Atticus Finch Research Paper

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Atticus Finch: Fraud. When someone is a master, shouldn’t they be one of the best? This is what Christopher Metress argues in his criticism of “The Rise and Fall of Atticus Finch”. Atticus Finch, the protagonist of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, has long been celebrated as a symbol of integrity and morality. However, a closer examination of his character and actions reveals complexities that challenge his suitability as a role model. While Atticus demonstrates admirable qualities such as compassion and fairness, his passive approach to addressing systemic racism and complicity to maintaining the status quo undermine his effectiveness as an idealized figure. Finch's role in defending Tom Robinson serves as a point to reevaluate his stance …show more content…
However, his actions were always made within the confines of the courtroom, where he hopes for a fair trial despite the biases of the jury. Atticus's reluctance to actively challenge the oppressive norms that perpetuate racism, such as segregation and discrimination, highlights his participation in maintaining the status quo. As Friedman argues, “Atticus Finch does, indeed act heroically in his representation of Robinson, except under compulsion of a court appointment Finch never attempts to change the racism and sexism that invade life in Maycomb, Alabama” (Metress 3). This passivity is further evident in his failure to address the broader social issues plaguing Maycomb, when he chooses to operate within the existing power structures rather than advocate for systemic changes. Atticus is content with preserving the existing power dynamics that privileged white individuals like himself benefit from, despite his so-called belief in equality. Metress points out that “While the novel depicts change in one facet of law and society, it reinforces the status quo in other troubling aspects'' (Metress

Atticus Finch Research Paper

novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch faces many delamas with racism, however he does not quite live up to the hero status. Literary critic Christopher Metress, author of the article “The Rise and Fall of Atticus Finch” proves that Atticus is a coward. Metress’s argument is correct, because Atticus does not do everything in his power to fight against racism. First of all, Atticus is not a good model of a lawyer and what they represent. The article “The Rise…

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Atticus Finch Research Paper

but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what” (128). In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch is a noble lawyer and father who cares deeply about other people. This novel is mostly about the Finch family living in Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930’s. During the time period injustice and racism. This essay will explore how the heroic character Atticus Finch is a courageous man who portrays strength and embodies 2 of the Cardinal Virtues: Fortitude and Justice, by persevering…

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Atticus Finch Research Paper

Atticus Finch does the right thing all the time and plays an integral part in relinquishing good manners and presence toward his kids. One example of this is when Scout’s teacher asked the class, “Does anybody have a definition?” “Us,” somebody said. I raised my hand, remembering an old campaign slogan Atticus once told me about. “What do you think it means, Jean Louise?” “Equal rights for all, special privileges for none,” I quoted (Lee 281). Jean Louise remembers important information from Atticus…

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Atticus Finch Research Paper

the story “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. Think that Atticus Finch is a hero but Christopher Metress thinks otherwise in his article “The Rise and Fall of Atticus Finch” Metress thinks Atticus is not a hero. Metress is correct when he states Atticus does this for his own well being, he doesn’t use his power for change, and he tries to eliminate racism but can’t. Metress is right when he shows by quoting Phelps, showing that Atticus doesn’t try to break the color barrier. Metress shows us that…

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Atticus Finch Research Paper

attorney, Atticus Finch is given the chance to defend an African-American by the name of Tom Robinson. There are conflicting opinions on how he should have handled the charges that were made against Tom regarding rape. Some people may say he should have taken the case and fulfilled his duty as an attorney: defending Tom to the best of his ability like his life depended on it. Disagreements are inevitable as some may perceive Atticus’s…

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Atticus Finch Research Paper

etc. Atticus Finch is a good example of a positive contribution. He is smart, caring, firm and understanding. He is a good lawyer and he proves many allegations incorrect when he tries to help somebody. He tried very hard to prevent Tom Robinson from going to jail for a crime that he didn’t commit. Mr. Heck Tate and the doctor also do things to help others and thus are good contributions. Even though Jem is fairly disrespectful and rude in the book, he is willing and wants to be like Atticus and wants…

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Atticus Finch Research Paper

To Kill A Mockingbird-Atticus As a Father Atticus Finch takes on an onslaught of abuse as he fights against the souls of Maycomb county to defend an African American in court. In Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, Lee tells a story of two children growing up as they face challenges concerning their father’s court case of defending Tom Robinson. Atticus Finch, the Father of Jean-Louise Finch and Jeremy Finch, is an admirable man, and a hero nonetheless. But like any man, he has made mistakes along…

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Atticus Finch Research Paper

challenge for a white lawyer, in the deep south, who chooses to raise a family and practice law fairly? This is the story of Atticus Finch, a black man accused of rape, in the 1930’s. Atticus’s children, along with the citizens of Maycomb, Alabama, experience the social issue of racism. Racism was accepted and running rampant through all levels of society in the town of Maycomb. Atticus is a good parent because he teaches his kids about equality and the reality of life in a racist society where it's hard…

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TKAM contextual research Essay

To Kill A Mockingbird Notes Main Research American Civil War The American Civil War was a civil war between 1861 and 1865, and was the war that determined what nation America would be. The war was fought between several southern slave states who called themselves the Confederate slaves, and the rest of the states, called the United States. The first hostilities were on April 12, 1861, when Confederate States fired on Fort Sumter, A Union fort in South Carolina held by United State Generals…

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