Each individual has their own personal definition of heroism or more specifically the characteristics of a true hero. Some may believe that a hero must be a person of high morals, while others believe it is a person that engages in actions of extreme bravery. Dictionary.com defines a hero or heroine as a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his or her brave deeds and noble qualities. In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, a different kind of hero is portrayed. The content of this essay will discuss how Atticus Finch, is a different kind of hero.
Throughout society we are surrounded by conventional heroes, however, Atticus does not fall into this category. He possesses a poor physique and is quite old. He is pro-dominantly inactive, apart from walking to and from work, and refuses to be tackled while playing football with his son Jem. He also chooses not to represent Maycomb in football matches against other churches. In addition, he also has poor eyesight and wears spectacles. He is not good looking and has no trademarked attire. His age, spectacles and the way he is described within the novel all point toward him being not good looking. Also, he dresses formally in a suit everyday and he has no special attire or fancy gadgets. Although Atticus may not be the definition of a conventional hero, he does possess some traits needed to become one.
Atticus has several redeeming character traits such as generosity, open-mindedness, excellent marksmanship, courage and bravery, modesty and good morals, all of which classify him as a conventional hero. Atticus shows generosity when Mr. Cunningham, a client of his, cannot come up with the money to pay him for his services, Atticus accepts payment in vegetables and other things with no questions asked, he was even willing to accept nothing at all. When Walter Cunningham said “Mr. Finch, I don’t know when I’ll ever be able to pay you.” Atticus replied “Let that be the least of your worries, Walter.” He shows open-mindedness, courage, bravery and good morals in defending Tom Robinson when no one else will. Everyone in the town, friends and family, look down upon Atticus for standing up for Tom, but Atticus continues to defend him, in and out of court, because he is in the right of the situation. He was willing to put his own life on the line outside Tom’s jail cell the night before his trial, just so that Tom can have a fair trial. As well as, persevering to try and appeal the verdict and take the case to a higher court. He tells everyone to keep an open mind, like he tells Scout, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” When the time came to put a disease-ridden dog out of its misery in order to protect the neighborhood, Sheriff Heck Tate knew that only Atticus can hit the dog in a single shot. At first, Atticus refuses to take the gun being offered to him, a show of modesty towards his perfect marksmanship. When he finally accepts the gun, he indeed shoots the infected dog, from a good distance away in one pull of the trigger. Atticus Finch is truly one of the most extraordinary and tenacious icons in all of English Literature.
The Essay on Hero Don Person Good
"HERO " What makes a person a hero? Is it the firefighter who gets into a burning building because he thinks that there may be someone in there? Is it the basketball star that has used his fame and fortune to develop an after school program for kids in his hometown? Is it the teacher whose dedication to her students helps them not only learn about history, math and science, but also what it means ...
Atticus’ character does not progress over the span of the novel. His actions change other peoples’ character, and influence their actions positively. He teaches his children how to act respectfully and decently even though his wife died of a heart attack, when his kids were young. Through all the trail and error he upholds the image of a loving father,respectable person, and friend in general. Even though Mrs Dubose slanders and bad mouths him to his own children, he still remains loyal to her till her last breath. In addition, he foresaw them losing the case, yet he is determined to try his utmost best and go to the full extent of the law to defend Tom, even when the odds are stacked against him. He may not be a conventional hero, but he is an extraordinary, brave, tenacious, extremely loyal and true man.
The Essay on True Hero Romeo Atticus Juliet
In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, Atticus the main character is like Romeo, in Romeo and Juliet, in the way that they are both true heroes in the end. In the book Atticus describes a true hero, even though he would never admit he is really describing himself. Romeo thoroughly fits this description as well, for in the beginning of his relationship with Juliet he knew they were of ...
All things considered, we can confidently conclude that Atticus Finch, is a different type of hero altogether. He may not be the strong, good looking and young hero we are accustomed to, but he is the brave, loyal, tenacious, open-minded, true, generous, modest, respectable and extraordinary hero we need. If every individual could become an ‘Atticus Finch’ , this world would be a far better place to live in.
