Every lawyer experiences at least a case that is personally important to him. To Kill A Mockingbird is an award-winning book by Harper Lee about Atticus, a lawyer from Maycomb, Alabama, who is trying to defend Tom Robinson. Tom Robinson is facing a very difficult case. He was accused of being raped by a Mayella ewell, he was a black woman in the twentieth century. Atticus Finch shows courage and confidence in helping Tom Robinson.
Atticus defends Tom for his values of justice and equality. He believes in equality and does not believe that Tom Robinson’s race should prevent him from defending him. Atticus declares before the court that, “Just because the race of Tom Robinson is black, it doesn’t mean he shouldn’t defend him.”
Atticus wanted his son Jem to respect and admire his father. Atticus said, “Jem looks first at me before he turns to anyone else.” It’s been my goal to be able look him in the eye. If I lied, I wouldn’t be able meet his gaze. Jem wouldn’t have the same respect for his dad if Atticus hadn’t defended Tom.
Atticus was brave to help Tom. However, whites would never accept the word of a black man over that of a woman. Tom Robinson was a very convincing witness, but the court had a hard time believing him. Atticus’ neighbour says “… can’t believe you did it. You’ve lost everything from Atticus. He means everything when he says Atticus is unlikely to win the case due to Tom’s race. He knew it was right to help Tom even though his neighbors did not support him.
Atticus was brave to defend Tom, because he felt that everyone should receive the same treatment and he wished to maintain the respect of Tom. Atticus was a person who valued justice and equality. Despite knowing that the outcome would not be in his favor, he decided to defend Tom. When reading the book, readers will see that everyone should be treated the same no matter what.
