Scout and Atticus Finch: To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Example

Reflection journal #1: Scout and Atticus Scout and her father Atticus have the strongest relationship of all the characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” from the novel’s outset, and that relationship is tested when her world is flipped upside down after Cecil Jacobs declares that Scout’s dad is a “nigger lover.” Inquisitively, Scout pesters Atticus as to what a “nigger lover” is. “Scout,” said Atticus, “nigger lover is just one of those terms that don’t mean anything – like snot-nose. It’s hard to explain – ignorant, trashy people use it when they think somebody’s favoring Negroes over and above themselves.” Pg. 144 Upon learning this, Scout feels betrayed. Could all of Maycomb County know something about her father that even Scout does not know—that is he really a “nigger lover?” She asks Atticus if he is and he replies, “I certainly am. I do my best to love everybody.” Pg. 144 Later Scout finds out that her father, who is a lawyer, is defending Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white women—and the citizens of Maycomb County are not happy about it. Scout has trouble dealing with all the negative comments about her dad at school due in part to her defensive nature. But she stands strong, knowing that Atticus is doing the right thing by defending Tom Robinson. When Tom’s case makes it to court, Atticus, serving as Tom’s defense lawyer, lives up to his full potential as a lawyer, father, and man by presenting a credible story based on the facts given. He provides plenty of evidence to show that Tom Robinson is not guilty of raping Mayella Ewell; nevertheless, the jury finds Tom guilty. Scout, her brother Jem, and every African American citizen of Maycomb is disturbed by the gut-wrenching verdict. But even when Atticus feels defeated, he stands tall. Atticus defends a Negro because he believes in justice—regardless of race, color, or creed. Scout thinks Atticus is the most courageous person in the world, and understandably so. Atticus