Atticus' explanation of the case was a simplified version for a young child. He explains that though the town may call him a "n**** lover" (110), what he is doing is the right choice. He explains that by doing what is against "the Maycomb way," Atticus is keeping his integrity. "...if I didn't I couldn't hold up my head in town." (100) Though the town may frown upon him, defending Tom Robinson is the only way Atticus keep his head up. This speech is one of many of Atticus' important moral lessons to Scout.
When Atticus says "simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win..." he means that just because they were beaten a hundred years before does not mean that there is no reason to try. However, Atticus does not mean the Civil War, like Scout thinks he means. Atticus means that racism, discrimination, and hypocrisy won a hundred years ago and is still because it is still a dominating view in the country.
Do you think the jury will rule in Tom Robinson's favor? How do you think the town will continue to react throughout and after the trial? How will Scout grow as all of her classmates constantly tease her about Atticus?
I like the way you said that defending Tom is the only way to keep Atticus's head up. It really shows Atticus is a fair person. Atticus is setting a good example for his kids, while also standing up for what he believes in. This is especially hard for him in Maycomb because most of the residents are racist. I wonder if Atticus defending Tom will affect his relationship with the Maycomb residents.
ReplyDeleteI think that Tom Robinson will definitely not win this case. The trial is based in Maycomb, which is a very southern and racist town. It must have been hard just to find someone willing to take the job. Atticus said, "You know, I'd hoped not to get through life without a case of this kind, but John Taylor pointed at me and said, 'You're It.'" (117). obviously he dint even want to have to get this case because it would mean making some hard decisions to help his family keep their heads up while others are teasing them. "...Scout'd just as soon jump on someone as look at him if her pride's at stake...." (116) said Atticus, when explaining to Uncle Jack the situation. Obviously there is going to be some tension coming up in the book while Scout will try to keep her head up and not get brought down by other's comments.
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