In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, despite the long-held feelings of his community, Atticus Finch stands as a sterling example of a man of principle who is willing to practice his moral values. This is shown in many ways throughout the novel, and will be highlighted in this essay.
First, Atticus shows his long-held feelings about Maycomb, while speaking to Jem and Scout following the trial, “ I don’t know, but they did it. They’ve done it before and they did it tonight and they’ll do it again and when they do it-seems that only children weep. Good night.” (285) This is one of the few times where Atticus shows how he feels about the Maycomb community and its people. Since Atticus does not openly speak about his feelings, this is one time where the reader can really tell how he feels.
Second, Atticus always stands as a man of principle. This can sometimes prove challenging for Atticus. While the Tom Robinson trial was going on, the reader can tell Atticus is going through a hard time knowing that justice would most likely not be served to the right man. Being a man of principle, this clearly upsets …show more content…
If Atticus was not willing to do this it would have clearly been shown in the trial. Atticus being forced to do the Tom Robinson case is a great example of his moral values. Atticus, knowing all odds are against him, still tries his best to prove Tom’s innocence. Despite the fact that Atticus knew this was hopeless, his representation shows his willingness to practice his moral values. When Atticus is talking to Scout about why he is trying to win the trial, he explains to her several reasons why. “ The main one is, if I didn’t I couldn't hold 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” (100). Atticus’ explanation shows he is always willing to practice his moral values and that he feels that it is necessary no matter the
First, Atticus shows his long-held feelings about Maycomb, while speaking to Jem and Scout following the trial, “ I don’t know, but they did it. They’ve done it before and they did it tonight and they’ll do it again and when they do it-seems that only children weep. Good night.” (285) This is one of the few times where Atticus shows how he feels about the Maycomb community and its people. Since Atticus does not openly speak about his feelings, this is one time where the reader can really tell how he feels.
Second, Atticus always stands as a man of principle. This can sometimes prove challenging for Atticus. While the Tom Robinson trial was going on, the reader can tell Atticus is going through a hard time knowing that justice would most likely not be served to the right man. Being a man of principle, this clearly upsets …show more content…
If Atticus was not willing to do this it would have clearly been shown in the trial. Atticus being forced to do the Tom Robinson case is a great example of his moral values. Atticus, knowing all odds are against him, still tries his best to prove Tom’s innocence. Despite the fact that Atticus knew this was hopeless, his representation shows his willingness to practice his moral values. When Atticus is talking to Scout about why he is trying to win the trial, he explains to her several reasons why. “ The main one is, if I didn’t I couldn't hold 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” (100). Atticus’ explanation shows he is always willing to practice his moral values and that he feels that it is necessary no matter the