Atticus Finch- Modern Day Hero In general, the first thing that comes to people’s minds when they hear “hero” is superheroes. Batman, Superman, the works. And fiction can be thanked for this. However, a real life hero has very little to do with superpowers, rather they fight for the good cause, even though others may not support them. Harper Lee’s, To Kill a Mockingbird is not only renowned for its complex themes such as racial inequality and race, but also for Lee’s humorous writing style. The narrator’s father, Atticus Finch serves as an inspiration and hero for many. To Kill a Mockingbird teaches readers that a hero, such as Atticus Finch, does not necessarily have to kill a monster or save a princess, rather if a person possesses …show more content…
Towards the middle of the book, Atticus, as he is a lawyer, decides to defend an innocent black man, Tom Robinson in court. During Atticus’s speech to the jury, he says “You know the truth and the truth is this: some Negroes lie, some Negroes are immoral, some Negro men are not to be trusted around women- black or white. But this is a truth that applies to the human and to no particular race of men” (Lee 273). Atticus argues that it would be unfair and unjust to convict a man just because he is black. Everyone is born equal; your skin colour does not define the way you act and behave. Atticus also proves this point earlier in the book. During a discussion with his daughter, Jean Louise “Scout” Finch, about racism, his daughter asks Atticus “You aren’t really a nigger-lover, then, are you?” Atticus responds “I certainly am. I do my best to love everybody”. (Lee 144). Atticus loves everyone the same; in his eyes, everyone is equal. Atticus proves to readers throughout the book that he believes in racial equality; skin colour does not change his opinion about what he thinks of a person, even though others in his society might think otherwise. Atticus’ actions and words speak
Atticus continues his statement of defending Tom Robinson with "... But this is a truth that applies to the human race and no particular race of men." However, that quote is only after saying, "... You gentlemen would go along with them on the assumption-the evil assumption-that all Negroes lie." Atticus finishes his statement by expressing, "There is not a person in this courtroom who has never told a lie, who has never done an immoral thing, and there is no man who has never looked upon a woman with desire.
Mr. Finch justly argues the innocence of Tom even though most of the townspeople would convict a black man regardless of the evidence. Risking almost everything for the Tom Robinson trial, Atticus keeps his composure and bravely finishes the case even though he knows there is no hope. In fact, Atticus exhibits calmness, courage, and justice as he works and lives with the people of Maycomb. First, Atticus is a calm person.
Most Courageous Character To Kill A Mockingbird is a book written by Harper Lee that shows numerous situations involving symbolism and courage. Atticus Finch is a character who kept his own beliefs throughout any event that occurred. Standing up for Tom Robinson and others while raising his children, Atticus shows the most courage by following his moral beliefs and not caring about what others think of him. A rabid dog conveying the symbolic meaning of prejudice and racism appears in Maycomb.
The protagonist of a literary work is often viewed as a remarkable person with distinctive qualities. These Qualities make the character admirable in the novel. The novel to kill a mockingbird by Harper Lee, illustrate the protagonist as a role model. Atticus has many values, morals and set examples for his children. Atticus Finch is portrayed to be a good father, not racist, and courageous.
Atticus acts courageously in the book, To Kill A Mockingbird and teaches not only his children, but also the people in Maycomb county an important lesson about self respect and respect for others. Atticus is known for many outstanding qualities that he portrays throughout the novel that make him seem like a heroic figure. A hero is someone who is admired or idealized for courage or noble qualities. Atticus models respect and equal treatment for all humans, making him a hero for a diverse group of Maycomb’s citizens.
In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch is portrayed as a hero. He is a hero not only to his children but to everyone around him. Atticus, the father of Jem and Scout Finch, is an ethical, brave, and an influential man. Atticus Finch is a strong person who firmly believes in equal rights for both men and women.
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.
The protagonist Atticus Finch in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Nelle Harper Lee deserves the honor of being the number one fictional hero because he has shown strength, demonstrates optimism, and views people for who they are and not for what they look like, all throughout the story.
Lawyers receive a lot of criticism on their side that they are nasty slugs and materialistic, yet, there is a man named Atticus Finch, a lawyer who receives a good name as a lawyer and father. He is a fictional character in the novel by Harper Lee “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Atticus is probably a man that many people want to be resembled. He is an extremely upright man who seeks to deal with everyone fairly. This lawyer represents morality and reasoning in the novel.
According to the Webster’s dictionary, a hero is defined as a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities. Atticus Finch defines heroism as “when you know you’re licked before you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.” Atticus was the only one that stood up for Tom Robinson, a black man accused of rape. He did it, because he knew it was the right thing to do, even though there was a large possibility that he wouldn’t win the case.
A court is only as a sound as it jury, and a jury is only as a sound as the men who make it up….” (Lee 274). This quote explains a reason, Atticus did help a black man in front of many. If he did not want things to be equal, then why he would help him in the first place. Another example Atticus said, “A nigger-lover is just one of those terms that don 't mean anything—like
Moreover, Atticus shows her his beliefs concerning equality and education through diction. Atticus explains to his daughter that “nigger-lover is just one of those terms that don’t mean anything…” (144). Atticus informs Scout about this word so she can watch what she says because how someone speaks shows how educated they are. Also, he values people being educated about racial equality since he supports the belief and believes racists are “ignorant, trashy people” (144) from their lack of knowledge on equality.
Atticus is undoubtedly a modern hero of whose actions reflect what all modern heroes do (to some extent). To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee teaches readers that modern heroes frequently commit good acts as opposed to one grand gesture as proven by Atticus promoting good morals, not seeking revenge, and calling for change. Atticus
Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird famously said in his closing arguments: "You know the truth, and the truth is this: some Negroes lie, some Negroes are immoral, some negro men are not to be trusted around women- black or white. But this is a truth that applies to the human race and no particular race of men." (pg 232) What Atticus is trying to convey is a foreign concept to most people in Maycomb county. Atticus is trying to convey a point of equality and no prejudice in a world of social inequality which, as one can imagine, didn 't go over so well.
(Lee 124) Atticus points out how terrible certain terms are as well as the people that use them. This encourages the children not to use terms like this so as not to become one of these terrible people. The children learn from him that despite how unpopular it is to love and/or support someone or a group of people, you should love everyone despite race or rank. He explains, I do my best to love everybody...