Mayella is only a victim and Atticus does not believe it is just to censure her for this. However, in spite of knowing this, Atticus does not think it is fair to punish Mayella-she was doing what she had to do to save herself. He has reason to believe that her father beat her, and this is the reason she accuses Tom of rape. Atticus’ perception pierces through the façade of Mayella’s story and recognizes the reason behind Mayella’s ways. “‘She has committed no crime, she has merely broken a rigid and time-honored code of our society, a code so severe that whoever breaks it is hounded from our midst as unfit to live with’” (Lee 203). Atticus shows his fairness when he addresses the jury about why he believes Mayella is telling the story the way she is. Without a fair trial, no accurate resolution can be reached. Atticus is highly aware that the court is not perfect, but all he asks of the jury is that Tom Robinson may have a fair trial. During his closing argument, Atticus reminds the court of how the Judicial System is supposed to work: all men, whether they are intelligent, dim-witted, legendary, or black, have the right to a fair trial. “‘But there is one way in this country in which all men are created equal…That institution, gentlemen, is a court’” (Lee 205). All of these traits apply to Atticus, especially during the time of Tom Robinson’s trial. He recognizes that through slaying this dog, he will be keeping everyone out of harm’s way.Whether it is encouraging Scout to go back to school or shooting a rabid dog, Atticus keeps his strong sense of insightfulness and understanding throughout the novel.Ī man who is just is said to be guided by reality, logic, and sprite. Atticus is reluctant but, instead of refusing, he swallows his pride and kills the dog for the safety of his family and friends. Tate, the sheriff, asks Atticus to shoot it for him. Tate almost threw the rifle at Atticus” (Lee 95). Furthermore, Atticus shows his discernment when a mad dog enters into the neighborhood. His ability to step back from situations and consider all angles of it shows how wise Atticus can truly be. In situations like these, it is sometimes easier to learn only one side of the story, but Atticus decides to take a wider perspective. Atticus, who is calm and collected, tells Scout that maybe her teacher did not have a very good day either, and that Scout should put herself in Miss Caroline’s shoes before making any rash decisions. Atticus gives this advice to Scout after she has a terrible first day of school Scout is not fond of her new teacher and is therefore refusing to go back. “‘You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view’” (Lee 30). Because of Atticus’ nobility, Jem and Scout are better able to comprehend the transformations in the community with unbiased eyes. Atticus is a character who proves noble throughout the story, leading many to respect him. Someone cannot truly call themselves a noble person if they are not able to understand others.
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