Atticus

1. Textual Issues or concerns linked with this character

1.1. Going against the Prejudice of the town/family: “It ain’t your fault if Uncle Atticus is a nigger-lover besides, but I’m here to tell you it certainly does mortify the rest of the family” - Spoken by Francis Hancock pg. 89 Atticus knows that there is prejudice in Maycomb County, he knows those who he calls friends would turn on him, due to his different opinion yet he still defends Tom, highlighting how courageous and brave Atticus really is.

1.2. Being a good father “Scout ,I couldn’t go to church and worship God if I didn’t try and help that man” Spoken by Atticus pg. 114. Atticus knows he is his kid’s biggest role model and he must set a good example for them. In some instances we find that Atticus is letting the kid’s do things they shouldn’t but we all now that morally Atticus is bringing up the kid’s well.

2. How others see him/her

2.1. -Atticus is respected by most people but the Tom Robinson trial makes most people in Maycomb mad because they don’t want a white man defending a black man - PAGE 235 “ Judge Taylor naming Atticus to defend that boy was no accident, I though, Atticus Finch won’t win, he can;t win, but he’s the only man in these parts who can keep a jury out so long in a case like that” - Miss Maudie

2.2. Atticus is respected by the black community because of the things he did to help Tom - he helped him at the jail and he helped him with the trial by defending him - PAGE 232 “This was all ‘round the back steps when i go here this morning. They - they ‘preciate what you did” - Calpurnia

2.3. Everyone in the outer Finch family such as cousins, nephews and aunts and uncles are mortified by Atticus representing Tom - PAGE 89 “ I guess it aint your fault if Uncle Atticus is a nigger-lover besides, but I’m here to tell you it certainly does mortify the rest of the family” - Cousin Francis - The other Finch side is disgusted by Atticus and this is also shown when Aunt Alexandra stays at their house, she almost tells him he is a disgrace to the family.

3. Beliefs and values

3.1. Fairness for all Races

3.1.1. "Our courts have there faults, as does any human institution, but in this country our courts are the great levellers, and in our courts all men are created equal." pg 224

3.1.1.1. This is his part of his final statement in court. He believes that Tom Robinson deserves a fair verdict even though he's a negro.

3.2. Everyone is different for there own reasons

3.2.1. "You can 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." pg 31

3.2.1.1. He believes that you can't judge a persons actions based on rumors or stories, you have to actually look at things from there point of view

3.3. Looking after his kids

3.3.1. "You know what's going to happen Jack, and I hope and pray that I can get Jem and Scout through it without bitterness." pg 96

3.3.1.1. He doesn't want Jem or Scout to suffer from the case which he has actually taken on for them.

3.4. Doing the right thing

3.4.1. "This case, Tom Robinson's case, is something that goes to the essence of a man's conscience - Scout, I couldn't go to church and worship God if I didn't try to help this man." pg 114

3.4.1.1. His morals in terms of justice are quite strong and that is why he is defending Tom Robinson in court; because he wouldn't be able to live with himself if he didn't.

4. Acts Like

4.1. Atticus acts in a way that he makes sure he is morally consistent with the kids and shows respect to everyone else - this is shown when Mr. Ewell spits in his face and allows him to abuse him and all he is does is stand there and let him do it without any hurtful remarks back.

4.2. Atticus doesn’t judge too quickly, he asses things and respects everyone even if they are rude and abusive towards him

4.3. Atticus has never acted out of proportion with anyone in Maycomb and acts to equality of both blacks and whites. Just taking the case allows Atticus to act towards ending segragtion and shows his key values and morals. Even when Atticus is called a nigger-lover by most people in town he accepts it and moves on because he has respect, honor, pride and humility.

5. Looks Like

5.1. Older than most parents

5.1.1. "He was much older than the parents of our school contemporaries." pg 97

5.2. Bad eyesight

5.2.1. "He was nearly blind in his left eye, and said left eyes were the tribal curse of the Finches." pg 97

6. Motivated By

6.1. Making a difference: "Courage is not a man with a gun in his hand. It's knowing you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do."- spoken by Atticus Finch (pg. 121) Atticus says this to Jem before the trial of Tom Robinson. Atticus knows that the trial is going to be filled with prejudice and hypocrisy yet he still proceeds in defending believing in the slight chance of a miracle, or at least making an impact on the town of Maycomb.

6.2. Fairness for everyone: “The truth is: some negroes lie,some are immoral, some negro men are not to be trusted around women -black and white. But this is a truth that applies to the human race and to no particular race of men” -spoken by Atticus Finch (Pg.223) Atticus is motivated by fairness for everyone, black or white. He isn’t prejudice and just wants the legal system to not be corrupt.

6.3. Being fair to himself: "Scout ,I couldn’t go to church and worship God if I didn’t try and help that man” Spoken by Atticus pg. 114 Atticus is motivated by being true and fair to himself. He realizes he is setting and example of how to act to his kids.