Atticus Finch Stereotypes

Books filled with controversy rarely get recognition for shaping people’s lives; however, To Kill a Mockingbird overcomes this stereotype by showing the good in an otherwise not so good community. This community, known as Maycomb, exemplified traditional racial views that southerners held during the 1930’s. Most of the community, and most of Southern America, shared these same racial views, but Atticus Finch’s beliefs differ from those around him. Throughout the book, Atticus stands up for people of all races despite what those around him think. The courage shown by Atticus has greatly impacted all aspects of my life, including my faith, and demonstrates the determination that I wish to possess. In the 1930’s defending a black man in court was nearly impossible. The deeply
Lawyers didn’t want to defend these cases because they knew they would lose. When Tom Robinson, a black man, is accused of raping a white woman in the town, Atticus is the only lawyer willing to take his case. Atticus's fearlessness showed me what being brave and standing up for your beliefs looks like. He was determined to prove Tom's innocence, but taking this case proves to be much more risky than it seems. Not only is Atticus almost guaranteed to lose, he also faces physical threats from those in his community against him. At one point even his children are bullied because of the case. Yet these hardships still do not stop Atticus. In the book Atticus says, “I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what” (Lee 28). Atticus shows true courage when taking the case to defend Tom and keeps doing so by continually fighting for the case even when faced by oppression. Being deeply rooted in my faith, I understand the