Throughout the novel, it becomes evident that it does make sense for Atticus to take a stand to defend Tom Robinson because he believes in propagating the moral principles reflected in the Golden Rule, and understands that his actions must embody this in all aspects of his life. Defending Tom Robinson corresponds to Atticus’s belief that all people are worth respecting, and his moralistic principles are condoned in several instances throughout the novel as he takes a stand to fight for a man he upheld was innocent. Just as it is portrayed in the Golden Rule, Atticus treats people the way they wish to be treated, and understands that one must put himself in the shoes of another to truly comprehend how they feel, and why they are motivated to…show more content… Moreover, it is Atticus’s knowledge of Tom’s innocence, and his belief that his viewpoint should be understood and respected that also depicts why it can be deemed fit for Atticus to step up and assist him in this trial. Not only does Atticus propagate the doctrine of treating others with respect and dignity regardless of the way they may hold themselves, he also commits to the idea of protecting the innocent, and not harming those who do not deserve to be treated in such a way. As the title of the novel, it becomes evident that the symbolism of it being a “sin to kill a mockingbird” is emblematic to the ethical principles that Atticus holds, and alludes to the idea that he would find it sinful and immoral not to defend Tom Robinson. According to the text, “‘I'd rather you shot at tin cans in the back yard, but I know you'll go after birds. Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.’ [...] ‘Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to
