What reasons does Atticus give for defending Tom?

What reasons does Atticus give for defending Tom?

Atticus explains his actions to Scout in chapter 9: “The main reason [for defending Tom] is, if I didn’t I couldn’t hold my head up in town, I couldn’t represent this county in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again.”

Why does Atticus choose to defend Tom Robinson even though he is certain he isn’t going to win the case?

Atticus thinks he can’t win in his defense of Tom Robinson because of Maycomb’s systemic racism. As Atticus explains to Uncle Jack, the case will come down to whose word the jury will believe. They are not likely to believe Tom’s word over that of Mayella and her father, despite how suspicious they are.

Who does Atticus defend and for what does Atticus defend him?

Tom Robinson
Atticus defends Tom Robinson (Chapter 9, page 99) Atticus feels that he has to do what’s right to be able to hold his head up or even have any authority over his children. He also is willing to stand up against the odds—he knows he’s “licked” before he even begins.

What does Atticus say when Scout asks why he is defending Tom?

Summary: Chapter 9 Atticus has been asked to defend Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman. It is a case he cannot hope to win, but Atticus tells Scout that he must argue it to uphold his sense of justice and self-respect. Scout thinks Francis is the most “boring” child she has ever met.

Did Atticus win the appeal?

Jem is convinced that the jury will acquit Tom Robinson after the evidence Atticus presented. After the verdict, Jem leaves the courtroom stunned, angry, and crying. The African American community loads the Finch family with food for defending Tom so valiantly, which surprises the children because Atticus didn’t win.

How well does Atticus feel he should defend Tom Robinson is it usual for white lawyers to do their best for black clients in Alabama during this time?

Atticus Finch defends Tom Robinson to the best of his abilities. He defends his client just as well as he would a paying white man, even though it causes social ridicule in Maycomb. In Chapter 9 of To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout asks her father about the trial.

Did Atticus choose defend Tom?

Even though Atticus knows he does not have a chance at winning Tom’s case, because of his character, it makes sense for him to defend Tom Robinson because, Atticus does what is right, he lives by the “Golden Rule”, and he wants to set a good example to Jem and Scout.

Does Atticus believe he will win the case?

When he takes the case, Atticus assumes that they will lose the trial, but he believes they have an excellent chance in the appeal process. The people of his community trust him to do the right thing, and he does. After the trial is over, Atticus feels discouraged by the outcome, but he is not beaten by it.

Did Atticus defend Tom well?

Atticus defends Tom with all his strength and ability because he feels a moral responsibility to do so. The majority of the white citizens of Maycomb accept that Tom has a defense attorney, although they can’t understand why Atticus would take on his case.

What did Atticus say to Tom after the trial?

Atticus knew that it was very unlikely that Tom would win his trial. When Jem was bewildered at the verdict, Atticus replies: I don’t know, but they did it. They’ve done it before and they did it tonight and they’ll do it again and when they do it—seems that only children weep.

Did Atticus know he would lose?

Expert Answers Atticus tells him he does not know if he is going to win or lose. Scout describes Atticus as “exhausted.”

Should Atticus have defended Tom?

Even though Atticus knows he does not have a chance at winning Tom’s case, because of his character, it makes sense for Atticus to defend him anyway. Defending Tom Robinson makes sense for Atticus because of his worldview. Atticus believes that all people are worth respecting and he lives by the Golden Rule.

Why does Atticus decide to defend Tom Robinson?

As Atticus has explained to Scout many times about this, He is doing this becasue he values equailty and justice. He believes that everyone is equal and therefore just because Tom Robinson is black, doesn’t mean that he should not defend him.

What is Atticus trying to prove to Maycomb and his children?

Atticus is standing up for Tom to prove to Maycomb and his children that just because Tom is black, it gives them white folks no reason to disrespect the black. Atticus is setting an example. Plus, he is upholding his own moral values, so at least he isn’t hypocritical.

Did Atticus use every tool available to free men?

However, as stated in the book, “Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret courts of men’s hearts Atticus had no case. Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed,” (Lee 244).

What does Atticus say to scout about holding up her head?

The main one is, if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this county in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again.” (Lee, 78) Atticus then encourages Scout to try her best to ignore the negative remarks and refrain from fighting others.