Atticus

TKMB GROUP ESSAY ATTICUS “But it was time of vague of optimism for some of the people: Maycomb county had recently been told that it had nothing to fear but fear itself” (Lee, 6). Maycomb is a small, sleepy town in Alabama filled with polite people, however, that kindness only goes on for so long. During this time, the civil right movement had not taken place yet, and white supremacy was at its peak due to the Jim Crow Laws. Jim Crow laws ensured that all colored people live segregated from white men, but did not do anything that white people found displeasing. Black people lived in constant fear of being killed for a white person’s accusations. Although, there was one man who opposed this standard and fought for equality rights between all types of people neither black, white, rich or poor; Atticus Finch. To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee depicts a tale of a man fighting for equal rights, not for him, but for the rights of those who did not have any. He is the symbol of equality and justice in this novel. Atticus’ character is a representation of equality because he defends Tom Robinson, educates his family and community about treating others fairly, and by demonstrating non-prejudice through his actions and beliefs.

Secondly, Atticus educates both his family and community about equality. He lectures Scout and Jem about treating people justly and respectfully. When Scout rants about Miss Caroline’s beliefs about reading, Atticus tells her, “‘If you learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You will never understand a person until you consider things from their point of view… Climb into his skin and walk around in it’” (Lee, 39). Atticus is aware that people have their own beliefs, opinions and lives; by judging someone carelessly, you are simply looking down on their character. Atticus wants Scout to realize that every individual has their personal, circumstances, and you