Atticus shows that his words are not empty, and he practices what he has taught his children. Atticus conveys empathy for the minorities around him, such as the Ewell family and the Negroes. Tom Robinson, a black man, is being represented in court by Atticus. Atticus empathizes for Tom who is wrongly accused of taking advantage of Mayella Ewell, a poor white women, and tries his hardest to win the case for Tom. After losing the trial and humiliating the Ewells in the process, Bob Ewell, Mayella’s father, spits in Atticus’ face and threatens to get even with him. Atticus, feeling sorry for Mayella, takes this incident and uses it as a lesson of empathy for his children. Atticus says, “ Jem see if you can stand in Bob Ewell’s shoes a minute. I destroyed every thread of credibility at that trial, if he he had any to begin with. The man had to have some kind of comeback, his kind always do. So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that’s something I’ll gladly take. He had to take it out on somebody and I’d rather it be me than that houseful of children out there” (292-293). The lesson of empathy is supported largely through Atticus, and his ways with Tom and the Ewells. To sum up, Atticus’ inspirational experiences convey greatly to his children, and help to better them for the rest of the…
“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.…
149). Atticus uses his intelligence throughout this novel his intelligence throughout this novel. The second trait that Atticus displays in this novel is admiralty. One of the many times that Atticus shows that he is amiable in To Kill a Mocking Bird is when he thought that Jem killed Bob Ewell-- the mean racist town drunk who has a grudge against Atticus because he defended Tom Robertson against the rape charges that he was facing —he did not try to hide it or cover it up. Another reason why Atticus is an easterly admirable person is the fact that he is the same in his house as he is in public. Ms. Maudie said “’Gracious child I was raveling a thread wasn’t even thinking about your father, but know that I am, I’ll say this: Atticus Finch is the same in his home as he is on public streets”’ (Lee. 61) the amiability that Atticus has shown throughout this novel only goes to show people what a wonderful man he…
Cunningham, Tom Robinson, and Jem. When Atticus helps Mr. Cunningham with his entailment, he is fully aware of Mr. Cunningham’s inability to pay him back by conventional means. Mr. Cunningham proclaims that he “[doesn’t] know when [he’ll] ever be able to pay [Atticus],” but Atticus is confident that “before the year’s out, [he]’ll have been paid” (27). Knowing that Mr. Cunningham can’t pay him, Atticus has no reason to offer his help. However, he does it anyway out of the kindness of his heart, without any expectation of reward. He helps the Cunninghams simply because it is the right thing to do. Similarly, when Tom Robinson is accused of rape, Atticus takes the case without complaint, even if doing so damages his reputation. He explains that “before [he] can live with other folks, [he’s] got to live with [him]self” (140). His principles are more important to him than his reputation, and he doesn’t let other people pressure him into violating them. At Scout’s age, many of her peers will try to pressure her into doing things she shouldn’t do. Learning that what others think of her is not critical to her well-being is an invaluable lesson that will benefit her later in life. Finally, Atticus believes firmly in abiding by the law, even when it comes to his son. Near the end of the book, Atticus thinks that Jem killed Bob Ewell and insists that it “[go]…
In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, the author Harper Lee showed the hardships of growing up in the 30's. The characters Jem and Scout are thrown in the middle of difficult times when their father, Atticus, chooses to represent a black man. From this choice of their father, Jem and Scout come to understand that the world isn't fair and they learn how to deal with it. Through the interactions of the childhood world and the adult world, Jem and Scout's personalities and learning change. Jem starts to feel the effects of Atticus's choice to represent a black man when he has an encounter with an old lady, Mrs. Dubose. When Mrs. Dubose was rude to Jem, he got angry and ruined her flowers. Jm was young and didn't understand the effects of his actions. Atticus told Jem that he needs to just hold his head high "and be a gentleman"(133). Jem was just a boy and wasn't used tp dealing with cruelness, especially coming from an adult. His father made it clear…
with a temper, and always enjoys asking lots of questions. Atticus calmly takes a compassionate and patient approach to handling issues. He gets down to their level and speaks in a way that they can understand. Amazingly, he is able to resolve problems, big or small, with love and patience, while listening to everything they have to say. One example when Jem started to raise his voice and get flustered, Atticus said, ‘“ Whoa, son.” so gently that I was greatly heartened.”’ (96) No matter the conflict, Atticus maintains a gentle and patient attitude towards his kids that only results in grater love and respect for him.…
In “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, Jem Finch discovers that it’s essential to do what’s right even if it’s not a favored decision. Examples of this are shown throughout the book as Jem becomes exposed to more knowledge, and Atticus, his father, is a prime example of what’s just. It’s important to learn the lesson of doing what’s right because without it, you’ll lose self-esteem and respect. Not doing what’s right can lead to severe punishments both physically and mentally. Doing something wrong, and even just doing nothing can eat away at you, and doing the right thing will never be worse than that.…
Atticus Finch, a character in the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee questions the values of society. Atticus expresses the right for equality among all races. Atticus is the lawyer for Tom Robinson and this story focuses on the conflict within the trial he defends in order to support equality.…
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.Chapter 7"As Atticus once advised me to do, I tried to climb into Jem's skin and walk around in it: if I had gone alone to the Radley Place at two in the morning, my funeral would have been held the next afternoon. So I left Jem alone and tried not to bother him."Chapter 9"When a child asks you something, answer him, for goodness' sake. But don't make a production of it. Children are children, but they can spot an evasion quicker than adults, and evasion simply muddles 'em.""You might hear some ugly talk about it at school, but do one thing for me if you will: you just hold your head high and keep…
Aunt Alexandra tells Jem and Scout they have to act like Finches. Initially, Atticus agrees with her, but says differently while he puts his children to bed, that “I don’t want you to remember it. Forget it.” (178). Atticus doesn’t want himself or his kids to act like the rest of their family. He likes everyone to think for themselves and be their own person. Again, Atticus is genuine when Heck is telling Atticus that Jem did not kill Bob Ewell, but in his shock, Atticus doesn’t believe him and thinks Tate is trying to cover up what Jem did. Atticus tells Mr. Tate that, “I don’t live that way.” (365). Atticus is an honest person, and he always tries to be honest and outright. He doesn’t act different around certain people or in certain social settings. As the Finches’ neighbor Miss Maudie Atkinson says, “Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets.” (61).…
Surrounded by people who easily cast their judgment, Atticus stood firm in his belief that every person merited a chance to be understood before he formed his opinion about them. He said, “You never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them” (Lee 374). Atticus saw plainly how the people in his town evaluated each other and spread absurd rumors from house to house. Realizing that the people’s preconception in the town influenced his children, Atticus taught his kids by example to not pass judgment on any person. Thus Scout and Jem learned that “… there is one kind of folks, folks” (Lee 304), recognizing that no person should be seen differently because everyone is equal. In conclusion, Atticus’s differ in beliefs opened the door for him to be courageous and a hero as he showed…
People tend to judge a lot, and worse; judge based on what others say. In the story, To Kill Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, three characters illustrate being victims of others’ false judgments. These individuals reveal little about their past, and so most of the people in Maycomb knew next to nothing about them. As a result, some misinformed folks make up and spread stories and speculations about those individuals’ pasts. Though the gossipers mean no harm, the individuals’ reputations suffer as a result. Mrs. Dubose, Mr. Dolphus Raymond, and Arthur Radley demonstrate the life of someone who live as an incognito individual. Throughout the story, the truth of their pasts are revealed, making the children learn that they must not believe everything that they hear.…
The only way a person is able to appropriately judge someone, is if they put themselves in their shoes first. Even in the beginning of the book, Harper Lee addresses the judgement that everyone passes to each other. When Scout attends school, she automatically dislikes her teacher when she tells Scout that Atticus can’t read to her anymore. After relaying this to Atticus, he say, “ … if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You will 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” (Lee 39). By having Atticus give this advice to Scout, Lee foreshadows coming events that Scout will need to use this information.…
When Jem asked Atticus about the people who committed something Atticus told him that he doesn’t know, but thought they did it anyways. For example, “Atticus-" said Jem bleakly. He turned in the doorway. "What, son?" "How could they do it, how could they?" "I don't know, but they did it. They've done it before and they did it tonight and they'll do it again and when they do it—seems that only children weep. Good night. (22.14-17)” After what had happen Jem went to sleep peacefully. This quote displays that people would think you can sometimes be the suspect with no evidence since they will think of you if you have problems about yourself creating yourself more like a corporate than a innocence human being. This shows that innocence depends on race, look, and personality on some people and gives us a perspective on why people would always pick the ones that look weird and have problems in their life.…
Many different themes are in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The theme of this essay is “Don’t judge before learning.” In the play, two kids called Jem and Scout investigate the rumors of a neighborhood man called Boo Radley while their father, a lawyer named Atticus, prepares to defend an African American named Tom Robinson for a crime he did not commit. People judged Tom Robinson, Boo Radley, and Scout.…