"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee.

Essay by ElviShDreAmeRHigh School, 10th gradeA+, July 2003

download word file, 4 pages 5.0

A Heroic Figure

To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, is considered to be a timeless classic that deals with sensitive themes such as predujice, human dignity, social classes, complacency and maturity. In the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, there was a deadly racial attitude towards the people who were different than the general public. In a town of tunneled vision and pure hatred, Atticus Finch breaks this barrier of old tradition by creating a tradition of his own. Because of his highly ethical character, Atticus chooses to defend Tom Robinson out of his own generosity and kindness despite the rage that the residents of Maycomb lay upon Atticus' shoulders. This is why Atticus is the story's moral guide and voice of conscience, which makes him an essential character in To Kill A Mockingbird.

Atticus Finch is a studious man whose behavior is governed by reason. Once he decides that a given course of action is right, he perserveres despite the threats and criticisms he receives.

Atticus, however, does not go looking for trouble. The Tom Robinson case was not one he volunteered to handle. The judge assigned him the case because he felt that Atticus would try his best to win the case. Atticus' desire to avoid conflict when possible is a quality that the author wants the reader to admire. Although Atticus is chosen to defend Tom Robinson, he is still recognized as a prominent citizen in Maycomb. Because of his intelligence, wisdom, and exemplary behavior, everyone respects Atticus. Everyone will turn to him in time of trauma. For example, when the mad dog came into town, the people of Maycomb relied on Atticus to solve the problem, by shooting the dog because he was the best shooter in all of Maycomb. Even his name origins...