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?
How does the trial of Tom Robinson affect Jem and Atticus?
The trial of Tom Robinson gives Atticus opportunities to teach the children about prejudice and its impact on people both black and white. Jem, as he matures, begins to understand the ugliness of bigotry as seen inside and outside the courtroom during the trial. Why did Atticus defend Tom Robinson when he knew that he could not win the case?
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.
Why does Scout think he has to defend Tom Robinson?
Third, in a conversation with Scout, he states that he has to defend Tom Robinson, because his integrity is on the line.
Why does Atticus defend Tom Robinson chapter9?
Atticus has been asked to defend Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman. It is a case he cannot hope to win, but Atticus tells Scout that he must argue it to uphold his sense of justice and self-respect.
Why does Atticus feel that he must defend Tom Robinson?
Why does Atticus feel he needs to defend Tom Robinson? Atticus believes it's right to stand up for Tom Robinson, even if he is another race. He feels he couldn't hold his head up, if he didn't take the case.
Why does Atticus stand up for Tom?
Atticus is standing up for Tom to prove to Maycomb and his children that just because Tom is black, it gives them white folks no reason to disrespect the black. Atticus is setting an example. Plus, he is upholding his own moral values, so at least he isn't hypocritical. But these aren't the only reasons. Atticus knew Tom was innocent as soon as he saw Tom's limp hand, remember? How could've Tom raped Mayella if he was injured??? And, how could Atticus leave Tom to the claws of the white, racist jury??? Tom was innocent; Atticus HAD to defend him. After all, wasn't it Atticus who said, "It is a sin to kill a mockingbird," and "Just because we were licked a hundred years ago, it doesn't mean we don't have to stop trying."
What is Atticus trying to tell his kids?
Atticus is trying to tell his kids that discrimination is not okay and that he must show them that he believes in equality
Why does Atticus believe everyone is equal?
He believes that everyone is equal and therefore just because Tom Robinson is black, doesn't mean that he should not defend him.
Does Atticus believe Tom will get a fair trial?
Atticus knows there is no way Tom can receive a fair trial, and that he isn't going to get a jury of his peers. The extreme prejudice of the entire town does not allow Tom to receive justice, and Atticus believes he can at least bring this to the light of day.
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.
Why does Atticus accept the job to defend Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird?
by Harper Lee? Atticus accepts the job of defending Tom Robinson because he was specifically appointed by Judge Taylor and desires to set an example for his children.
Who defends Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Page Citation. Share Link. Atticus Finch defends Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Living in Maycomb, Alabama, in the 1930s means that Atticus will have to defend not only Tom but his beliefs and his family as well. Prejudice in Maycomb was just as strong as it was in 1864 during the Civil War.
What was the prejudice in Maycomb?
Prejudice in Maycomb was just as strong as it was in 1864 during the Civil War. Many of Maycomb’s citizens believe that black people are sub-human. The trial of Tom Robinson gives Atticus opportunities to teach the children about prejudice and its impact on people both black and white.
Why does Atticus want to prevent Jem and Scout from catching Maycomb's usual disease?
Although Atticus seems to have considered not taking the case, he feels he has no choice but to set a good example for his children by championing racial equality in order to prevent Jem and Scout from catching "Maycomb's usual disease." He does not want them developing into cynical, racist individuals like the majority of their neighbors.
Why does Atticus want to set a good example for his children?
Although Atticus seems to have considered not taking the case, he feels he has no choice but to set a good example for his children by championing racial equality in order to prevent Jem and Scout from catching "Maycomb's usual disease.".
What does Atticus know about Tom?
Atticus also knows that he could never live with himself if he did not valiantly defend Tom. He recognizes the significance of protecting innocent, vulnerable people and wishes to act as a positive role model for his children. Download PDF. Print.
Where is To Kill a Mockingbird set?
Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is set in Depression era rural Alabama. For the white and African American residents, segregation and racism are accepted parts of life. Even so, Atticus Finch, in his role as defense attorney, strives that every individual charged with a crime receive a fair trial.
Why does Atticus feel morally obligated to defend Tom Robinson?
Essentially, Atticus feels morally obligated to defend Tom Robinson, because he knows that it is the right thing to do, regardless of the community's perception and feelings.
Why did Atticus not turn down the case?
Atticus chose not to turn down the case because he believes Tom's version of what happened and knows that the Ewells must be lying, but he primarily took it because of Jem and Scout.
Why does Atticus encourage Scout to exercise self control?
In chapter 11, Atticus has another conversation with Scout, where he encourages her to exercise self-control, because people in the community will say awful things about him. When Scout tells her father that he must be wrong for defending Tom Robinson because the majority of the citizens disagree with his decision, Atticus once again explains his reasoning for defending Tom by saying,
Who was the judge in Tom's case?
But Tom's case is not one that Atticus relishes. He did not volunteer to defend Tom; instead, he was handed the case by Judge John Taylor, probably because Taylor recognized that Tom may be innocent, and that Atticus--the best attorney in Maycomb--would be Tom's best chance for a fair trial and of regaining his freedom.
Why does Atticus defend Tom Robinson?
It makes sense for Atticus to defend Tom Robinson. It does make sense because Atticus believes in the Golden Rule. The Golden Rule is "Treat all others the way you want to be treated". It does not matter if the person is white or black everyone one is equal. Atticus belives that everyone is equal.
Why does Atticus want to reveal the truth to his fellow townspeople?
Despite this, Atticus wants to reveal the truth to his fellow townspeople, expose their bigotry, and encourage them to imagine the possibility of racial equality.
What does Atticus prove about Bob Ewell?
Atticus politely proves that Bob Ewell is a liar; he respectfully questions Mayella about Tom's crisis. This shows that he respects everyone. All of these examples show that Atticus has good characteristics. Due to Atticus doing his job and what is right his children are put in danger and tortured.
What does Atticus believe?
Atticus believes in justice and the justice system. It really does make sense for Atticus to stand up for Tom Robinson. Atticus does what is right even if his children are put in harm. He defended Tom Robinson even though he knew he was licked before he even began.
Why does Atticus believe in the Golden Rule?
As Atticus has explained to Scout many times about this, He is doing this because he values equality and justice. The Golden Rule is “Treat all others the way you want to be treated”.
How does Atticus treat Calpurnia?
Atticus treats Calpurnia with respect even though she’s a “Negro”. This shows that Atticus treats everyone with respect even if he does not get respect in return. Atticus has many good characteristics. Such as “Atticus went to the jailhouse to protect Tom Robinson”. This shows that Atticus is protective.
Why did Atticus go to the jailhouse?
Such as “Atticus went to the jailhouse to protect Tom Robinson”. This shows that Atticus is protective. Another detail is “Atticus hopes and prays that his children can get through life without bitterness”. This shows that Atticus loves his children and is a caring father. Also Atticus is determined.
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 does Atticus think deserves the best defense?
Atticus feels that Tom Robinson deserves the best defense possible. Although Atticus was assigned to defend Tom Robinson, he is planning to give him a good defense. He understands that Tom is not likely to win, no matter how well he defends him. He knows that the color barrier is just too strong.
Why did Atticus take the case in Chapter 9?
It is in Chapter 9, therefore, that Atticus reveals that he has taken this unpopular case because he was appointed to it by the presiding judge. Atticus could have, conceivably, turned down the judge's request that he defend Tom Robinson, crippled, desperately poor African American.
What does Miss Maudie say about Atticus?
Your father's one of them.” (Miss Maudie) Page 288 Miss Maudie is saying that Atticus does the jobs, like defending Tom Robinson, that other people don't want to do. He is selfless. “Jem, see if you can stand in Mr.
