The Golden Rule is a universal maxim of treating others as one would wished to be treated; versions of the principle are apparent in numerous religions and moral standards. In Harper Lee’s historical fiction, To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch, the father of Scout and Jem Finch, represents morality in the corrupt town of Maycomb, Alabama set in the 1930’s during the Great Depression and the age of Jim Crow Laws. Atticus tests the boundaries between supremacism and racial justice when he defends Tom Robinson, an African-American man accused of raping a white woman. He is an ethical man who is capable of withstanding the backlash from others, which distinguishes him as an ideal lawyer for Tom Robinson. Atticus’ strength of character is discernible
…show more content…
Dubose is a rare occurrence; however, Atticus finds it in himself to overlook the flaws that illustrate her hardships, making him a principled professional when he defends Tom Robinson. Henry Lafayette Dubose reveals herself as a conservative yet harsh woman who has been around Maycomb for an unfathomable amount time; she is ill and depends on morphine to appease the pain of her disease. She is seen as a major source of prejudice in Jem and Scout’s lives, specifically concerning Atticus’ position in the Tom Robinson trial. Whilst his children purposefully walk an extra mile to avoid her bullying, Atticus spoils her with overindulgence when he emphasizes, “Good evening, Mrs. Dubose! You look like a picture this evening,” (133). To Jem and Scout’s surprise, Atticus remains amiable to Mrs. Dubose, despite her propensity for malevolence without justification. He demonstrates an impressive act of ethical courage because he treats Mrs. Dubose like she is not a despicable person; he regards her as he would with any other person. As a lawyer, Atticus does not evaluate Tom based on the assumptions of another, much like the way he treats Mrs. Dubose; he approaches Tom’s case in consideration to him and his family. Unexpectedly, Atticus looks up to her as a brave woman, for she lives her life “beholden to nothing and nobody” until her death; she physically and mentally endures her pain to overcome her addiction and die with dignity. Not only doe he exemplify a man of ethics worthy of defending Tom when he respects Mrs. Dubose, he does so once opinions and apprehension
Dubose is a rare occurrence; however, Atticus finds it in himself to overlook the flaws that illustrate her hardships, making him a principled professional when he defends Tom Robinson. Henry Lafayette Dubose reveals herself as a conservative yet harsh woman who has been around Maycomb for an unfathomable amount time; she is ill and depends on morphine to appease the pain of her disease. She is seen as a major source of prejudice in Jem and Scout’s lives, specifically concerning Atticus’ position in the Tom Robinson trial. Whilst his children purposefully walk an extra mile to avoid her bullying, Atticus spoils her with overindulgence when he emphasizes, “Good evening, Mrs. Dubose! You look like a picture this evening,” (133). To Jem and Scout’s surprise, Atticus remains amiable to Mrs. Dubose, despite her propensity for malevolence without justification. He demonstrates an impressive act of ethical courage because he treats Mrs. Dubose like she is not a despicable person; he regards her as he would with any other person. As a lawyer, Atticus does not evaluate Tom based on the assumptions of another, much like the way he treats Mrs. Dubose; he approaches Tom’s case in consideration to him and his family. Unexpectedly, Atticus looks up to her as a brave woman, for she lives her life “beholden to nothing and nobody” until her death; she physically and mentally endures her pain to overcome her addiction and die with dignity. Not only doe he exemplify a man of ethics worthy of defending Tom when he respects Mrs. Dubose, he does so once opinions and apprehension