Although Atticus describes Mrs Dubose as "the bravest person I ever knew", it is Atticus himself who is the real hero of the novel. Examine the character of Atticus and comment on whether you believe him to be a hero.
In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch is not the typical Maycomb citizen. He is the role model, showing his natural courage, tolerance and fairness towards life and the people of Maycomb. Atticus appears as a hero because he stands up for what is right, has respect for others and is a symbol of reason and justice.
Atticus Finch does not conform to others like most of the citizens of Maycomb, and believes in individual conscience. He does not do, say, think or believe something because the rest of the town does. This can be seen through his attitudes towards, Arthur (Boo) Radley, Tom Robinson, Bob Ewell and the Cunningham's. Atticus doesn't believe Boo is a "malevolent phantom" (Chapter 1; pg 9), he truly defends Tom Robinson as a client, surprising many of the white population of Maycomb, and he does not look down on the Ewell's and Cunningham's as poor and disreputable. Atticus contrasts with Aunt Alexandra in their views where they argue in chapter 12 about Atticus believing in qualities of each individual and Aunt Alexandra believing in social positions in the society.
Atticus teaches respect for other people, not only to his children, but to the rest of Maycomb as well. In chapter 30, when Scout meets and talks to Boo Radley for the first time, she says "If Atticus could blandly introduce me to Boo Radley at a time like this, well that was Atticus" (pg 298). This shows how he always respects all people, no matter what society thinks of them. He also teaches his children to respect Bob Ewell as a person through his own reaction to being spat in the face by him, as he says "I wish Bob Ewell wouldn't chew tobacco" (Chapter 23; pg 239). Atticus does not treat people based on their gender, race, or
The mad dog endangering the people of Maycomb was shot by Atticus; a very courageous act. Atticus is changed into a hero in the eyes of his children, as Scout says "Ain't everybody's daddy the deadest shot in Maycomb Country" (Chapter 10; pg 109), after she hears "I saw that, One-Shot Finch" (Chapter 10; pg 107). This is an example of physical courage. Atticus says after that Mrs Dubose's spiritual and mental courage was braver than himself.
Tom Robinson, a black man charged for the rape of a white girl is defended not only in court but outside as well by Atticus Finch. Atticus defies all moral beliefs of the white population of Maycomb when he seriously, truly defends Tom Robinson, a black man. This is how Atticus can be seen as heroic socially, but although not everyone accepts this, he still defends Tom. He did it even though he knew he was not going to win.
Atticus Finch can be seen as a symbol for reason and justice in the town of Maycomb. After he shoots the mad dog, Miss Maudie says, describing Atticus "People in their right minds never take pride in their talents" (Chapter 10; pg 109), which shows that some people understand Atticus' heroism. When he goes to protect Tom Robinson during chapter 15, he is being courageous again, in spite of the danger which he knows is coming. Judge Taylor chose Atticus especially to defend Tom because he was the only person who would have. This shows his strength and commitment towards his job and position in Maycomb society.
Atticus Finch is a figure of justice and fairness in this novel. He dares to be an individual while others conform. He dares to keep an open mind while others prejudice. "So far nothing in your life has interfered with your reasoning process," he says to Jem, referring to Maycomb's conformist disease. Atticus Finch is a role model not only for the unfair and unjust society of Maycomb, but for all societies in all times.
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