Atticus Conflicts

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a novel set in Maycomb County, Alabama in the 1930’s. Throughout the book, many conflicts happen and the setting plays a major part in the conflicts. During this time period, racial discrimination is coming into full swing and the character Atticus unfortunately gets in the middle of all of it. With everything revolving around Atticus, his character develops the theme of the book. Throughout the novel, Atticus reveals the theme of the book as “Always do the right thing, even if it is the hard thing to do.” The first way Atticus always does the right thing, even if it is the hard thing to do is, sitting outside the jail and standing up to a lynch mob. One night, when Tom Robinson is in jail, Atticus sits outside the jail as a form of protection. This is an example of courage as he is facing conflict. This courage that he displays is not only moral courage to do the right thing but physical courage to protect Tom. The text states, “ ‘You know what we want,’ another man said. ‘Get aside from the door Mr.Finch.’ ‘You can turn around and go home again, Walter,’ Atticus said pleasantly.” (Page 202) Even though Atticus’s decision to take on the case brought him onslaught and trouble, he was willing to bear it courageously. The second way
Atticus is a strong character with great morals. He goes by his conscience and even though he loses respect from many people in Maycomb, he also gains respect. He provides a great sense of courage, both physical and moral, and stresses it to his children to have the same mindset. He teaches Jem that not everyone is going to agree with you but you must respect them still. He teaches Scout that her fights shouldn’t be fought with her fists. Both of these lessons, are only two examples of how Atticus reveals the theme of the book as “Always do the right thing, even if it is the hard thing to