Atticus's Choice to Defend Tom: a Moral Imperative

Why does Atticus defend Tom? This question lies at the heart of Harper Lee's iconic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. Atticus Finch, a small-town lawyer, takes on the daunting task of defending Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman, in the racially charged atmosphere of 1930s Alabama. Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against him, Atticus chooses to defend Tom because he believes in the inherent goodness of humanity, the pursuit of justice, and the importance of setting an example for his children.

One of the primary reasons Atticus defends Tom is his unwavering belief in the innate goodness of people. Throughout the novel, Atticus consistently demonstrates his faith in the fundamental decency of human beings, regardless of their race or social standing. Atticus's choice to defend Tom is rooted in his conviction that all individuals, regardless of the color of their skin, deserve equal protection under the law. This belief is exemplified in Atticus's statement to his children: "Courage is not a man with a gun in his hand. It's knowing you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what" (Lee 112). Atticus recognizes the inequality and prejudice deeply ingrained in their society, but he refuses to let these obstacles deter him from doing what he believes is right.

Furthermore, Atticus's decision to defend Tom is driven by his unwavering commitment to justice. He understands that justice is not always easy to attain, particularly in a deeply divided community like Maycomb. However, Atticus believes that fighting for justice is a moral imperative that transcends personal comfort and societal constraints. In the courtroom, Atticus skillfully exposes the weaknesses in the prosecution's case, challenging the prevailing prejudices that threaten to condemn an innocent man. Atticus's dedication to justice is evident when he tells his children, "The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience" (Lee 105). Atticus's defense of Tom is not simply a legal duty; it is a moral duty to uphold the principles of fairness and equality upon which the justice system is built.

Moreover, Atticus defends Tom because he recognizes the importance of setting an example for his children, Scout and Jem. As a single father, Atticus understands that his actions speak louder than his words. By defending Tom, Atticus teaches his children the values of empathy, compassion, and standing up for what is right, even when it is unpopular. Atticus's choice to defend Tom becomes a crucial teaching moment for Scout and Jem, shaping their understanding of justice and equality. Through their father's actions, Scout and Jem learn that courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to confront it head-on, even when the odds are stacked against them.

In conclusion, Atticus's choice to defend Tom Robinson is driven by his belief in the innate goodness of humanity, his commitment to justice, and his desire to set an example for his children. Atticus refuses to be swayed by the deeply entrenched racism and prejudice of his community, instead choosing to fight for what he knows to be right. Through his defense of Tom, Atticus challenges the prevailing societal norms and highlights the inherent flaws in a justice system that allows racial bias to prevail. Atticus's decision serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for justice, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.

Bibliography

Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. HarperCollins Publishers, 1960.