Why does Atticus defend Tom? This question is at the heart of Harper Lee's iconic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. Atticus Finch, a small-town lawyer, takes on the difficult task of defending Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman, in the racist atmosphere of 1930s Alabama. stand 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. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay One of the main reasons Atticus defends Tom is his unwavering belief in the innate goodness of people. Throughout the novel, Atticus constantly demonstrates his belief in the basic decency of human beings, regardless of their race or social status. Atticus' choice to defend Tom is rooted in his belief that all individuals, regardless of the color of their skin, deserve equal protection under the law. This belief is illustrated in Atticus' statement to his children: "Courage is not a man with a gun in his hand." It’s knowing you’re licked before you start, but you start anyway and you see it through no matter what” (Lee 112). . Atticus recognizes the deep-rooted inequalities and prejudices in their society, but he refuses to let these obstacles stop him from doing what he believes is right. Furthermore, Atticus's decision to defend Tom is motivated by his unwavering commitment to justice. He understands that justice is not always easy to achieve, especially 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 of the prosecution's case, challenging the prevailing prejudices that threaten to convict an innocent man. Atticus' dedication to justice is evident when he tells his children, "The only thing that falls short of 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 respect the principles of fairness and equality on which the justice system is based. Additionally, 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' 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 face it head on, even when the odds are against them. In conclusion, Atticus' choice to defend Tom Robinson is motivated by his conviction. in the innate goodness of humanity, its commitment to justice and its desire to set an example for its children. Atticus refuses to be swayed by the deep-rooted racism and prejudices of his community, choosing instead to fight for what he knows is right. By defending Tom, Atticus challenges dominant societal norms and highlights the inherent flaws in a justice system that allows racial bias to prevail. Atticus' decision serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for justice, even in the face of, 1960.