary:
Atticus Finch teaches his children numerous moral and valuable lessons, including empathy, integrity, and justice. He emphasizes the importance of understanding others' perspectives, standing up for what is right, and maintaining one's moral convictions despite societal pressures. These lessons shape Scout and Jem's character and guide them through the complexities of their social environment.
What lessons does Atticus teach in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Primarily, Atticus teaches his children about tolerance, and he is an example of this to his neighbors and community through his interactions. Although Atticus is assigned Tom Robinson's case, Atticus does his utmost to give Tom the best defense possible. Color does not matter to Atticus Finch, and he tries to instill this in Scout and Jem. He also teaches them to respect their elders, even if the elderly people are cranky and sometimes mean (such as Mrs. DeBose). When Jem disrespects Mrs. DeBose by ripping up her flowers (even though he was angry because she'd made a nasty remark about Atticus), Atticus makes Jem spend time reading to her. It is only through this that Jem learns that the old woman suffers from terrible pain and is fighting a drug addiction. By being forced to spend time with her, Jem learns to respect a woman in pain. When the children are being busybodies about Boo Radley, Atticus sternly instructs them to leave Boo in peace and not to believe the rumors that are spread about the recluse. Additionally, Atticus teaches the children not to judge those who do not have money. When Walter Cunningham eats lunch with the Finch family and pours syrup on his dinner, Scout makes fun of him. Atticus teaches her not to judge others and to try "walking around in their skin", or to put herself in their place. Through this, Atticus is a model of respect, and the Cunningham family realizes this.
What moral lessons does Atticus teach his children in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Through both example and counsel, Atticus Finch teaches his children many virtues.
Charity (Charity is a theological virtue by which people love God above all else and their "neighbor" as themselves out of their love for God.)
When Scout comes home from her first day of school she does not want to return because she has been offended by her new teacher's remarks both about her and her father. She also feels that she has been unjustly punished and embarrassed in front of her classmates. Then, after listening to his daughter relate how she attempted to help Miss Caroline get to know certain students by explaining their backgrounds and habits, Atticus quickly realizes that the new teacher from Northern Alabama has felt humiliated by a first grader's display of such social expertise.
Atticus explains to Scout that she must return to school because he works every day and no one can teach her at home. He then counsels Scout to be charitable and respectful of Miss Caroline's feelings:
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view..." (Ch.3)
Later, both during and following the trial of Tom Robinson, Atticus practices the virtue of charity and sets an example for Scout and her brother, Jem. He is kind when he interrogates Mayella, even though he knows that she is perjuring herself. Further, in chapter 22, when Bob Ewell spits on him after the trial, Atticus charitably "turns the other cheek" and does not retaliate against Ewell.
Atticus's lesson on charity is also extended to Boo Radley. Earlier in the narrative Atticus urges Scout, Jem, and Dill to "stop bothering" Boo Radley.
Social Justice (This virtue is concerned with equal treatment of everyone and the common good.)
In his closing remarks of Tom Robinson's trial, Atticus Finch explicitly speaks of justice under the law and how the equal treatment of every citizen is required in a court of law. By referring to this legal concept of blind justice, he urges the jury to be fair to Tom Robinson in reaching a verdict based solely on the facts of the trial.
Outside the courtroom, Atticus practices social justice as well. He is respectful of everyone. In chapter 3, for example, when little Walter Cunningham has dinner with the Finches and Scout ridicules his eating habits, Atticus shakes his head in disapproval. Taking her cue from Atticus, Calpurnia pulls Scout into the kitchen where she finishes the remainder of her meal.
Furthermore, despite the insults hurled at his children and himself, Atticus is polite to Mrs. Dubose because he understands that she is ill. He respects the right of the Radleys to be reclusive, and he treats all others with whom he has contact respectfully. Atticus does not discriminate against anyone, regardless of the person's social status or color.
Fortitude (This virtue is demonstrated in perseverance during difficult and trying situations.)
Atticus Finch instructs his children on this virtue when he has Jem read to the ailing Mrs. Dubose. She later demonstrates fortitude in her final days because before she dies she withdraws from the morphine to which she has been addicted. Bravely, she chooses to die being "beholden to nothing and nobody." Atticus tells his children that he has wanted them to see "what real courage is."
Atticus himself demonstrates fortitude when he accepts the position of attorney for the defense of Tom Robinson. Knowing the scorn and ridicule that he will receive, Atticus still chooses to do what is right. It is in his speech about Mrs. Dubose that he subtly alludes to his own decision to defend Tom Robinson:
"It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do." (Ch.11)
Although Atticus Finch is a rather unorthodox parent, he certainly sets a wonderful example for his children as a virtuous man.
What lessons does Atticus teach his children in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Atticus gives great advice to his children throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, but he also allows them room for independent thought and actions that most kids their age would not enjoy. His advice to step into the other man's skin to understand how he thinks is repeated by both Scout and Jem on several occasions during the novel. He teaches his children to be tolerant of all people--rich or poor, black or white. He is honest and forthright with his children in the hope that they will follow his lead. He leads by example concerning faith in humanity with the expectation that his children will follow suit. He teaches them not to take too much stock in their own family heritage, yet they are still able to understand that some families--such as the Ewells and Cunninghams--are like peas in a pod. Through his actions--not words--he teaches them the definition of humility and gentlemanly behavior.
What lessons does Atticus teach his children in To Kill a Mockingbird?
One of the lessons that Scout learns is an important one in what you might call comportment, or maybe just plain old character. She laments the fact that Atticus is so wimpy in her eyes, he does a semi-wimpy job and he never does anything to show himself as manly or tough. She is really pretty bummed about this.
But then comes the incident with the rabid dog where Atticus demonstrates a steely nerve and people bring up how they used to talk about what a great shot he was. She sees that her father is certainly as manly as the rest but he never makes a show of it. She sees that you don't have to be a braggart or any kind of a publicly tough or powerful person to actually have great inner strength.
What valuable lessons does Atticus Finch teach his kids in To Kill a Mockingbird?
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch teaches his children, Jem and Scout, valuable lessons about fairness, tolerance, and empathy.
The book’s title is drawn from a saying he teaches them: that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird, which does not harm anyone but only sings beautiful songs. In chapter 10, Scout mentions that her father avoids guns, and when the children receive air rifles, he discourages them from shooting at living things but also makes a distinction between types of birds:
Shoot all the bluejays you want ... but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.
In this novel, mockingbirds become a metaphor for innocent people, and this phrase therefore comes to mean that a person should not attack someone else if they are not causing any problems or injuries.
Another phrase that Atticus says is that one should walk around in someone else’s shoes; he sometimes uses a variant form of this phrase, saying one should climb into another person’s skin. This means that a person should always try to put themselves in the other person’s position. In both situations, Atticus encourages the children not to be judgmental.
The idea of empathizing with another person finally makes sense to Scout when she meets Arthur Radley near the novel’s end. In chapter 31, she recalls when her father had spoken about trying to understand other people’s perspectives.
Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them.
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