Atticus Finch Hero Essay

The Introduction Good afternoon, my name is Noah Oberfeld, and it’s my honor and privilege to represent The State of Maycomb and be the prosecutor for this case. On Aug 26, 1936, the defendant Atticus Finch failed to defend Tom Robinson because of his dereliction of duty. At the end of this case, and after you have heard the evidence, we are sure you will determine that Atticus Finch is guilty of his charge. The Theme and Theory

To Kill a Mockingbird is full of heart wrenching and painful moments that shaped and defined each and every inhabitant of Maycomb, Alabama. Atticus Finch, the father of the main protagonist, once said, "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it," (Lee 51). This was a lesson he taught to Scout, the narrator and main protagonist of the story. Scout never fully grasps the idea of this concept until the very end of the story, but throughout the story she exhibits this lesson and is empathetic without even knowing it. No character felt others emotions quite like Scout, even if it was right away, a little while after, or even the whole book.

In the story To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch has completely different views from the rest of Maycomb, who are heavily influenced by rumors and racism. He takes on a huge role in defending a black man, Tom Robinson, and faces many issues from other people by doing so. Atticus knows his client,

Also, Atticus tries his best to help Tom win the trial. This isn’t because Judge Taylor put Atticus on the case, but because he knew it was the right thing to do. Atticus even says, “...every lawyer gets at least one case in his lifetime that affects him personally. This one’s mine I guess” (Lee 101). Lastly, Atticus shows strong and incredible personal integrity because he tries not to hate anybody, but actually understand everyone.

Atticus truly portrays his figure as a hero, because he knew he didn’t have to come down to look out of Tom. He risked his life in order to protect him, making sure that he doesn’t get jumped by the white men who are after him. Yet another act of courage that Atticus displays is in chapter 23, page 220. He says. “So far nothing in your life has interfered with your reasoning process.

Every day in our lives, heroes are all around us. They may not be what society tells us is a hero, like Superman or Batman. They do not wear fancy costumes or have super powers. But these heroes change the lives of the people around them, for the better. Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird is the charismatic, understanding father of Scout and Jem Finch as well as a hard working lawyer in Maycomb County, Alabama.

“And you know what the truth is. ”(195) This quote is significant because Atticus is making it really clear that he will not stop defending Tom until the end. And that he is determined to get the truth out which is pretty obvious

He was appointed to defend a black man named Tom Robinson for raping Mayella Ewell. Most townsfolk caught news of this and instantly began to give Atticus dirty looks and began calling him vulgar names. Atticus, is a very nice person who wants to do the right thing, and he has an opinion about people who disagree with him defending Tom Robinson. “They’re certainly entitled to think they, and they’re entitled to full respect for their opinions.” (120).

Our whole lives growing up we are told to follow the “Golden Rule”. This rule is defined as to treat someone the way you want to be treated. In the book To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch a lawyer in a town called Maycomb in Alabama tries his best to be a role model for his two children. In the quiet town of Maycomb Atticus is given the job to defend a black man named Tom Robinson. Atticus wants to teach his kids Jem and Scout life lessons at an early age so they grow up as respectable people.

Also, he was emotionally invested in this case, and he knew that his conscience would not allow him to do what was not right, regardless of others’ opinions. Heroes generally go against what is expected, stay true to their morals, and always persevere, no matter how dire the outcome is expected to be. These are the exact traits that Atticus exhibits by representing Tom, which is why he is a modern-day hero. Despite Atticus’ best efforts, and Tom’s apparent innocence, Tom is found guilty of rape. Atticus

Atticus is a courageous man and is also a good influencer to his kids, Scout and Jem. He teaches them that everyone matters in this world no matter how different someone can be. Harper Lee writes, "This case, Tom Robinson's case, is something that goes to the essence of a man's conscience-Scout, I couldn’t go to church if I didn't try to help that man."(104). This quote shows how much Atticus wanted to help out Tom even if he knows that the outcome will still be the same but if he at least tries he will not live with the guilt inside of him for the rest of his life. Not only did Atticus show courage, Boo Radley did as well.

Why did Atticus defend a black man? Justice and being given the chance of a fair trial. Atticus Finch believed that everyone, black or white should be given the chance, to be proven not guilty. Even though some people thought Atticus was wrong in defending Tom Robinson, Atticus knew it was right to defend Tom because he knew everyone deserved a fair trial.

Atticus may have lost the case but he made a small step. All of Maycomb will not change in a day, but Atticus got the ball rolling to make that change. Atticus shows ambition throughout the book when he stands up for Tom Robinson and battles his case out to the very end. He is ambitious because he never gives up even when he knows the outcome.

He is not only doing it for Tom Robinson, he is doing it for himself as well. Secondly, Atticus stands up for what is right because the moment he is asked to take Tom Robinson’s case he doesn’t think twice. He knew that someone who is innocent should not have to go to trial for something they did not do. He thinks racism should have an end. By taking this case he not only opens the eyes for his children, he opens the eyes of his peers and community members.

Atticus Finch is portrayed as great parent in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The way Atticus Finch acts at home and on the streets provide a good role model for Jem and Scout. He is a parent who always does the right thing and stays true to himself and to his children at all times. Atticus is a positive role model for his children because he is the same character wherever he goes and whoever he talks to. When Scout misinterprets Miss Maudie’s words she attempts to defend his father about how he does not do anything at home different than what he would do at work.