Despite the fact that Atticus is a both white and a man, the two traits that seemingly alleviate him of all problems associated with racism and sexism, he still struggles with discrimination from the people of Maycomb for defending a Negro. Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus’s character isn’t drastically shaped or molded, it is simply just defined and explored by showing a variety of interactions between him and the people of Maycomb. Lee portrays Atticus as a compassionate man who believes that no one should be subject to unusually cruel treatment, no matter their race, and spurs self-betterment in those around him.
Part one doesn’t directly characterize Atticus as a man who strives to improve others, rather, it alludes to this trait through interactions between him, Scout and Jem. One of the defining moments is when Scout relays the story of Cecil Jacobs mocking him for “defend[ing] niggers” (Lee, 83). Upon hearing these insults, Atticus doesn’t get offended; he doesn’t retaliate to Cecil Jacob’s close-minded squabbles; he doesn’t lash out at Scout. He simply tells her “don’t say nigger. Scout. That’s common.”(Lee, 85). This moment illustrates that Atticus knows about the bigotry that the Finch family will have to …show more content…
When Jem outwardly shows his distaste for the Ewells, Atticus advises him to “stand in Bob Ewell’s shoes for a minute.” (Lee 249). By including this interaction, Lee shows the reader that Atticus doesn’t harbour any harsh feelings, and remains righteous and even sympathetic, even when faced with an onslaught of harsh comments. Despite the fact that Mr. Ewell treated him -- and all blacks -- poorly, Atticus believes that this doesn’t justify firing back with the same kind of offensive treatment. Moreover, this demonstrates Atticus’s capacity to look at situations from an outside perspective, and reason with their
Part one doesn’t directly characterize Atticus as a man who strives to improve others, rather, it alludes to this trait through interactions between him, Scout and Jem. One of the defining moments is when Scout relays the story of Cecil Jacobs mocking him for “defend[ing] niggers” (Lee, 83). Upon hearing these insults, Atticus doesn’t get offended; he doesn’t retaliate to Cecil Jacob’s close-minded squabbles; he doesn’t lash out at Scout. He simply tells her “don’t say nigger. Scout. That’s common.”(Lee, 85). This moment illustrates that Atticus knows about the bigotry that the Finch family will have to …show more content…
When Jem outwardly shows his distaste for the Ewells, Atticus advises him to “stand in Bob Ewell’s shoes for a minute.” (Lee 249). By including this interaction, Lee shows the reader that Atticus doesn’t harbour any harsh feelings, and remains righteous and even sympathetic, even when faced with an onslaught of harsh comments. Despite the fact that Mr. Ewell treated him -- and all blacks -- poorly, Atticus believes that this doesn’t justify firing back with the same kind of offensive treatment. Moreover, this demonstrates Atticus’s capacity to look at situations from an outside perspective, and reason with their