What is a hero? Is it the inimitable supernatural superman, wearing tights and saving babies from burning buildings? Or is it the ordinary man, flawed like the rest of us but capable of seeing past those imperfections? The widowed working father who has the courage to rise above the prejudice of society and do what is right. In the dictionary, a hero is described as an object of extreme admiration and devotion, an idol. However, this definition can be expanded to include those that show courage, and put others before themselves. In To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch demonstrated true heroic qualities. He was admirable and devoted; he was brave and put others before himself in a difficult time.
Atticus agreeing to defend Tom Robinson in court showed that he believes in fairness and justice for all. During that time, black people were considered to be lower class, which caused white people to always suspect blacks before they suspected white people. People in the town begin to call him a nigger lover and threaten him and his family. During the trial Atticus makes this statement, Confident that you gentlemen, would go along with them on one assumption, the evil assumption, that all Negroes lie, that all Negroes are immoral beings, that all Negroes are not to be trusted around our women, an assumption that of one mind of their caliber. Which gentlemen, we know is in itself a lie as black as Tom Robinsons skin, a lie that I dont have to point out to you. You know the truth. The truth is this: some Negroes lie, some Negroes are immoral, some Negro men cant be trusted around women, black or white. But this is a truth that applies to the human race and to no particular race of men. This statement speaks of the truth, and how it applies to all people not matter what color of skin. The effect of it may not have had a large effect on the outcome of the trial, but it is one small step toward a truly equal society.
Atticus Finch, a widower of 50, is the father of Jem and Scout. He represents all that is best in Maycomb as a citizen, a father, a Christian and a Southern gentleman. He stands out as a man of reason and courage. As a citizen, Atticus is highly respected and very responsible. His conduct and conversation throughout the book show that he is entirely free from the usual Maycomb faults of pride, racialism and hypocrisy. In any ways, Atticus is central to the whole point of the novel. In the face of prejudice and strong emotions of the people of Maycomb he tries to make his own children see that it is better to use one's head than to resort to fists. Jem and Scout have perfect confidence in their father. He always tells them the truth, and they are secure in the knowledge that he loves them.
In a town of such undeserved glory, Atticus Finch is the one character that is worthy of attention and appreciation. In the face of widespread prejudice in the town of Maycomb, he has the courage to teach his children that they must, learn to be compassionate and understanding of the problems and conditions of life faced by other people (page 137). This portrays Atticus as a man who is dignified in the humblest of senses, and it emphasizes his underlying integrity. Atticus Finch is a highly consummated man of great intelligence, but even greater humbleness.
Atticus Finch is a character of stability, humility, and high moral standard. This enables him to defend Tom Robinson based solely on the theory of justice and equality. Atticus represents the justice in the community of Maycomb. You never really understand a person until you consider life from his point of viewuntil you climb into his skin and walk around in it (page 34). Through his pure attributes, he serves as the center of neutrality in the novel, and the basis of the themes that are emphasized throughout the novel.
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