The Measure of a Man:Critical Lens Essay Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in a moment of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” In other words, a man’s true self is shown when challenged and under pressure, not in the comfort of his home.This statement is supported by the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee through characters like Atticus Finch and Bob Ewell. The novel, told through naive Scout’s perspective, follows the trial of Tom Robinson,the mystery of Boo Radley, and the ups and downs of Maycomb. Many characters in the novel To Kill A Mockingbird face conflicts such as judgement, the case against Tom Robinson,and embarrassment,
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Ewells case in defence of Tom Robinson; a black man accused of raping Bob Ewell’s eldest daughter Mayella. Once the news traveled throughout Maycomb that Atticus is defending Tom, the Finch’s become the talk of the town, even some of their own family is judging them.In chapter 9, while visiting family on christmas vacation Scout and her cousin Francis are out when he starts talking about what his grandmother has been saying about her father, he says,”If uncle Atticus lets you run around with stray dogs that’s his own business, like grandma says, so it ain’t your fault.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.” This statement proves that the choices people make in their lives will be judged upon by the town, creating a bias against the family.This isn't the only sign of judgement in chapter 11 while walking down the street Mrs.Dubose yells at them,”Not only a Finch waiting on tables but one in the courthouse lawing for niggers!” she goes on to say,” Your father’s no better than the niggers and trash he works for!” Mrs.Dubose choices to judge Jem and Scout based on the decisions of Atticus.What the town thinks of the Finch family is not what they think of themselves, through all the judgment they are still able to walk with their heads
Ewells case in defence of Tom Robinson; a black man accused of raping Bob Ewell’s eldest daughter Mayella. Once the news traveled throughout Maycomb that Atticus is defending Tom, the Finch’s become the talk of the town, even some of their own family is judging them.In chapter 9, while visiting family on christmas vacation Scout and her cousin Francis are out when he starts talking about what his grandmother has been saying about her father, he says,”If uncle Atticus lets you run around with stray dogs that’s his own business, like grandma says, so it ain’t your fault.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.” This statement proves that the choices people make in their lives will be judged upon by the town, creating a bias against the family.This isn't the only sign of judgement in chapter 11 while walking down the street Mrs.Dubose yells at them,”Not only a Finch waiting on tables but one in the courthouse lawing for niggers!” she goes on to say,” Your father’s no better than the niggers and trash he works for!” Mrs.Dubose choices to judge Jem and Scout based on the decisions of Atticus.What the town thinks of the Finch family is not what they think of themselves, through all the judgment they are still able to walk with their heads