Literature’s Heroes in To Kill a Mockingbird and East of Eden Fictional characters often belie our perception of what a hero is because they tend to exaggerate heroes by creating them with supernatural powers or by allowing them to perform some phenomenal feat. But a true hero is defined by so much more than their physical capabilities, and by the value of their heart instead. Appearances can be deceiving, and what might seem diminutive at first sight can pleasantly surprise us all. Atticus, a small-town lawyer in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, proves himself to be a hero despite the personal burdens that are heaped upon him. Lee, a Chinese-American inspiration in East of Eden by John Steinbeck, also exhibits his noble nature by serving
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He teaches Scout and Jem what is morally principled and how they should behave. Others such as Aunt Alexandra and Mrs. Dubose are constantly telling him that his way of raising his kids is not appropriate. They believe he should be teaching them that white people are pure and superior to colored people, but he ignores them and continues to set a good example for them by being the virtuous man he is. As Jem mentally matures throughout the novel, he begins to see Atticus as a hero, finally understanding his father’s values and perspective which leads to him adopting them as his own. “‘Atticus is a gentleman, just like me!’” demonstrates how valuable Atticus is not only in caring for his children’s physical needs, but teaching them the proper way to be (99). Lee plays an influential role, especially for Cal, Abra, and Adam, but Atticus plays this role willingly as and has to fight against other people’s judgments about how to be a suitable father. The heightened responsibilities, concerns, and overly-critical evaluations that are placed upon Atticus make him a greater hero compared to …show more content…
Time and time again, he educates us about the attributes a hero should have in his own prime example. Through his actions, he teaches us that a hero should have humility and the courage to overcome all odds. Perhaps the greatest display of his heroism is shown through the dedication he has towards protecting an innocent Negro and the dangers he faces during this interim. Risking his own life, Atticus’s remarkable courage is outstanding when he camps outside Tom’s jail cell to guard him from the mob that plans to lynch Robinson. Lee is also a hero, but he lacks the higher degree of the essential aspects of a true hero. True heroes are a rare sight. Atticus is merely a human, but he is one of those rarities. Rather than arrogance, he is modest. Rather than fighting with fists, he fights with his mind. Rather than inconsideration, he is understanding and sympathetic. Rather than conforming to the world, he remains in his righteousness. Atticus bears other’s critiques and derision with his head held high. He embraces equality despite the consequences that are attached to it and the jeopardy it puts him. His ethical mindset is the the catalyst of a powerful movement far greater than hatred and injustice created from the brokenness of a defective nation that changes the way of the world
He teaches Scout and Jem what is morally principled and how they should behave. Others such as Aunt Alexandra and Mrs. Dubose are constantly telling him that his way of raising his kids is not appropriate. They believe he should be teaching them that white people are pure and superior to colored people, but he ignores them and continues to set a good example for them by being the virtuous man he is. As Jem mentally matures throughout the novel, he begins to see Atticus as a hero, finally understanding his father’s values and perspective which leads to him adopting them as his own. “‘Atticus is a gentleman, just like me!’” demonstrates how valuable Atticus is not only in caring for his children’s physical needs, but teaching them the proper way to be (99). Lee plays an influential role, especially for Cal, Abra, and Adam, but Atticus plays this role willingly as and has to fight against other people’s judgments about how to be a suitable father. The heightened responsibilities, concerns, and overly-critical evaluations that are placed upon Atticus make him a greater hero compared to …show more content…
Time and time again, he educates us about the attributes a hero should have in his own prime example. Through his actions, he teaches us that a hero should have humility and the courage to overcome all odds. Perhaps the greatest display of his heroism is shown through the dedication he has towards protecting an innocent Negro and the dangers he faces during this interim. Risking his own life, Atticus’s remarkable courage is outstanding when he camps outside Tom’s jail cell to guard him from the mob that plans to lynch Robinson. Lee is also a hero, but he lacks the higher degree of the essential aspects of a true hero. True heroes are a rare sight. Atticus is merely a human, but he is one of those rarities. Rather than arrogance, he is modest. Rather than fighting with fists, he fights with his mind. Rather than inconsideration, he is understanding and sympathetic. Rather than conforming to the world, he remains in his righteousness. Atticus bears other’s critiques and derision with his head held high. He embraces equality despite the consequences that are attached to it and the jeopardy it puts him. His ethical mindset is the the catalyst of a powerful movement far greater than hatred and injustice created from the brokenness of a defective nation that changes the way of the world