Skip to main content

How would you describe Atticus' actions on the night when the mob arrived at the jailhouse? What do his actions tell you about his character?

In Chapter 15, Atticus drives to the Maycomb jailhouse and sits outside of Tom Robinson's cell to make sure that nobody attempts to harm Tom before the trial. Jem, Scout, and Dill decide to find out where Atticus is and eventually spot him in front of the jailhouse. Seemingly out of nowhere, a group of dusty cars arrive from the Meridan highway. The Old Sarum bunch gets out of the cars and surrounds Atticus. One...

In Chapter 15, Atticus drives to the Maycomb jailhouse and sits outside of Tom Robinson's cell to make sure that nobody attempts to harm Tom before the trial. Jem, Scout, and Dill decide to find out where Atticus is and eventually spot him in front of the jailhouse. Seemingly out of nowhere, a group of dusty cars arrive from the Meridan highway. The Old Sarum bunch gets out of the cars and surrounds Atticus. One of the members of the mob tells Atticus to step aside, and Atticus says, "You can turn around and go home again, Walter" (Lee 202). When the mob informs Atticus that Sheriff Tate will not be able to come to his aid, Atticus simply says, "that changes things, doesn't it?" (Lee 202). After hearing Atticus' reply, Scout runs out from her hiding place into the middle of the group of men. Jem and Dill follow Scout and Atticus tells Jem to go home. Jem is defiant and refuses to leave. Atticus repeats his directive and says, "Son, I said go home," but Jem won't leave (Lee 202). While Atticus is trying to convince Jem to take the children home, Scout recognizes Walter Cunningham Sr. She attempts to make conversation and finally gets Mr. Cunningham's attention. Mr. Cunningham realizes the weight of his actions and tells the mob to leave. When the mob leaves, Atticus is relieved and wipes his face before walking the children home.


Atticus' actions are best described as courageous, thoughtful, and selfless. He bravely stands up to the Old Sarum bunch without wavering and has his children's well-being in mind the whole time. Atticus' decision to selflessly defend Tom during the dangerous situation depicts his morally upright, strong-willed character. Atticus' actions reveal that he is a man of integrity, courage, and determination.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is the meaning of "juggling fiends" in Macbeth?

Macbeth is beginning to realize that the three witches have been deceiving him since he first encountered them. Like jugglers, they have kept changing their forecasts in order create confusion. This is particularly apparent when the Second Apparition they raise in Act IV,   Scene 1 tells him that no man of woman born can overcome him in hand-to-hand battle--and then Macbeth finds himself confronted by the one man he has been avoiding out of a... Macbeth is beginning to realize that the three witches have been deceiving him since he first encountered them. Like jugglers, they have kept changing their forecasts in order create confusion. This is particularly apparent when the Second Apparition they raise in Act IV,   Scene 1 tells him that no man of woman born can overcome him in hand-to-hand battle--and then Macbeth finds himself confronted by the one man he has been avoiding out of a sense of guilt, and that man tells him: Despair thy charm. And let the angel whom thou still hast serve...
Post a Comment
Read more

Discuss movements that were inspired by the Civil Rights Movement and list one success for each group.

African-Americans contributed in a very big way during World War II. These contributions were demonstrated at home and on the battlefield. After the war, African-Americans properly felt it was time for them to achieve equality with white Americans. During the 1950's, the modern Civil Rights Movement was born and it had a number of successes (integration of the military and Brown vs. Board of Education as examples.) This success inspired other activists to demand change... African-Americans contributed in a very big way during World War II. These contributions were demonstrated at home and on the battlefield. After the war, African-Americans properly felt it was time for them to achieve equality with white Americans. During the 1950's, the modern Civil Rights Movement was born and it had a number of successes (integration of the military and Brown vs. Board of Education as examples.) This success inspired other activists to demand change for their agendas. Two examples of moveme...
Post a Comment
Read more

In Martel's Life of Pi, how does writing a diary help Pi Patel build on his leadership skills?

At the end of chapter 73, Pi first divulges the fact that he had started a diary after about a week alone at sea. Pi claims that he wrote about "practical stuff" (208) such as what he caught for food, foreseeable problems and solutions, Richard Parker, and reflections about specific events that occurred. In a sense, Pi is the captain of his ship; therefore, he must take responsibility for himself and his crew. He can... At the end of chapter 73, Pi first divulges the fact that he had started a diary after about a week alone at sea. Pi claims that he wrote about "practical stuff" (208) such as what he caught for food, foreseeable problems and solutions, Richard Parker, and reflections about specific events that occurred. In a sense, Pi is the captain of his ship; therefore, he must take responsibility for himself and his crew. He can do this by writing down events, problems and solutions, and reflections to look back on when confronted with repeated problems. It can ...
Post a Comment
Read more