Character Analysis Of Tom Robinson In To Kill A Mockingbird, By Harper Lee

Imagine having to stand up, by yourself, to an angry mob of people; and having to block out everyone's comments and opinions. When an individual is against a opposing group of people or a social expectancy, they are more likely to give in and join the majority. In To Kill A Mockingbird, a father puts his two children in danger by defending a black man from being accused of rape in the 1930s. This dark time period in America's history was responsible for the Great Depression and severe racial conflict. Despite the constant pressure from society, Atticus Finch defends the black man, Tom Robinson, doing what's right even if it may be perceived as wrong. Throughout the book, Atticus passes his thoughts to his children, Jem and Scout, teaching
Mark Twain writes an article called Lynching: Moral Cowardice. In it he explains,”...No mob has any sand in the presence of a man known to be splendidly brave” (Twain 1). Scout stands up to a mob that was planning to lynch Tom Robinson. Although she did not recognize the majority of the mob, she still talked to them as her friends. Her life was in imminent danger, yet she did not know what was going on at such a young age. By doing this Scout was able to back off a lynching mob, all by herself. The 1930s was a very difficult time for people of color, especially black men. Rape was a capital offense back then, but Mayella Ewell didn't let that stop her from crying rape. “Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed” (Lee 323). Mayella made the mistake of falling in love with Tom Robinson. To protect her from being looked at poorly from society, Mayella and her father accused Tom of raping her. A black man and a white woman was not to have any sort of romantic relationship as it was socially unaccepted. To keep her status of a young white lady, she blamed it on something that society disfavored, and that was black men. After Tom Robinson was found guilty, Mayella's father, Bob Ewell, was angry at Atticus for trying to go against him in the trial. “...Atticus was leaving the post office when Mr. Ewell approached him, cursed him, spent on him, and threatened to kill him… Too proud to fight, you nigger-lovin’ bastard? Miss Stephanie said Atticus said, No, too old, put his hands in his pockets and strolled on” (Lee 291). When faced with each other, Bob Ewell took the opportunity to spit on Atticus's face in attempt to bring his self-esteem down. However Atticus, one step ahead, knew that fighting Mr. Ewell would only make him as low as him. Instead, Atticus kept in his feelings, stripping away Mr. Ewells satisfaction, and leaves without