Role of Atticus: Analysis

“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a ripple hope… and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy… [they] build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance” this quote from Robert F. Kennedy connects to Atticus because he helps Maycomb county reach a major checkpoint during the Tom Robinson case. Many people start to give a second thought about sentencing him which shows they start care. This is why Atticus is the most important citizen in Maycomb, he plays such a large role in the novel. Harper Lee portrays Atticus as fairly well situated during the poverty in the Great Depression. Since he is portrayed this way Atticus takes the role as an intelligent, exemplary individual. This also contributes to the respect he receives from everyone, including the poor like the Cunninghams. His calm and wise nature gives the town a backbone and causes them to rely on him for many things, thus putting him in the position to change Maycomb’ citizens’ ways. Maycomb relies on Atticus throughout the story; the first clear incident is the mad dog appearance. Heck Tate says, ““Take him, Mr. Finch”… [and] handed the rifle to Atticus” (95). This quote symbolizes the towns’ people handing their problem to Atticus to solve. However, Mr. Finch is not able to follow in the town’s footsteps as they conform to racial segregation. He ignores their crude remarks such as, “Scout Finchs daddy defends niggers” (76) and agrees to stick up for Tom Robinson, a black man, in court. His decision soon puts him in the position to receive scorn from Maycomb citizens. Even though Tom does not win the case Atticus succeeds in “send[ing] forth a ripple of hope” and “making a step---it’s just a baby-step, but it’s a step” (216). Atticus not only affects acquaintances, but also his family. He taught Scout tolerance through understanding. He explains to her that, “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” (30). Her talk with Atticus helps Scout grow up and have more of a reasonable mind set when in positions like people criticizing her father. Jem and Scout both rely on Atticus for rational and somewhat comforting lectures and teachings. They both learned from him to never hold resentment on others no matter their indifferences. He understands that everyone has both a good and bad side to them. During the story he rubs off on both children creating a small ripple, Jem, the older of the siblings, grows up quicker therefore understanding Atticus’ lessons. An excellent example of Jems maturation compared to Scouts is when he stops her from squishing a bug. He does this because after experiencing the unjust persecution of Tom Robinson and Atticus’ lessons he feels he needs to protect those unable to stand up for themselves. Throughout To Kill A Mockingbird Atticus is represented by the towns dependency on him and his reliability. Defending Tom Robinson and being a role model for his children shows he is committed to seeking justice and conveys his willingness to see situations in the “skin” of others. He is a static character, from the beginning of the novel Atticus is known for moral ethics and does not grow nor change.