Atticus Finch As A Hero Analysis

Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, written in the 1960’s and set in the 1930’s, and highlights the social narrative of the 30’s. The novel is set in Maycomb County, Alabama a town very typical of the times. The reader is presented with the character of Atticus Finch, a middle-aged father who works as a lawyer. Although seemingly average he is although significant; as a hero. Amongst his peers he exhibited higher thresholds of empathy, which was quite high especially in the historical context. He lived by his philosophy of equality and fairness, and preached in-directly and literally towards those around him. When confronted by conflict he would approach passively and attentively sought that no one was to be laid victim. He however also had …show more content…
These qualities and his overall sense of justice (and morality) construct him as the model hero. Even as he lives is life in that way he still becomes presented with situations that only further his status. Atticus’ heroism can be seen in events within the novel, with most importantly his valiant defence of Tom Robinson. This is preceded by the Second significant event, when he is confronted by an angry mob outside the County Jail where a defenceless Tom Robinson slept. But the first event which provides evidence of his Heroism is early in the Novel; the Confrontation with Mrs Dubose. These events within in the novel illustrate Atticus as a Heroic man as constructed by Harper …show more content…
In which Atticus had to defend a guard cell holding a guilty black man against an approaching violent white mob. At this time Atticus had just taken up the role of defending Tom Robinson; a black man accused of raping a white woman. This act alone took courage but what followed needed more than that. Tom Robinson his now client had been held in the County Jail until further notice. A brick building that lay amongst the other town buildings. This cell however was easily accessible and was in the open of the town. As he slept one night an amassing group of white men planned to breach his cell. In order to rid of the problem he had posed. Outside however laid his sentry, Atticus Finch, whom was willing to defend him whilst he slept. The mob drew in surrounding Atticus and attempted to muscle him out of their way. Before they drew contact however Atticus’ children appeared alongside him as they jumped from their hiding place. The mob then tried to threaten Atticus with his children and began to rustle Jem up. Scout quickly jumped to her brother’s captor and swiftly kicked him across his legs. Now aggressive the mob began to close in, until however Scout responded with her own attack. Scout defuses the threat by addressing the mob individually, and strikes up conversation with Mr. Walter Cunningham. “Hey, Mr. Cunningham. How 's your entailment gettin ' along?”Ch.15. Here she shows both her innocence and unawareness of