Sunday, March 11, 2012

What are three ways in which Atticus showed fairness (justice) In To Kill A Mockingbird?

Atticus shows that he is fair multiple times throughout the book. Here are three of those scenarios, but certainly not the only three.


Defending Tom Robinson


In Ch. 9 he explains to Scout that he has taken Tom's case because he "couldn't hold his head up in town" if he didn't. Although the case was assigned to him, he could have turned it down or down far less tholepin Tom. He provides Tom Robinson with as good as defense as he would have given a white man, and that is far more fair and just than anyone expected him to be. 


How He Treated Mayella


Despite Mayella's belief that Atticus was "mockin''" her, he was actually quite respectful and fair in his questioning of her in Ch. 18. Where we often see victims of crimes torn apart by defense attorneys in an attempt to exonerate their clients, Atticus treated Mayella carefully. He did need tog et information out of her to prove Tom's innocence, but he did not do it in a mean, harsh, or unfair way.


Being Prepared to Turn in Jem


When Bob Ewell is stabbed after attacking Scout and Jem, Atticus at first believes that Jem was the one responsible for the stabbing. He is fully prepared to bring Jem before the county court and tells Sheriff Tate that. It is only when Sheriff Tate corrects him and tells him that it was really Boo Radley who stabbed Bob Ewell that Atticus realizes he was wrong. His willingness to do what was right, even if it would have broken his heart, was fair and just. Fortunately for all, Jem was not to blame!

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