“‘We’re the safest folks in the world,’ said Miss Maudie. ‘We’re so rarely called on to be Christians, but when we are, we’ve got men like Atticus to go for us’” (Lee 246-247).This quote, by Miss Maudie in To Kill a Mockingbird, shows the character of Atticus Finch. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee tells the story of Scout and Jem Finch, whose father Atticus, a lawyer, has been assigned to defend an African American man accused of raping a young woman. This case will change their family, and their town of Maycomb, Alabama. As the novel progresses, Atticus presents himself as wise, courageous, and calm- all qualities which make him an admirable leader of Maycomb, as well as an impeccable father.
Throughout the novel, there are several instances …show more content…
While talking about a neighbor, Atticus defines courage as “when you know you’re getting licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what” (Lee 128). What Atticus says here aligns with why he is defending Tom Robinson: "The main one is, if I didn't, I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this county in the legislature, I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do something again… Scout, simply by the nature of the work, every lawyer gets at least one case in his lifetime that affects him personally. This one’s mine, I guess. You might hear some ugly talk about it in school” (Lee 86). If Atticus didn’t defend Tom Robinson, he would not feel comfortable being a leader in Maycomb, and being a father. He would not be setting an example for everyone else by giving up, just because it seems difficult. Atticus also knows how the case will affect him. He knows it will be hard on himself, and his family. Despite this, Atticus continues to try to help Tom, to seek justice for him, because he believes that this is the morally right thing to do, and something he deserves. While navigating through these difficult situations, Atticus has reacted to them extremely appropriately.
Especially later in the novel, Atticus shows himself as calm in situations where it would be easy to be alarmed. For example, in chapter 23, Mr. Ewell provokes …show more content…
Ewell asked if Atticus was too proud to fight, Atticus responded, “‘No, too old,’ put his hands in his pockets and strolled on (Lee 249). When Bob Ewell gets angry at Atticus, it would be easy for him to retaliate. Instead, he responds calmly. Not only does this prove he is wise enough to know he shouldn’t do this, but that he is calm, too. While others would react, even violently, towards Mr. Ewell, Atticus simply ignores his actions and walks away. This shows how calm he is. In addition, while Aunt Alexandra was worried about how Bob Ewell would retaliate against the Finches, Atticus said “He’s had his fling with just about everybody now, so he ought to be satisfied. He’ll settle down when the weather changes” (Lee 287). Atticus could easily be nervous about what Bob Ewell would do. After all, it was presumed he tried to break into Judge Taylor’s house, follow Helen Robinson, and spat in Atticus’s face. While Aunt Alexandra was worried he is taking his anger out on anyone connected to Tom’s case, Atticus is confident that he would not do anything. Again, Atticus is able to put himself in someone else’s situation, which helps him to remain calm, even when others cannot. Once again, by being calm, Atticus has proved that he is an impeccable example of good character.
In summation, Atticus Finch continually shows the people of Maycomb, and especially his children, what it means to be a good leader and person through being sagacious, brave, and relaxed. Not only does
Throughout the novel, there are several instances …show more content…
While talking about a neighbor, Atticus defines courage as “when you know you’re getting licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what” (Lee 128). What Atticus says here aligns with why he is defending Tom Robinson: "The main one is, if I didn't, I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this county in the legislature, I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do something again… Scout, simply by the nature of the work, every lawyer gets at least one case in his lifetime that affects him personally. This one’s mine, I guess. You might hear some ugly talk about it in school” (Lee 86). If Atticus didn’t defend Tom Robinson, he would not feel comfortable being a leader in Maycomb, and being a father. He would not be setting an example for everyone else by giving up, just because it seems difficult. Atticus also knows how the case will affect him. He knows it will be hard on himself, and his family. Despite this, Atticus continues to try to help Tom, to seek justice for him, because he believes that this is the morally right thing to do, and something he deserves. While navigating through these difficult situations, Atticus has reacted to them extremely appropriately.
Especially later in the novel, Atticus shows himself as calm in situations where it would be easy to be alarmed. For example, in chapter 23, Mr. Ewell provokes …show more content…
Ewell asked if Atticus was too proud to fight, Atticus responded, “‘No, too old,’ put his hands in his pockets and strolled on (Lee 249). When Bob Ewell gets angry at Atticus, it would be easy for him to retaliate. Instead, he responds calmly. Not only does this prove he is wise enough to know he shouldn’t do this, but that he is calm, too. While others would react, even violently, towards Mr. Ewell, Atticus simply ignores his actions and walks away. This shows how calm he is. In addition, while Aunt Alexandra was worried about how Bob Ewell would retaliate against the Finches, Atticus said “He’s had his fling with just about everybody now, so he ought to be satisfied. He’ll settle down when the weather changes” (Lee 287). Atticus could easily be nervous about what Bob Ewell would do. After all, it was presumed he tried to break into Judge Taylor’s house, follow Helen Robinson, and spat in Atticus’s face. While Aunt Alexandra was worried he is taking his anger out on anyone connected to Tom’s case, Atticus is confident that he would not do anything. Again, Atticus is able to put himself in someone else’s situation, which helps him to remain calm, even when others cannot. Once again, by being calm, Atticus has proved that he is an impeccable example of good character.
In summation, Atticus Finch continually shows the people of Maycomb, and especially his children, what it means to be a good leader and person through being sagacious, brave, and relaxed. Not only does