Atticus Essay - Finished

Atticus Essay

“To Kill a Mockingbird” is a novel that explores themes of racial and social prejudice, and overall injustice. Our narrator, being Scout, comes into confrontation with these themes throughout the novel. Through her innocent eyes, we discover the lessons woven right through the text of true courage, empathy, and bravery. The narrative is set in a Southern state in America called Maycomb in the 1930s when racism was typical within the Southern area of America. Atticus, who is Scouts father and a great lawyer, is a persevering, daring and compassionate individual. We see him as a heroic figure in the novel with his calm demeanour during the mad dog scene and the blatant empathy shown within the Tom Robinson trial, he stands up to danger to protect his morals, his family and even the town he doesn’t share views with. Atticus is not affected by Maycomb’s “usual disease” hence why as readers we find him so admirable.

Atticus is shown as a heroic man through his empathy in the book, this guides both his children and the message of the novel. At the beginning of the novel Scout struggles with other people’s behaviour and Atticus teaches her a lesson that becomes important to her view of the world and how she understands it.

“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.”

This metaphor shows that Atticus believes real courage comes from understanding others, not from judgement. This advice highlights his patience and strong moral compass, which stand in contrast to the harsh prejudice in Maycomb. Harper Lee uses this moment to show how Atticus guides Scout and Jem towards fairness.

Therefore, readers admire Atticus for sharing his wisdom that challenges the horrible attitude of Maycomb, making him appear thoughtful, calm and morally strong.

Atticus is heroic because he stands up for justice by defending Tom Robinson, even when the whole town oppose him.

“But there is one way in this country in which all men are created equal – the court.”

By saying this, Atticus highlights his belief in fairness, even when others refuse to see it. He is confident and formal which reflects on his tone to display his courage as he challenges the racist attitudes of the jury. This reveals Atticus is a man of integrity who is willing to risk his reputation to defend a person of colour, showing his bravery.

The reader grows increasingly more respect for Atticus as he strives to always speak the truth no matter the environment, reinforcing his heroic qualities as some who does what is right and not what is popular.

Atticus is heroic because he understands and teaches the meaning of real courage, showing strength even when he knows he will not win. He has a conversation with Jem about the reason for his actions.

“I wanted you to see what real courage is… it's when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway.”

This refers to his own struggle in the trial. It shows that he knows the odds are against him but still he puts up a fight. “Knows youre licked before you begin but you begin anyway.” This courage is heroic as it focuses on determination. Atticus’s honesty highlights his belief that doing the right thing matters more than winning a situation.

This causes the readers to admire Atticus’ strength and honesty, seeing him as a hero who keeps going even when there is no hope.

Atticus is heroic not just morally but physically, as shown when he protects the community during the mad dog incident. He takes a leadership role and steps forward to kill a threat to the town.

“Atticus Finch was the deadest shot in Maycomb County in his time”

This realisation surprises Scout and Jem because Atticus to them was just their loving father, they thought him to be average and boring due to Atticus never boasting about his skill. His refusal to use a gun unless necessary shows he does not abuse his skill and is still humble. By stepping in to shoot the mad dog, he shows he is willing to risk his life and endanger himself for the protection of others. This mix of humility and resilience suggests Atticus is extremely heroic.

Readers gain a deeper respect for Atticus because he shows both moral courage and physical bravery, reinforcing his role as the true hero in the story.

In conclusion, Atticus Finch is presented as a truly heroic figure whose strength lies in empathy and courage. Through his guidance of Scout and Jem, Atticus teaches the importance of understanding others rather than judging others. He challenges the deep rotted prejudice of Maycomb. His defence of Tom Robinson demonstrates bravery as he stands on his beliefs and morals. Atticus is a heroic man and Harper Lee’s portrayal of him really supports the understanding of the book as a whole. With “To Kill a Mockingbird” Lee encourages readers to question prejudice and to value courage rooted in fairness and humanity. After all, “In a court of law, all men are created equal.”