Atticus defends Tom because he believes in setting an example for Scout, Jem, and others. ... Atticus thinks it is very important to live in a way that shows Scout how to live by the Golden Rule. Therefore, it makes sense for Atticus to defend Tom Robinson.

Why do people think Atticus should defend Tom?

Even though Atticus knows he does not have a chance at winning Tom's case, because of his character, it makes sense for Atticus to defend him anyway. Defending Tom Robinson makes sense for Atticus because of his worldview. Atticus believes that all people are worth respecting and he lives by the Golden Rule.

How does Atticus feel about defending Tom?

Atticus feels that Tom Robinson deserves the best defense possible. Although Atticus was assigned to defend Tom Robinson, he is planning to give him a good defense. He understands that Tom is not likely to win, no matter how well he defends him. He knows that the color barrier is just too strong.

Did Atticus do a good job defending Tom?

Atticus defends Tom with all his strength and ability because he feels a moral responsibility to do so. The majority of the white citizens of Maycomb accept that Tom has a defense attorney, although they can't understand why Atticus would take on his case.

How is Atticus respectful?

Atticus's composed, tolerant demeanor once again reveals his respectful nature. When Bob asks if Atticus is too proud to fight, Atticus simply responds, "No, too old" (221). There are many examples that show how Atticus is probably not only the most respectful man in Maycomb but also the most respected.

To Kill a Mockingbird | Atticus Finch's Closing Argument

Why does Atticus take on the case and choose to defend Tom Robinson even though he knows the consequences?

Atticus accepted Tom Robinson's case because he knew no one else would want to take the case, and if anyone else did, he wouldn't put on a good case or care whether Tom was convicted. Atticus knew the odds of getting Tom off from the very beginning, but he knew that he had to try.

How did Atticus help protect Tom?

How did Atticus help protect Tom? The men wanted to kill Tom because they don't like him because he is black. Atticus finds this unreasonable and wants to help him. ... Atticus suggests that it was her father who abused her, and accused Tom Robinson.

Why does Atticus think Tom is innocent?

Atticus then shows the jury that Tom is handicapped and his left arm is completely useless. In Atticus's closing remarks, he proves Tom's innocence by mentioning the lack of medical evidence, the Ewells' conflicting testimonies, and Tom's obvious handicap.

Why does Atticus feel he needs to defend Tom Robinson three specific reasons?

Why does Atticus feel he needs to defend Tom Robinson? It is the right thing to do "if I didn't I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent the county in the legislature, I couldn't even tell you and Jem not to do something again." You just studied 22 terms!

Who did Atticus not defend Tom?

Uncle Jack suggests that Atticus choose not to defend Tom and let this case pass from him. Although the case is unwinnable, Atticus is a morally upright individual and says that he wouldn't be able to live with himself if he chose not to defend Tom.

Why should Atticus not defend Tom?

Atticus should not have defended Tom Robinson because it created conflict within his family and affected the safety of his children and himself. ... Atticus held a very unpopular view that it was his duty to defend Tom Robinson in order to uphold his moral code even though this decision was frowned upon in Maycomb County.

Does Atticus think he win the case?

Atticus realizes he has no chance of winning the case because of the prejudiced jury, but he is still going to defend Tom to the best of his ability.

What does Atticus mean when he tells Scout that if he didn't defend Tom Robinson that Scout and Jem wouldn't have to mind him anymore?

Atticus is essentially saying that if he did not defend Tom Robinson, he would be considered a hypocrite, which is why Jem and Scout would not have to mind him anymore. Atticus is a morally upright individual, who believes in equality and justice.

What does Atticus believe about the case he is defending?

As a morally upright man, Atticus knows that he must defend Tom Robinson in order to act as a positive role model for his children and teach them valuable attributes. Atticus hopes to show Jem and Scout the importance of courage, integrity, and obeying one's conscience.

What is Tom actually guilty of?

Tom is found guilty of raping Mayella although reasonable doubt and Tom's handicap is proven, HOWEVER, the jury deliberates for a few hours, which implies that they are considering the defense's testimony.

What chapter does Atticus say that Tom is innocent?

Atticus, it is made clear in Chapter 9, is representing Tom, who has been unjustly accused of raping a white woman by the town's most virulently racist example of "white trash," Bob Ewell.

What important decision does Atticus make in Chapter 15?

Atticus stands by his decision to defend Tom to Heck Tate and the other men (Chapter 15, page 194) Atticus insists that the truth about what occurred at the Ewell house will be heard in court. This further illustrates his integrity.

Who defends Atticus in Chapter 24 and why how is it done?

After the trial is over, Miss Maudie continues to support Atticus by encouraging his children. She explains to Jem the importance of Atticus' job, which is to take a stand against ignorance. In Chapter 24, Miss Maudie also defends Atticus during Aunt Alexandra's missionary circle. Miss Maudie subtly chastises Mrs.

Why did Atticus accept the Robinson case knowing he wouldn't be paid and that people would be angry at him?

Why did Atticus accept Tom Robinson's case knowing he wouldn't be paid and that it would cause a tremendous furor? ... Atticus accepts Tom Robinson's case because he knew that he didn't have a chance to win, and he also wants Scout and Jem to learn to accept blacks.

Why does Atticus say that if he didn't defend this person?

Why does Atticus say that if he didn't defend this person, Jem and Scout would not have to listen to him anymore? Because he couldn't stand for anything. ... Because Atticus told her not to and she didn't want to let him down.

What is Atticus's answer to Scout when she asks why he is defending Tom Robinson when everyone else seems to think it's wrong?

When Scout tells Atticus he must be wrong to defend Tom Robinson because everyone in the town seems to think they are right, Atticus replies, “The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience.” What does Atticus mean?

What does Atticus mean when he says this case Tom?

When Atticus "says this case is Tom Robinson's case, is something that goes to the essence of a man's conscience Scout, I couldn't go to Church and worship God if I didn't try to help that man", means that it wouldn't be right if he didn't help Tom Robinson. Even though Atticus has the option to not help Tom Robinson.

Did Atticus know he would lose?

Expert Answers

Atticus tells him he does not know if he is going to win or lose. Scout describes Atticus as “exhausted.”

Did Atticus lose the case?

Though the trial targets Tom Robinson, in another sense it is Maycomb that is on trial, and while Atticus eventually loses the court case, he successfully reveals the injustice of a stratified society that confines Black people to the “colored balcony” and allows the word of a despicable, ignorant man like Bob Ewell to ...

Did Atticus win the appeal?

Jem is convinced that the jury will acquit Tom Robinson after the evidence Atticus presented. After the verdict, Jem leaves the courtroom stunned, angry, and crying. The African American community loads the Finch family with food for defending Tom so valiantly, which surprises the children because Atticus didn't win.