Revenge can lead to justice, but justice may also lead to revenge. Throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee the idea of justice is challenged and revenge is served to someone who deserves it. Justice and revenge are shown within the novel because Judge Taylor elected Atticus to represent Tom Robinson, Bob got Tom sent to jail, and Bob Ewell died. During the time of the novel coloured people would not get a good lawyer because they were considered minorities, but Judge Taylor picked Atticus for a reason.
If it were someone coloured other Tom Robinson Judge Taylor would have picked the newest lawyer to represent Tom, but he knew that Tom had a shot at winning so he elected Atticus so that Tom would a fair shot at winning the trial. “Jem did it ever strike you that Judge Taylor naming Atticus to defend that boy was no accident?” (Lee, 289) Miss Maudie is explaining to Jem that Tom really did have a fair trial because Judge Taylor picked Atticus to defend Tom. Justice is shown because Judge Taylor would usually have to pick the worst or newest of lawyers to represent a coloured person, but instead he went against what everyone else’s values were and elected Atticus because he would try his hardest to pledge Tom innocent and give him a fair trial. “Scout, simply by the nature of work, every lawyer gets at least one case in his life time that affects him personally. This one’s mine I guess.” (Lee, 101) Atticus is explaining to Scout why he has to try to defend Tom as best he can and how much the trial affects his life personally. Atticus is showing justice because he doesn’t care whether he is black or not he will still do his greatest to give Tom the fairest trial possible. If it were any other lawyer they would the trial as a joke but Atticus will take it seriously because he is a man of moral and justice and that is what he has shown to everyone. Justice is served a throughout the novel but justice sometimes can’t always be served.
Bob Ewell has to be the most racist person to ever walk on this earth. Tom has stepped foot on his property so many times to help Mayella out that he just could not stand seeing him on his property. The one thing that would be Bobs mind at all times would be to get Tom as far away from his property for as long as he can, and the only way to do that is to get Tom sent to jail. “Guilty, Guilty, Guilty, Guilty, Guilty.” (Lee 282) A member of the jury has just walked up to tell Judge the verdict on the trial of Tom Robinson. Atticus had done the best he could to represent Tom but the jury had still considered him guilty. No matter how hard Judge Taylor and Atticus tried to win Tom the trial in the end he still was pledged guilty. Atticus questioning Mayella Ewell who is on stand, he then asks Tom to stand up so that Mayella way take one long look at him. “It most certainly is.” (Lee, 249) Atticus questioned Mayella if Tom truly was the man that has raped her. Mayella truly knowing the truth of what happened that spring evening, just wanted all the evidence to be gone and the last piece was Tom, sending Tom to jail would help her forget what she has done. Bob had put the bruises on Mayella so that everyone would believe that Tom was guilty. Everything piece of evidence of Tom being guilty traces all the way back to Bob Ewell. Justice had clearly not been served. If justice isn’t served then there will be revenge to come along with it.
Though justice played a big role in the theme of the novel, revenge as well had played a big role. Just after Jem and Scout had been attacked by someone, Heck Tate had rushed to the finch home and determined that Bob Ewell was the man had attacked them and he was lying there dead under a tree with a kitchen knife under his ribs. “Let the dead bury the dead” (Lee, 369) Heck Tate was telling Atticus that Bob Ewell had fell on his knife. Heck Tate is stating that revenge has played its part this issue between Bob and Tom. Bob Ewell had got Tom Robinson sent to jail and then later on killed in prison, then revenge had played its part against Bob when he had died soon after Tom Robinsons killing. “Mr. Ewell fell on his knife” (Lee, 370) Heck is explaining to Atticus that Bob Ewell had fallen on his knife and no one had killed. What a coincidence that someone would fall on their knife isn’t it? Revenge had clearly played its part in claiming revenge against Bob for putting Tom’s life away.
Though there were many different underlying themes in the novel revenge and justice were the two main themes that had stood out the most. Throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee justice is served and challenged, as well revenge was given to the person who deserved it. Though in live it may seem that as soon as justice is served it ends, sooner or later revenge will come and strike.
You May Also Find These Documents Helpful
-
In Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” racism is a common thread in the community and is never more apparent than in this chapter. Tom Robinson is subjected to an unfair disadvantage throughout this novel, from the mob that comes after him at the Maycomb county jail to the results of his trial. Atticus states in chapter 10, “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird,” this comes back into play as Tom’s innocence is constantly ignored because of his skin color. Tom Robinson may be the minority but it should not make him any less innocent than any white man on the witness stand. It is a distinct aura throughout Tom’s trial that he is not innocent until proven guilty, solely because of he is black. Across the plot Atticus is constantly…
- 332 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
The Tom Robinson case in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee shows unfairness and inequality in colored people compared to whites. Tom Robinson is a black man who is accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white woman. Evidence clearly shows that Tom did not commit rape, but the jury still found him guilty according to his skin color. Tom now has to face his life in misery, knowing that he didn’t do anything wrong. The Declaration of Independence and Tom’s inspiring lawyer, Atticus Finch, both say that “all men are created equal”. Based on this classic American novel, not everyone gets an equitable trial and is treated fairly. The Tom Robinson trial was evident of injustice and inequity. Harper Lee's story proves that not everyone is treated equally, especially in court.…
- 893 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
In the novel to kill a Mocking bird, Atticus Finch is described as a person that is patient, never gives up once he has started something. Atticus doesn’t give up trying to pronounce justice to Tom Robinson for a crime he never was associated with. Atticus took Tom Robinsons case into his own hands although knowing the fact he would have had a whole mob against his argument, Atticus fights for Tom Robinsons justice even though he has kept him and himself into danger. Atticus defends Tom Robinson because he believes that every person deserves an equal testimony, he takes the risk defending Tom Robinson knowing that Tom is a colored man and that he is a White man. Atticus was then humiliated and embarrassed by Bob Ewell and the other townspeople. Atticus defended Tom Robinson and questioned the honesty of a white person. Atticus never gave up on Tom Robinson and filled a motion of a retrial as soon as the jurors came back with a guilty verdict. Atticus was willing to fight any obstacles that got in his way to find justice for Tom Robinson.…
- 514 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Atticus tries to make the jury see him not as Tom’s Lawyer but as a loyal member of community. By using colloquial language, referring to them as “Gentlemen” and noting to the case as “being as simple as black and white”, a more intimate and personal connection with the jury can be established. This is necessary to Atticus’s plight as the jury, unlike Atticus, lacks courage to make decisions that go against society; they succumb to the importance to other values/opinions and are influenced by the pressure of society.…
- 785 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
Atticus explains how important it is that Tom’s case is treated the same way as any other case. Atticus says, “in our courts all men are created equal” (Lee 274). Atticus stresses to the jury that everyone is equal and Tom shouldn’t be judged differently because of his skin color. Atticus discusses the role of the court and how important it is for it to function properly. Atticus says, “Gentlemen, a court is no better than each man of you sitting before me on this jury” (Lee 274). It is important for the courts to function properly because the court is a place where people rely on a jury to make a decision that could affect someone's life, so the courts should treat everyone equally. Atticus says this because he wants the jury to know that they have the power to make this decision. He wants them to make a decision without involving racism. He tells them how a court only works as well as the jury in it. Atticus is subtly hinting that if the jury makes the wrong decision then the court isn’t a good court. The conclusion of Atticus’ argument is a strong message towards the jury to make the right decision without involving…
- 1126 Words
- 5 Pages
Good Essays -
Tom Robinson was a man who received no justice because of the color of his skin. Justice in and out of the courtroom is a playing theme in To Kill a Mockingbird. We learn that justice is not given to everyone because of the majority belief of prejudice in society. People are discriminated because of the color of their skin, their age, or the things they believe in. Tom, and Scout are all prime examples of this theme.…
- 357 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
Black people are victims of injustice, just like Tom Robinson. Tom Robinson is a victim of injustice because even though he is innocent, he is found guilty of raping Mayella Ewell. The jury agrees and decides to make the black man guilty of the rape. “I shut my eyes. Judge Taylor was polling the jury: ‘Guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty.’ I peeked at Jem, his hands were white from gripping the balcony rail, and his shoulders jerked as if each “guilty” was a separate stab between them” (Lee 214). Atticus does his best to defend Tom, but it was not enough to win the trial. The jury may have chosen the Ewells to win because Tom Robinson was a negro. Tom Robinson was shot and killed in jail, while trying to escape because he should not have been there in the first…
- 708 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Atticus has a strong understanding of justice, as evidenced by his pivotal actions in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. He took Tom Robinson’s court case because the judge knew he could impact the jurors unlike anyone else (Lee 288-289). With Atticus’s wise and articulate nature, he could make a strong attempt to get justice for Tom Robinson. Though the town frowned upon Atticus for his actions, Atticus…
- 406 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
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 -
In To Kill a Mockingbird Atticus Finch represents the epitome of justice, through his belief in equality. He has a great belief in the legal system, and a belief that it will be fair and equal to all. "Our courts have their faults, as does any human institution, but in this country our courts are the great levellers, and in our courts all men are created equal. 'I'm no idealist to believe in the integrity of our courts and in the jury system - that is no ideal to me, it is a living, working reality." (Atticus, pgs 226-227). Atticus Finch, a lawyer by profession, has a deep rooted belief that the court system will be just and fair, as that is what it stands for. Atticus is also just in that he is not prejudice; he does not think himself above another man based on skin colour. "'The handful of people in this town who say that fair play is not marked White Only; the handful of people who say a fair trial is for everyone, not just us; the handful of people with enough humility to think, when they look at a negro, there but for the Lord's kindness am I.'" (Miss Maudie, pg261).…
- 1488 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
The "rigid and time honoured code" of society was that, while, white people could employ and even exploit African-Americans, there could be no personal relationship between African-Americans and whites and no recognition that African-Americans had the same reactions and feelings as white people. Further, there was an evil assumption "that all Blackslie, that all Blacks are basically immoral beings". They certainly did not have the benefit of then To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus' says "Mayella has merely broken a rigid and time honoured code of our society, a code so severe that whoever breaks it is hounded from our midst as unfit to live with..."…
- 349 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
What is a hero? When one thinks of a modern day hero one typically thinks of a character with extreme muscles who is constantly helping others. In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, a modern day hero is Atticus. Although he is not physically built, he exemplifies the qualities of a hero. During the Great Depression Scout, Jem, Atticus, and their housemaid Calpurnia, experience the extent of racism in Maycomb County. Tom Robinson is accused of raping Bob Ewell’s daughter and is defended by Atticus. Robinson is then convicted due to his skin color, regardless of his innocence. Throughout this court case Atticus actively supports Tom Robinson. Regardless of difficult circumstances, a hero exemplifies fairness, courage, and initiative. In all emotional settings a hero should attempt to be fair and just. Furthermore, a hero shows courage through the conflicts that he faces. Finally, a hero displays initiative when it is unexpected which is revealed through the use of irony.…
- 1876 Words
- 8 Pages
Good Essays -
"Courage is not a man with a gun in your hand it's knowing 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 " said Atticus finch to his son Jem. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee courage is a main personality trait portrayed by Atticus and Scout . There are many scenarios in the story where courage is shown in the story which occurs in Maycomb a town in the Deep South Alabama during the 1930's . Throughout the novel courage takes place when people are fighting , standing up for what they believe in or just breathing. Courage is not one putting fear into someone's heart but standing up for what you believe in whether it's wrong or right .…
- 668 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Long before the 1930s public schools were a symbol of American democracy. It was a place where hard work and achievement were rewarded, where brilliance was dug up from basic talent, a necessary starting point on the road to success ("The 1930s: Education: Overview."). Education had an important role throughout the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. Harper Lee described education through her story and how it was a difficult thing to keep necessary. Along with the 1930s The Great Depression and segregation tagged along as well allowing teachers to go unpaid fully and schools to shut down. Conflicts over schools and education have often been the main struggle between the black and white communities.…
- 738 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
“Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy that’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” This quote is from Miss Maudie explaining to the children within To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper E. Lee what Atticus their father has said. In this story, it is explain from a point of view of a child named Scout. She experiences many difficulties after the Great Depressing. Furthermore, her father is called to defend a colored person in a crime he didn’t committed in a town filled with racism. Overall, Harper E. Lee proves that in the story the loss of innocence is unavoidable with the characters, and conflicts.…
- 610 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays