Seek first to understand, then to be understood” (Stephen R. Covey). The novel is told through the eyes of young Scout Finch to show the perspective of innocence, its destruction, injustice and inequality. The reader learns about Scout and Jem's father, Atticus Finch, a lawyer who desperately tried to prove the innocence of a black man wrongly accused of rape and the mentality of the town's people towards African Americans. Atticus is the light of the novel who becomes a good father by telling his children not to be prejudiced towards others, to understand others and finally believing that all people deserve fair treatment. When Tom Robinson, who was black, is accused of rape, the law declares his trial verdict guilty even when there is concrete evidence that Tom is Atticus' proven victim. In To Kill a Mockingbird Lee portrays Atticus as a good role model who teaches his children moral views through his righteous actions which helps them undergo many changes in behavior and mature throughout the novel. He has demonstrated this by being courageous, honest and respectful when it comes to treating people fairly. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Atticus values everyone and stands up for what he knew was right, which makes him brave and guides his children to be the same. First, Atticus explains Mrs. Dubose's death to Jem and Scout and her condition. “Simply because we were beaten a hundred years before we started there is no reason not to try to win,” Atticus explained to Scout (Lee 149). This quote can be applied to the trials and how Atticus knows the huge risk of loss he is taking with this case, but still defends Tom. it's because he knows that Tom is innocent and that it would be morally wrong to accuse someone of something they never did. He teaches his children not to give up, which can be seen later in the story when Jem refuses to leave Atticus alone with the mob because he wants to help Atticus, even if it is dangerous. Also, when Atticus and Dill's sons follow him at night and find him outside Tom Robinson's prison, he is surrounded by a group of men. “I thought he was going to have a nice surprise, but his face killed my joy,” Scout thought. “A flash of pure fear was coming out of his eyes, but it returned as Dill and Jem squirmed toward the light” (Lee 203). Atticus spends the entire night that day protecting Tom because he knows that some people will do anything to try to hurt him. He tries to stop the people who had weapons in their hands from helping Tom, which shows how brave he is and how far he was willing to go to defend Tom. Atticus, defending Tom, transmits to his children the idea of always following the right path and making the right decisions even if it seems like it but does not mean that it is not possible. Atticus proves to be honest with everyone and gains his children's trust in doing so, that's why they confide in him first rather than the people of the town. When Miss Maudie says that Atticus's appointment to Tom's case is "no accident" and that she thinks "Atticus Finch won't win, can't win, but he's the only man around here who can keep a jury out" so long in a case like that” (Lee 289). Judge Taylor appointed Atticus to defend Tom because he knew of Atticus' honesty and his rank as a lawyer. Atticus is one of the most respected people in town due to his honesty and the way he treats others as a citizen of Maycomb. Also, when Miss Maudie explains to Scout about Atticus and.
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