Who Is Atticus Finch's Enemies In To Kill A Mockingbird

Loving One’s Enemies

Martin Luther King Jr. said people should love their enemies, but loving people that are disliked seems challenging. However, Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird demonstrates all of Mr. King’s ideals. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, shows prejudice in a town in Alabama through a young girls eyes. That girl is Scout. Her father, Atticus Finch is a lawyer. He teaches his kids to step into the other peoples skin, after harassing Boo Radley, a recluse. Mr. Finch takes a case defending a black man and many characters in the book berate him for taking the case, considering he plans to seriously defend the man. At the time, racism was still extremely relevant and Atticus does lose the case due to racism. Atticus excellently …show more content…
My first example, is when Mrs. Dubose tells kids that Atticus is “....lawing for niggers”(Lee 101). While Jem is made furious by her comment and ruins her flowers, Atticus shows tolerance by not letting Mrs. Dubose’s remark affect him but by being polite to her and making sure Jem repays her for his mistake in some way. Atticus is tolerant of Mrs. Dubose because he knows that everyone has their own opinion and he needs to be an example. Secondly, Atticus explains to scout that due to the Tom Robinson case there will be disagreements among themselves and their friends but that doesn’t change the fact that they are friends. Scout got into a fight with Cecil Jacobs because he made an insulting comment about her father, but Scout doesn’t understand why she shouldn’t fight. Atticus explains, “...it’s different this time...we’re fighting our friends. But remember this, no matter how bitter things get, they’re still our friends and this is still our home” (Lee 76). He says this so Scout understands that friends are friends and having different views shouldn’t end friendships because people will always have different opinions. He tolerates Scouts ignorance and takes the opportunity to inform her. My last example is Atticus tolerating Mayella Ewell during the trial. She says, “ [I] won’t answer a word you say long as you keep on mocking me” (Lee 181). He tolerates Mayella’s lack of understanding. …show more content…
Walter Cunningham as a lawyer but Mr. Cunningham is a poor farmer, therefore he is unable to pay for Atticus’ service in money. So, Mr. Cunningham pays in installments. He says, “...I don’t know when I’ll ever be able to pay you.” Mr. Finch responds, “Let that be the least of your worries” (Lee 20). This is a good example of Atticus’ empathy. He is aware of Mr. Cunningham’s position and lack of money so he doesn’t expect full repayment. While Atticus is just glad to help, he knows Walter will find a way to pay him back somehow, and he does. Mr. Cunningham pays Atticus in food from his farm which Atticus is perfectly satisfied with. Next, Atticus talks to Scout about empathizing. “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it” (Lee 30). Atticus says this to Scout at the time so that she understands why it’s unfair to expect Miss Caroline to know what it means to be a “Cunningham”. Later, in the book his wisdom applies to Boo Radley as well. His advice also shows that he is a compassionate person. Lastly, after Jem gets mad at Mrs. Dubose, Atticus makes him go apologize and make it up to her. Jem tells Atticus that she wants him to read to her everyday for one month. Atticus states that Jem must do what she requests. After Jem completes his sentence and Mrs. Dubose has passed away, Atticus

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Who Is Atticus Finch's Enemies In To Kill A Mockingbird

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