To Kill A Mockingbird

In To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee illustrates determination through Atticus Finch’s ability to do what is right at all costs because he wants to set good examples. First of all, Atticus defends those who aren’t able to speak for themselves or for those who aren’t understood. Evidence of this assertion from the book is, “You 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. 39) Atticus defended Miss Caroline when Scout told him about Burris Ewell; Atticus told Scout to look at things from Miss Caroline’s perspective. Atticus knew that people shouldn’t tease Arthur Radley, so Atticus made sure his children didn’t make fun of Arthur. Atticus defended Mrs. Dubose and explained to Jem how she was the bravest person he ever knew. Second of all, Atticus accepts the trial of Tom Robinson even though the town is against him. Evidence of this second assertion is, “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 that man.”- (pg. 139) Although Atticus knew that Tom Robinson was going to be guilty, Atticus still wanted to defend him. If Atticus couldn’t hold up his head in town, Atticus couldn’t represent this county in the legislature. He couldn’t even tell Scout or Jem not to do something again because Atticus could never ask them to mind him again. The town was against Atticus for defending a black man, but Atticus didn’t cave into the negative comments they were saying about him. When taking the case of Tom Robinson, Atticus took the responsibilities of protecting Tom. One of the times when Atticus protected Tom was when Atticus sat outside the jail late at night with a gun to protect Tom. Last of all, Atticus makes wise choices in regards to his children. Here are two evidences of this last assertion. “You might hear some ugly talk about it at school, but do one thing for me if you will: you just hold your head high and keep those fists down.”- (pg. 101) “Try fighting with your head for a change…it’s a good one, even if it does resist learning.”- (pg. 101) Atticus listens to Scout’s opinions and took them into thought because he was teaching her to value other people’s opinions. Atticus taught Jem and Scout to always listen to both sides of the story. It wasn’t fair when Uncle Jack didn’t listen to Scout’s side of the story when she got into a fight with Francis. He only heard Francis’ side of the story, and later on when Uncle Jack heard Scout’s side of the story, it changed the verdict. Atticus made it known to his children that ethnicity doesn’t matter. It’s the heart that matters. In conclusion, Harper Lee’s character, Atticus Finch, displays many acts of determination for those who can’t speak for themselves or for those who aren’t understood, for Tom Robinson and for his children.