text evidence why atticus was chosen as tom robinsons lawyer

by Tyree Friesen 10 min read

Atticus accepts the job of defending Tom Robinson because he was specifically appointed by Judge Taylor and desires to set an example for his children. Atticus wants to show Jem and Scout the importance of courage, integrity, and following one's conscience. Atticus also knows that he could never live with himself if he did not valiantly defend Tom.

Full Answer

Why does Atticus agree to be Tom Robinson's defense attorney?

Why does Atticus agree to be tom Robinson's defense attorney? Does he expect to win the case? No Atticus doesn't expect to win but defending Tom Robinson was simply the right thing to do. Atticus is a man of human principles and believes the sanctity of the courts are the last vestige for equality and human rights.

How does the trial of Tom Robinson affect Jem and Atticus?

The trial of Tom Robinson gives Atticus opportunities to teach the children about prejudice and its impact on people both black and white. Jem, as he matures, begins to understand the ugliness of bigotry as seen inside and outside the courtroom during the trial. Why did Atticus defend Tom Robinson when he knew that he could not win the case?

What is Atticus trying to prove to Maycomb?

Atticus is standing up for Tom to prove to Maycomb and his children that just because Tom is black, it gives them white folks no reason to disrespect the black. Atticus is setting an example.

Why does Atticus stand up for Tom in to kill a Mockingbird?

Answers 5. Atticus is standing up for Tom to prove to Maycomb and his children that just because Tom is black, it gives them white folks no reason to disrespect the black. Atticus is setting an example. Plus, he is upholding his own moral values, so at least he isn't hypocritical. But these aren't the only reasons.

Why does Atticus Choose Tom Robinson?

Atticus defends Tom because he believes in setting an example for Scout, Jem, and others. He builds on this idea later in the same conversation by saying, “Scout, simply by the nature of the work, every lawyer gets at least one case in his lifetime that affects him personally.

What was Atticus evidence?

Atticus showed that Tom Robinson could NOT have raped or beaten Mayella because his left arm is useless. His left arm was hurt in a farming accident when he was a child. If the bruise is on Mayella's right eye, the person who hit her would have hit her with their left hand.

What do you think about Atticus as a person and as a lawyer?

When asked to describe Atticus Finch, many lawyers regard him as an ideal lawyer. Words and phrases like “integrity”, “professionalism”, “representing the poor and oppressed” and “making a difference” come about most often.

How does Atticus prove Tom's innocence?

Tom Robinson is an innocent black male blamed for raping the daughter of Mr. Ewell. Atticus proves that Tom is innocent but, the jury rejects his claim because of his skin color.

Why does Atticus believe everyone is equal?

He believes that everyone is equal and therefore just because Tom Robinson is black, doesn't mean that he should not defend him.

Does Atticus believe Tom will get a fair trial?

Atticus knows there is no way Tom can receive a fair trial, and that he isn't going to get a jury of his peers. The extreme prejudice of the entire town does not allow Tom to receive justice, and Atticus believes he can at least bring this to the light of day.

Why did Atticus fail to win Robinson's freedom?

In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch attempts to acquit Tom Robinson; however, Atticus fails to win Robinson’s freedom for several reasons, but primarily due to racial inequality. In the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, a predominately white community accuses a young black man, Tom Robinson, of raping a young white woman.

Who is Atticus Finch?

Atticus Finch, father of Jem and Scout Finch, is appointed by Judge Taylor to defend Tom Robinson, who is unfairly accused of raping Mayella Ewell. Tom is deemed by the community as a dead man, but Atticus taking on the case immediately sparks an intense controversy in the small, usually peaceful town. Atticus’ decision to proceed as Tom’s attorney ...

What is the theme of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird?

Although much of the novel’s events inspire feelings of warmth and humor in a wide and diverse audience, more solemn issues are also encountered, such as racial inequality and rape. The story centers on Scout, the narrator and protagonist, and Scout’s father, Atticus Finch, who is an attorney hired to defend Tom Robinson. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch attempts to acquit Tom Robinson; however, Atticus fails to win Robinson’s freedom for several reasons, but primarily due to racial inequality.

What is the one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule?

The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience, ” (Lee 114). Despite having premonitions of the final outcome of the case, Atticus proceeds in the defense of Tom, knowing that it is the right thing to do.

Is Tom Robinson a victim?

As a result, Atticus and his family realize that Tom Robinson’s story and case is not an isolated incident, nor is he just a victim in a small community. Sadly, Tom Robinson’s story illustrates the larger picture in that he is a victim of society’s unjust assumptions, social inequality, and racism.

Did Atticus save Tom Robinson?

However, as stated in the book, “Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret courts of men’s hearts Atticus had no case. Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed,” (Lee 244).

Why does Atticus accept the job to defend Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird?

by Harper Lee? Atticus accepts the job of defending Tom Robinson because he was specifically appointed by Judge Taylor and desires to set an example for his children.

What does Atticus know about Tom?

Atticus also knows that he could never live with himself if he did not valiantly defend Tom. He recognizes the significance of protecting innocent, vulnerable people and wishes to act as a positive role model for his children. Download PDF. Print.

What was the prejudice in Maycomb?

Prejudice in Maycomb was just as strong as it was in 1864 during the Civil War. Many of Maycomb’s citizens believe that black people are sub-human. The trial of Tom Robinson gives Atticus opportunities to teach the children about prejudice and its impact on people both black and white.

Why does Atticus want to set a good example for his children?

Although Atticus seems to have considered not taking the case, he feels he has no choice but to set a good example for his children by championing racial equality in order to prevent Jem and Scout from catching "Maycomb's usual disease.".

What does Atticus want to show Jem and Scout?

Atticus hopes to show Jem and Scout the importance of courage, integrity, and obeying one's conscience. He also wants to demonstrate the importance of protecting innocent, defenseless individuals. When Scout asks Atticus why he is defending Tom Robinson, Atticus says,

Who defends Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Page Citation. Share Link. Atticus Finch defends Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Living in Maycomb, Alabama, in the 1930s means that Atticus will have to defend not only Tom but his beliefs and his family as well. Prejudice in Maycomb was just as strong as it was in 1864 during the Civil War.

Who is Atticus Finch?

In Harper Lee 's classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Judge Taylor appoints Atticus Finch to defend Tom Robinson in front of what will be a racist jury and audience . Judge Taylor recognizes Atticus as a moral man who champions racial equality and will valiantly defend an innocent client like Tom Robinson regardless of his race.