Receiving Helpdesk

what does atticus say about defending tom robinson

by Miss Grace Buckridge Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Three quotes that show Atticus

Titus Pomponius Atticus

Titus Pomponius Atticus is best known for his correspondence and close friendship with prominent Roman statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero. Atticus, who was an editor, banker, and patron of letters, was from a wealthy Roman family of the equestrian class and Pomponian ancestry.

is determined to defend Tom Robinson

Tom Robinson

Thomas Giles Robinson is a British singer-songwriter, bassist, radio presenter and long-time LGBT rights activist, best known for the hits "Glad to Be Gay", "2-4-6-8 Motorway", and "Don't Take No for an Answer", with his Tom Robinson Band. He later peaked at No. 6 in the UK Singles Chart wit…

in To Kill a Mockingbird are when Atticus says that he is against "preserving polite fiction at the expense of human life," when he insists that Tom will not die until "the truth's told," and when he takes the radical position in court that while some black people might be immoral, this is "a truth that applies to the human race and to no particular race of men."

When asked by his daughter, Scout, why he was fighting for Tom Robinson, Atticus responds, “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win,” (76).

Full Answer

Why does Atticus feel it is his responsibility to protect Tom Robinson?

Atticus is a morally upright man who believes that African Americans should be treated equally. He also realizes that Tom Robinson is innocent and feels like it is his responsibility to protect Tom from the racist community members of Maycomb. Click to see full answer. Moreover, why does Atticus feel it is important that he defend Tom Robinson?

Does Atticus have a case to support his case?

Atticus, being a very seasoned, wise, and experienced lawyer, has a plethora of knowledge available to him to support his case. However, as stated in the book, “Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret courts of men’s hearts Atticus had no case.

How does Atticus show his determination in his closing arguments?

During his closing arguments, Atticus shows his determination to do more than a mock defense of Tom Robinson by pointing out the truth that whites and blacks share a common humanity.

What does Atticus say to scout about not trying to win?

Atticus explains to Scout that just because he knows he is not going to win is not a reason not to try. He tells her he could not hold his head up in town, go to church, or tell his children to mind him if he did not at least try to defend Tom.

What does Atticus say about Tom Robinson?

To Kill a Mockingbird? Three quotes that show Atticus is determined to defend Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird are when Atticus says that he is against "preserving polite fiction at the expense of human life," when he insists that Tom will not die until "the truth's told," and when he takes the radical position in court ...

What does Atticus say to Scout about his role in the Tom Robinson trial?

When Scout questions Atticus about his role in the Tom Robinson trial, Atticus says the following to her, showing that he is determined to offer Robinson the best defense he can, because it is the right thing to do: Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.

Why does Atticus want to defend Tom?

Atticus wants to give Tom the best defense because otherwise, he wouldn't have one at all. Even people who are on his side think Atticus has a lot to lose from defending Tom. Link Deas even says so in chapter 15. To that Atticus says the following with determination:

What does Atticus show in his closing arguments?

During his closing arguments, Atticus shows his determination to do more than a mock defense of Tom Robinson by pointing out the truth that whites and blacks share a common humanity. Whites can lie and blacks can tell the truth, for all that the racist...

Why did Atticus fail to win Robinson's freedom?

In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch attempts to acquit Tom Robinson; however, Atticus fails to win Robinson’s freedom for several reasons, but primarily due to racial inequality. In the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, a predominately white community accuses a young black man, Tom Robinson, of raping a young white woman.

Who is Atticus Finch?

Atticus Finch, father of Jem and Scout Finch, is appointed by Judge Taylor to defend Tom Robinson, who is unfairly accused of raping Mayella Ewell. Tom is deemed by the community as a dead man, but Atticus taking on the case immediately sparks an intense controversy in the small, usually peaceful town. Atticus’ decision to proceed as Tom’s attorney ...

What is the theme of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird?

Although much of the novel’s events inspire feelings of warmth and humor in a wide and diverse audience, more solemn issues are also encountered, such as racial inequality and rape. The story centers on Scout, the narrator and protagonist, and Scout’s father, Atticus Finch, who is an attorney hired to defend Tom Robinson. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch attempts to acquit Tom Robinson; however, Atticus fails to win Robinson’s freedom for several reasons, but primarily due to racial inequality.

What is the one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule?

The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience, ” (Lee 114). Despite having premonitions of the final outcome of the case, Atticus proceeds in the defense of Tom, knowing that it is the right thing to do.

Is Tom Robinson a victim?

As a result, Atticus and his family realize that Tom Robinson’s story and case is not an isolated incident, nor is he just a victim in a small community. Sadly, Tom Robinson’s story illustrates the larger picture in that he is a victim of society’s unjust assumptions, social inequality, and racism.

Did Atticus save Tom Robinson?

However, as stated in the book, “Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret courts of men’s hearts Atticus had no case. Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed,” (Lee 244).

Why does Atticus defend Tom Robinson?

Atticus defending Tom Robinson when he knows he can't win in court; he has to defend him because it is the right thing to do. He wouldn't be able to live with his conscience if he didn't try to help Tom.

Who defends Tom Robinson?

Atticus defending Tom Robinson He feels he could never be proud of himself again or expect Jem and Scout to trust him again if he did not. He also knows that many lawyers in the county, if asked to take Tom's case, would not properly defend him as they would automatically assume he was guilty.

Why does Atticus tell Scout not to try?

Atticus explains to Scout that just because he knows he is not going to win is not a reason not to try. He tells her he could not hold his head up in town, go to church, or tell his children to mind him if he did not at least try to defend Tom.

Who is Atticus in the book?

Atticus is a morally upright man who believes that African Americans should be treated equally. He also realizes that Tom Robinson is innocent and feels like it is his responsibility to protect Tom from the racist community members of Maycomb. Click to see full answer.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9