“Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try and win” (Lee To Kill a Mockingbird 76). Harper Lee has the main character, Atticus, say this to portray his heroism. Harper Lee was raised in Monroeville which is in Alabama, just as the novel is set. Her father, Amasa, was a lawyer just like Atticus. Harper is even a model for Scout, and Truman Capote is a model for Dill. Lee wants to paint a portrait of a man who stands up for what is right. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee illustrates Atticus Finch to embody the heroic qualities of understanding, empathy, and sangfroid.
First Harper Lee shows that Atticus is understanding. Atticus shows that he is understanding by listening and …show more content…
Atticus is able to stay calm and collected even when people are saying and thinking bad things about him. The town is talking trash because he is defending a black man. This shows his sangfroid and composure because most people would crack under that pressure. Instead he is seemingly unbothered, and actually has to deal with his children’s response and keep them in control. “My folks said your daddy was a disgrace an ' that nigger oughta hang from the water tank" (102). This is just one example of the way people talked about Atticus. The town was angry, and utterly confused about why Atticus would defend a black man. Especially one, in their minds, that committed such a terrible crime. The next way Atticus expresses his sangfroid manner is when Atticus and Alexandra argue about how Scout and Jem should act. Aunt Alexandra believes the children need to act like they are more important since they come from a better family. Attics argues that they should be allowed to be themselves but finally gives in to her requests. Instead of getting angry at Alexandra he calmly handles the situation and tries to do what she is persisting. He tells the kids to act more important but later tells them to forget it because he’s taught them well enough. “Your aunt has asked me to try and impress upon you and Jean Louise that you are not from the run-of-the-mill people, that you are the product of several generations’ gentle breeding…” (151). This shows he has enough sangfroid and stability to handle arguments calmly. Harper Lee incorporates this to show a situation where Atticus could have cracked, but his composure remained balanced. The last thing Atticus does to show sangfroid is being calm in the presence of racism. He wants to see equality between blacks and whites, but he expresses this in a mature and non-violent manner. Atticus teaches his children about tolerance, and tries to instill his most important
First Harper Lee shows that Atticus is understanding. Atticus shows that he is understanding by listening and …show more content…
Atticus is able to stay calm and collected even when people are saying and thinking bad things about him. The town is talking trash because he is defending a black man. This shows his sangfroid and composure because most people would crack under that pressure. Instead he is seemingly unbothered, and actually has to deal with his children’s response and keep them in control. “My folks said your daddy was a disgrace an ' that nigger oughta hang from the water tank" (102). This is just one example of the way people talked about Atticus. The town was angry, and utterly confused about why Atticus would defend a black man. Especially one, in their minds, that committed such a terrible crime. The next way Atticus expresses his sangfroid manner is when Atticus and Alexandra argue about how Scout and Jem should act. Aunt Alexandra believes the children need to act like they are more important since they come from a better family. Attics argues that they should be allowed to be themselves but finally gives in to her requests. Instead of getting angry at Alexandra he calmly handles the situation and tries to do what she is persisting. He tells the kids to act more important but later tells them to forget it because he’s taught them well enough. “Your aunt has asked me to try and impress upon you and Jean Louise that you are not from the run-of-the-mill people, that you are the product of several generations’ gentle breeding…” (151). This shows he has enough sangfroid and stability to handle arguments calmly. Harper Lee incorporates this to show a situation where Atticus could have cracked, but his composure remained balanced. The last thing Atticus does to show sangfroid is being calm in the presence of racism. He wants to see equality between blacks and whites, but he expresses this in a mature and non-violent manner. Atticus teaches his children about tolerance, and tries to instill his most important