In Harper Lee 's To Kill a Mockingbird, the main reason why Atticus agrees to defend 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…
Atticus, known for his strong character and commitment to honesty and justice , takes on Tom Robinson’s case, determined to give the man a chance at a fair trial. He could have passed it to someone else, but he knows he has a duty to complete. In doing so, he brings his family under the public scrutiny, a scrutiny which directs disapproval on him and on his children. Despite this, Atticus is unwavering in his determination to stand up for his beliefs. He is able not just to oppose injustice, but to see good in the very people who despise him. When Scout asks him why he is defending Tom, Atticus replies that if he didn't, he wouldn't be able to hold his head up among people. He also reveals that he knows they will lose, but he's determined to try anyway.
Although he knows he will lose, Atticus is determined to show the town that Tom is a human being with equal rights. His message does permeate the society: at the end of the trial, everyone in the courtroom stands in respect as he passes. Miss Maudie speaks of his courage, and the fact that he does a duty that no one else in town will do. This is reinforced by the food given in appreciation of Atticus' work.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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).
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."
Atticus is trying to tell his kids that discrimination is not okay and that he must show them that he believes in equality
He believes that everyone is equal and therefore just because Tom Robinson is black, doesn't mean that he should not defend him.
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.
By adopting a casual appearance, Atticus suggests that he is speaking to the jurors as an ordinary, reasonable person talks to other reasonable people.
Jem knows that Atticus is worried about the Robinson case. He doesn't want Scout to do anything that would provoke a quarrel between Atticus and Alexandra.
Scout says that Jem always runs when he passes the house. She sneers when he hesitates to set foot on the property. This action pushes him to accept the dare.
According to Miss Stephanie, Boo once stabbed his father's leg with a pair of scissors.
Scout is still childlike in her emotional reactions. The humor is that it takes only two days for her to recover from the "unbearable" prospect of Dill's absence.
Sheriff Tate and several other men meet with Atticus to say that Tom is being moved to the Maycomb jail; they express concern about possible trouble as a result.
Atticus doesn't think Tom can win the case. He agrees to defend him in the belief that he must practice law with integrity and without discrimination.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
Atticus thinks he can't win in his defense of Tom Robinson because of Maycomb's systemic racism. As Atticus explains to Uncle Jack, the case will come down to whose word the jury will believe. They are not likely to believe Tom's word over that of Mayella and her father, despite how suspicious they are. Download PDF. Print.
Atticus realizes that the jury will not accept Tom's testimony as truth for the simple fact that Tom is an African American. In 1930s Alabama, segregation was commonplace, and Jim Crow laws were enacted to separate and discriminate against black people. The Post-Reconstruction era promoted systemic racism throughout the South and Atticus is essentially challenging the entire culture by defending a black man. The jury could not possibly rule in favor of Tom and subject themselves to the cultural taboo of favoring "Negroes."
Atticus understands that winning the Tom Robinson case is virtually impossible due to the systemic racism and prejudice that is prevalent throughout Maycomb, Alabama. In Chapter 9, Scout asks her father if he has a chance of winning the case, and Atticus says, " No, honey " (Lee 48). Scout then asks her father why he is even trying, and Atticus says, " Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win " (Lee 48). Later on, Uncle Jack asks Atticus if he has a chance of winning the case, and Atticus says,
Atticus tells Jim and Scout that he isn't just defending Tom Robinson: he's fighting 100 years of history and he is not going to win against all that precedence, no matter how great an attorney he may be. Approved by eNotes Editorial Team.
Atticus recognizes that he does not have a chance of winning the case because it is a Black man's word against a white woman's. In the Jim Crow South, racism is deeply embedded into the culture and black people are considered second-class citizens with little to no rights.
Even though the Ewells are the most despicable family in the entire county and Tom Robinson has a stellar reputation, Atticus does not expect the jurors to vote in Tom's favor. Despite the hopeless situation, Atticus risks his reputation and sacrifices his family's well-being by courageously defending Tom Robinson to the best of his ability.
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.