But these aren't the only reasons. Atticus knew Tom was innocent as soon as he saw Tom's limp hand, remember? How could've Tom raped Mayella if he was injured??? And, how could Atticus leave Tom to the claws of the white, racist jury??? Tom was innocent; Atticus HAD to defend him. After all, wasn't it Atticus who said, "It is a sin to kill a mockingbird," and "Just because we were licked a hundred years ago, it doesn't mean we don't have to stop trying." Atticus knows there is no way Tom can receive a fair trial, and that he isn't going to get a jury of his peers. The extreme prejudice of the entire town does not allow Tom to receive justice, and Atticus believes he can at least bring this to the light of day. He admits he cannot win the trial but must do what is right despite the probable outcome. It is not only because he wants to do what is right, he also wants his children to see him do what is right. Through testimony and the actions of those in court, it is revealed that a person's class may limit him as much as a person's race in certain situations. The Ewells are considered trash by both black and white neighbors, and they are so physically dirty that they are indistinguishable from a black
But these aren't the only reasons. Atticus knew Tom was innocent as soon as he saw Tom's limp hand, remember? How could've Tom raped Mayella if he was injured??? And, how could Atticus leave Tom to the claws of the white, racist jury??? Tom was innocent; Atticus HAD to defend him. After all, wasn't it Atticus who said, "It is a sin to kill a mockingbird," and "Just because we were licked a hundred years ago, it doesn't mean we don't have to stop trying." Atticus knows there is no way Tom can receive a fair trial, and that he isn't going to get a jury of his peers. The extreme prejudice of the entire town does not allow Tom to receive justice, and Atticus believes he can at least bring this to the light of day. He admits he cannot win the trial but must do what is right despite the probable outcome. It is not only because he wants to do what is right, he also wants his children to see him do what is right. Through testimony and the actions of those in court, it is revealed that a person's class may limit him as much as a person's race in certain situations. The Ewells are considered trash by both black and white neighbors, and they are so physically dirty that they are indistinguishable from a black