Challenges in Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird Essay Example

“There are no great people in this world, only great challenges which ordinary people rise to meet.” – William Frederick Halsey, Jr. In To Kill A Mockingbird written by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch is a lawyer living in the city of Maycomb. Finch agrees to defend a black man by the name of Tom Robinson, who is on trial for his life. In the city of Maycomb, a lot of prejudice and racism issues are occurring in their society. By defending this man, Atticus is stepping up to a great challenge which develops him into a valued character throughout this novel. Not only did he face a great challenge, but he taught his children and the people of Maycomb, very valuable lessons along the way. Atticus exemplifies a character rising to meet a challenge by defending Tom Robinson, challenges racial prejudice, is committed to his morals, and respects everyone. 

Atticus challenges racial prejudice by defending a black man in a city where prejudice and racism occurs. During this time, black people were perceived to be lower than white people, but despite this Atticus still defended him. Being a lawyer comes with some challenges that affect them personally. For Atticus, this case is one that forced him to make a valiant effort in defending Tom Robinson. Tom Robinson was accused of raping nineteen year old Mayella Ewell, the daughter of Bob Ewell, a member of Maycomb’s poorest family. Bob Ewell accused Robinson of raping his daughter, yet some people thought that he himself was involved. After hearing this, the people living in this city were not fond of Robinson based on his actions. Atticus knew he would not win this case and that it would be difficult, but was determined to defend him to the best of his ability. Atticus explains to his daughter, Scout that, “...every lawyer gets at least one case in his lifetime that affects him personally. This one’s mine, I guess. You might hear some ugly talk about it at school, but do one thing for me if you will: you just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don’t you let ‘em get your goat” (Lee 84). Atticus is teaching his children a lesson. Atticus doesn't hold any prejudiced views upon anyone's race or gender and he demonstrates very admirable courage and qualities by challenging prejudice. 

Atticus is committed to his morals and persists in defending Tom Robinson. By defending him, Atticus is sticking to his values, and keeps his actions consistent to what he intends to do. He has the courage to stand up and defend Robinson. Making him someone that Robinson can depend on in this situation. Atticus proposed the idea that, “It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what” (Lee 149). Now that he has started, he is going to push through till the end. Atticus is committed to defending Tom even through all of the drama surrounding the case. He is stepping up to this challenge and will defend him to the best of his available abilities. Atticus making the decision to defend Tom Robinson demonstrates him sticking to his morals. Out of all of the people in Maycomb, he was one of the few who stood for racial equality and made a difference. By fighting for Tom Robinson he is permanently changing the world for the better. 

Throughout the course of the trial, Atticus treats everyone with respect while defending Tom Robinson. Atticus is one of the few people who stand for racial equality and was willing to sacrifice his reputation to benefit Tom Robinson. In Chapter 15, Atticus goes to the county jail to help in defending Tom from a mob of townspeople attempting to lynch him. Without acting in any violent or disrespectful way, he comes to an agreement with them and they leave. Out of the many ways he could have solved this, he treats everyone with respect without causing any controversy.  Even though people do not take Robinsons side, Atticus still treats everyone in a respectful manner which proves him to be a valuable and mannered person.  "You never really understand a person until you climb into his skin and walk around in it” (16). Atticus is teaching Scout and Jem to be like him and be good people. He stands up for what is right no matter the circumstance, which is why he was admired for his qualities, by the people of Maycomb.