Though hero may have a definition in dictionaries, its true meaning is something that conjures many different views. Consequently, there is a seemingly infinite list of people who could be called heroes — whether they be pop stars, athletes, rappers, or actors. Despite a plurality of divergences, many of them have one unifying characteristic: they are famous. Often, however, true heroes are those whose actions go unsung; they are ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary feats. Atticus Finch, a creation of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, is one such example. Defying societal standards, he chooses to reject the idea that one’s skin color defines a person. Because of his compassion, tolerance, and courage, he creates significant ripples
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Of course, they cannot entirely succeed in such an extensive endeavor, so the people who are unconventional — or, at least, thought of as so — become alienated from society, such as Boo Radley and the entire black population. Unlike most, Atticus does not conform to such a doctrine, instead evaluating people on their merits or lack thereof. Demonstratively, he proclaims on page 124, “I certainly am [a nigger-lover]. I do my best to love everybody.” Accordingly, he displays no tendencies of alienating blacks — or anyone, for that matter. In fact, he goes so far as to affirm that he hates no one, even those who, if aversion is ever warranted, certainly deserve it, namely Hitler. Due to his lack of scrutinization, he begins to transfigure those whose beliefs entail more minute judgements of others than …show more content…
In fact, he goes so far as to explain to Jem and, to a lesser extent, Scout, what courage is: “I wanted you to see what real courage is...It’s when you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what” (128). Ironically, although his quote is in regards to Mrs. Dubose, it may also be applied to Atticus himself. He, likewise, is “licked” before he begins the trial, but he chooses to strive to do his best regardless. Even though the jury finds Tom guilty, the case can still be gauged as a success because the jury spent more time assessing it than ever before, indicating that they actually appraised the situation, even if not thoroughly, rather than basing it solely on skin color. Thus, one may arrive to the conclusion that Atticus caused them to perceive racism in a new light — one in which blacks are not always viewed as people who “all...lie, all...are immoral …, [and] all … are not to be trusted around women,” to quote the lawyer himself — because of his immense bravery (232).
In closing, though hero may mean something different to everyone, Atticus can, undoubtedly, be universally recognized as a bearer of such a title. Much of his undertakings may be credited to his sympathy, acceptance, and bravery. His actions, which are possible thanks to such qualities, may not wholly reshape the world, but they do help usher in events that still have profound impacts today. Although he does
Of course, they cannot entirely succeed in such an extensive endeavor, so the people who are unconventional — or, at least, thought of as so — become alienated from society, such as Boo Radley and the entire black population. Unlike most, Atticus does not conform to such a doctrine, instead evaluating people on their merits or lack thereof. Demonstratively, he proclaims on page 124, “I certainly am [a nigger-lover]. I do my best to love everybody.” Accordingly, he displays no tendencies of alienating blacks — or anyone, for that matter. In fact, he goes so far as to affirm that he hates no one, even those who, if aversion is ever warranted, certainly deserve it, namely Hitler. Due to his lack of scrutinization, he begins to transfigure those whose beliefs entail more minute judgements of others than …show more content…
In fact, he goes so far as to explain to Jem and, to a lesser extent, Scout, what courage is: “I wanted you to see what real courage is...It’s when you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what” (128). Ironically, although his quote is in regards to Mrs. Dubose, it may also be applied to Atticus himself. He, likewise, is “licked” before he begins the trial, but he chooses to strive to do his best regardless. Even though the jury finds Tom guilty, the case can still be gauged as a success because the jury spent more time assessing it than ever before, indicating that they actually appraised the situation, even if not thoroughly, rather than basing it solely on skin color. Thus, one may arrive to the conclusion that Atticus caused them to perceive racism in a new light — one in which blacks are not always viewed as people who “all...lie, all...are immoral …, [and] all … are not to be trusted around women,” to quote the lawyer himself — because of his immense bravery (232).
In closing, though hero may mean something different to everyone, Atticus can, undoubtedly, be universally recognized as a bearer of such a title. Much of his undertakings may be credited to his sympathy, acceptance, and bravery. His actions, which are possible thanks to such qualities, may not wholly reshape the world, but they do help usher in events that still have profound impacts today. Although he does