Free Essay Sample about Atticus Finch: the Hero Who Doesn't Wear a Cape

Atticus Finch is an inspirational character throughout Harper Lee’s book, To Kill a Mockingbird who makes an impact on the cultural and racial injustices of his time. Although Mr. Finch is frowned upon by many, there are still plenty of people in his small town in Maycomb, Alabama who value his courage and determination as he goes up against an almost impossible case. Being a lawyer and the only parent to two young kids Atticus will have to face the most difficult and deadliest trial so far in his career. Atticus continuously demonstrates important qualities such as fairness, honesty, and bravery as he balances parenting and working.     

One of Atticus' many traits is fairness. He portrays this mostly when he accepts to defend Tom Robinson. He knows that everyone deserves the right to a fair trial as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment and believes Tom is no exception. He also takes the case because he was assigned to it by Judge John Taylor and if he declined he could never tell his kids not to do something as that would be hypocrisy. Although Atticus knew he had little chance of winning he still accepted and put in his best effort. Atticus explains to Scout and Jem, his two kids, “I want you to see what real courage is…It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win but sometimes you do” (Lee 128). He wanted to give Mr. Robinson the best chance possible of winning the trial even though the odds were against him. 

Another one of Atticus’ traits is honesty. He makes sure to always tell the truth, especially to his children. He displays this when he talks to his brother Jack, “When a child asks you something, answer him, for goodness’ sake…Children are children, but they can spot an evasion quicker than adults” (Lee 99). Jack was punishing Scout for hitting her cousin, Francis, and as he was explaining he said a bad word that Scout didn't know the meaning of but instead of explaining the true meaning he moderated and changed the definition. Mr. Finch on the other hand would always explain the true meaning of words to his children. Another way Atticus symbolizes honesty is by acting the same way in his house as he does outside. Mss. Maudie explains this to Scout when she says, “Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets” (Lee 51). Many people have interchanging personalities throughout their home and work life but Mr. Finch acts the same no matter where he is. 

Bravery is a very important and valuable characteristic and something Atticus has displayed several times throughout the novel. One example of this is when he faces the Tom Robinson case. Mr. Finch knew it would take hard work, persistence, and courage to take on the responsibility of defending a black man's word against a white man’s in the 1930s. Another time Atticus exhibits bravery is after the trial when Bob Ewell spits in his face but instead of fighting back, he just walks away. Sometimes it takes more bravery to walk away and do the right thing rather than get into a brawl with someone. Atticus also makes sure to tell his kids this, but also that it was worth it, “If spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that’s something I’ll gladly take” (Lee 249). Not only did he save Mayella but he also protected Tom Robinson. The night before the trial Atticus heard that Tom's life might have been in danger and in pure bravery, he chose to defend him and risk his life. 

Atticus has many important qualities that he has proven throughout the novel such as fairness, honesty, and bravery. In my opinion, these are all valuable characteristics that he uses to the fullest to help those around him. Even though Atticus lives in a time when many aren’t fair, honest, or brave he decided to make a difference. He also never expected anything in return for his courageous actions. Nowadays people only do things for others for their personal gain. The theme that not all heroes wear caps fits perfectly for this reason. Although Atticus did not wear a cap he was still a hero in many people's eyes.    

Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. J.B. Lippincott Company, 1960.