Throughout the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, situation ethics are raised and are present within many of the actions taken by the people of Maycomb, Alabama. When Atticus’ children, Jem and Scout, were attacked by Bob Ewell and was later found that Boo Radley was the one that killed him, both Sheriff Heck Tate and Atticus lied in order to protect him and they took the law into their own hands. It is also seen that Bob Ewell, an unemployed, drunk man that belongs to one of the poorest families in Maycomb, accuses Tom Robinson, a black man, of raping Mayella and lied at the trial. Bob Ewell’s case differs from Heck Tate and Atticus’ Case since they lied in order to protect Boo Radley and Ewell only lied in order to help himself and in spite. …show more content…
As Jem and Scout were walking back home from the school’s Halloween pageant, Bob Ewell a attacked them. He left Jem knocked out and with a broken arm. This scene was kind of a blur for both Scout and Jem. It seemed to be that Boo Radley was around by the time this happened but Scout never saw him until he saw that Jem was being carried by him. Later, Heck Tate told Atticus that Bob Ewell was dead and had been stabbed. In order to cover up the story, to evade formal investigation and to protect Boo Radley, the sheriff declares that Ewell dies when fell on his own knife. By declaring this, both Atticus and Heck Tate are not only obstructing the law but justice too. Even though this was declared with the best intentions to help Boo Radley it still is a crime by lying and taking the law in their own hands deciding
In To Kill a Mockingbird, the main plot, the Tom Robinson case, parallels that of the Boo Radley subplot in many ways. In the Tom Robinson plot, Tom, a black man, gets falsely accused of savagely beating and raping Miss Mayella Ewell, a 19 year old girl who lives in poverty with her father, Bob Ewell, and her many younger siblings. Though the evidence points to Bob Ewell as the abuser, the townsfolk, including the jury, take the Ewell’s word over Tom’s purely because of his skin color. The subplot in this novel is focused on Arthur “Boo” Radley, the mysterious neighbor of the Finch family. They know very little about him, as he hasn’t left his house in many years. In the midst of the Tom Robinson case, the Boo Radley subplot trails off, almost
In every situation Atticus would be truthful, no matter what or who it would hurt. In the courthouse, both Mayella and Tom Robinson had sworn to tell the truth, and nothing but the truth. It was clear that Mayella was lying about what happened the day of the alleged assault, but Atticus made sure that Tom told the truth about everything that happened because he knew in the end, the truth always prevails. A tremendous example of Atticus’s honesty was the night his children were attacked by Bob Ewell. When Heck Tate arrived at the Finch residence, he delivered the news that Bob Ewell had been stabbed and was laying under a tree, dead. This brought Atticus to the conclusion that his son, Jem had killed Bob Ewell, based on the story Scout told him. Atticus thought that Jem had gotten a hold of Bob’s knife while they were fighting and stabbed him, but Heck Tate said Bob Ewell had fallen on his own knife. Atticus thought that Heck Tate was trying to cover for Jem, which he appreciated, but he didn’t want Heck Tate to cover up for Jem. Atticus said to Heck, “I’m sorry if I spoke sharply, Heck, but nobody’s hushing this up. I don’t live that way.” (Lee, 1960, p. 365). From what he thought, Atticus didn’t even want to protect his own son from the law and potential consequences if it meant he wouldn’t show honesty. This goes to show just how strongly Atticus stands by his
In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, many notable themes arise, but the most prevalent theme is undeniably the theme of man’s inhumanity to man. At the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to Scout Finch, who is naive and oblivious to the discrimination that occurs in Maycomb. However, through many events and through meeting many characters, we soon begin to realize that the world may not be so nice after all. Our suspicions are only confirmed once we witness the terrible injustices that occur during the trial. The predominance of inhumanity throughout the novel is what makes it such an important theme.
Many of the other townspeople respect how Atticus treated all people and colors the same. Atticus sees people as themselves while society judges them. In the Tom Robinson case he earns some support of the townspeople by his fair ways and taking a stand. Atticus is an honest man who says the truth to anyone if they ask. During the Tom Robinson case, Atticus is trying to get the townspeople to see everyone should be treated equally no matter their color, size, or shape. Both Atticus and his children face challenges after Atticus defends Tom Robinson. For example, Atticus is treated horribly by Bob Ewell. He spits in his face and Atticus still treats him with respect. Jem and Scout face problems by people calling Atticus a “negro lover”. People calling Atticus this strongly upsets Scout. Bob Ewell wants revenge and he threatens his children one Halloween night on the way home from a Halloween pageant. Bob attacks Jem and Scout and gives Jem a broken arm and concussion. Luckily, Boo Radley steps in and stabs Bob Ewell. The officer concluded that Bob Ewell fell on his knife. In the end Atticus is a fair, honest, and kind man. He teaches all of these things to Jem and Scout throughout the entire
“ ‘Jem see if you can stand in Bob Ewell’s shoes a minute. I destroyed his last shred credibility at the trial, if he had any to begin with. The man had to have some kind of a comeback, his kind always does. So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating that's something i'll gladly take. He had to take it out on somebody and i’d rather it be me than that houseful of children out there. You understand ’” (23.15) Atticus Finch had exposed the bad men in the community to his children but selflessly found room to feel sorry for Bob because of how he treats his children. The children were able to learn from Atticus by being able to understand what was being said but realize that not everyone is as fortunate as them and don't always have the moral understand like Atticus has taught them 'Scout, I think I'm beginning to understand something. I think I'm beginning to understand why Boo Radley's stayed shut up in the house all this time. It's because he wants to stay inside.'" Page 227. Jem had recognized that not everyone can cope with the world they live in, being all caught up in hate, racism and distrust that it's better for people like that to stay inside, away from the horrid things of the world which is society. Adults are capable of judging and and not forgiving
Atticus does realize, however, that Jem and Scout will undergo cruel comments, but he believes Scout and Jem will be able to conquer them. When Bob Ewell spat Atticus, as well as threatened Atticus, it is made clear that his intent is to seek vengeance. “It was Miss Stephanie’s pleasure to tell us: this morning Mr. Bob Ewell stopped Atticus on the post office corner, spat in his face, and told him he’d get him if it took the rest of his life” (Lee 290). This quote communicates that Mr. Ewell will stop at nothing to get revenge on Atticus for making him seem as he is a fool, which ultimately results in him dieing and wounding Atticus’s children in a way that exposes extensive clarity. Jem’s arm is now broken and Scout was injured. However, in the end, Boo Radley saves both Jem and Scout and everything serves justice when Bob Ewell seems to kill himself when falling on his knife. This signifies that Bob Ewell would no longer pester anyone about anything and will no longer be abusive of his children and continue his irresponsibility. In addition, some may counter that Atticus knows he is putting Jem and Scout in a difficult position where nearly everyone in Maycomb is criticizing them and their family. “‘Your father’s no better than the niggers and trash he works for’” (Lee 135). Mrs. Dubose goes as far as saying that Atticus is worthless, by her definition, and is simply yet another case of the point exhibiting Maycomb’s racism and discourtesy towards Atticus, Jem, and Scout. Despite this, as a result, good is the outcome. Jem and Scout learn to overcome harsh occurrences through the use of courage, another one of Atticus’s means of getting his children to do what is honorable, and get his children to get the better of those brutal moments that drag others
“Learn to deal with the fact that not everyone is perfect, but everyone deserves respect, honesty, justice and equality, I’m for truth no matter who tells it, I’m for justice no matter who it is for or against” (anonymous)
In a racist town where people are overly judged based on rumors spread around. A man who has yet to be seen named Boo Radley is made into the town monster. Little do they know that Bob is one of the only people in Maycomb who does not judge people by their race. In the book “To Kill A Mockingbird” written by Harper Lee, the main character Atticus Finch is a lawyer in the little town of Maycomb. Atticus Finch the father of Scout and Jem has been faced with one of the hardest cases of his life. Atticus is forced to defend a black man named Tom Robinson on the fact that he raped a white girl named Mayella Ewell. Some people may argue that it does not make sense for Atticus to take a stand to defend Tom Robinson, because he will lose his trust
Bob Ewell attacked the kids to get at Atticus. Boo Radley happen to be around and fought off Bob. He ended up stabbing Bob to protect the kids. When the sheriff came to check out the situation, Boo was already there checking on Jem. Atticus and the sheriff was talking on how to take this to trial. Sheriff Tate made the case that Bob Ewell fell on his own knife. He said, “Let the dead bury the dead.” Sheriff Tate realized an innocent man died for a crooked man’s actions, who is now dead.
Scout and Jem suffered Bob Ewell’s hate towards Atticus. Luckily Boo Radley saves them from Bob’s threat. Bob Ewell was lying on the ground with a kitchen knife stuck up under his ribs (Lee, 270). Hatred is developed from injustice. Bob Ewell attacking them shows the moral injustice in the book. To Kill a Mockingbird portrays the treatment of parents to their kids shape their future. Boo’s father, locked Boo up inside the Radley house. Boo, even after his parents death, never set out of his house when there was no reason to. “Thank You for my children Arthur” (Lee, 370). Atticus thanked Boo for saving Jem and Scout’s life from Bob Ewell. However, Boo didn’t respond which portrays Boo’s suffering from his dad’s punishment. Even with the death of his father, Boo’s dad shaped him to be that kind of
Bob Ewell decided to get back at Atticus for the Tom Robinson case by attacking his kids. Boo Radley saved Scout and Jem by stabbing Bob, but Heck Tate is insistent on saying that Bob fell on his knife. Atticus agrees and then explains the situation to Scout. Scout explained to him, “‘Yes sir, I understand,’ I reassured him. ‘
In To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, Bob Ewell assumes the racist, biased, and unjust motivations in order to retain any scrap of dignity in Maycomb County. Bob Ewell sees that he has been bested, and that the town knows the truth, however, he is able to abuse his racial standpoint, using racism to scapegoat his actions. The town, even though they all are aware that Bob Ewell is guilty, has been racially obligated to oppress Tom Robinson, due to the racist roots embedded in the town.
The town gossip, Miss Stephanie Crawford, tells Atticus’ children what she overheard in downtown Maycomb: “Atticus was leaving the post office when Mr. Ewell approached him, cursed him, spat at him, and threatened to kill him.” This shows that he is furious with Atticus that he would go so far as to curse and spit and threaten him in broad daylight where anyone could watch and hear. Atticus then explains why Bob Ewell did these horrible things: “Jem, see if you can stand in Bob Ewell’s shoes for a minute. I destroyed his last shed of credibility at the trial, if he had any begin with. The man had to have some kind of comeback, his kind always does. So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that’s something I’ll gladly take. He had to take it out on somebody and I rather it be me than that household of child.” This explains why Atticus did nothing at the post office and will do nothing against Bob Ewell. Later, Bob realizes that Atticus is not about to do anything back at him, so he kicks it up a notch and goes after his children instead. He almost got his revenge, but Arthur Radley came and saved the children from
Black and white, right and wrong; do decisions that simple and clear even exist? Does a decision ever mean gaining everything without giving anything up? Many characters in To Kill A Mockingbird are forced to make difficult, heart wrenching decisions that have no clear right answer. Harper Lee presents many of these important decisions in To Kill A Mockingbird as ethical dilemmas, or situations that require a choice between two difficult alternatives. Both of these alternatives have unpleasant aspects and question morals and ethics. A person is put in an awkward position, with their mind saying contradicting things. These dilemmas are presented in many different ways. The decisions in the beginning of the book are simple and can be solved quite easily, yet they are symbolic of later decisions. Other dilemmas place adult-like decisions in the lap of a child. One dilemma concerned a man burdened with the strict traditions of the South. Then there are the two biggest dilemmas, Atticus' decision to take the case and Heck Tate's choice between truth and the emotional well being of a man. Lee's ingenious storyline is established by these crucial and mentally arduous choices faced by the characters.
In Harper Lee's novel To Kill A Mockingbird the protagonist Scout face offenses by others because of her father's justice for defending an African American in court. Scout Finch lives with her brother Jem, and their father Atticus, in the sleepy town of Maycomb during the Great Depression. As Atticus, the father of the protagonist faces the moral dilemma in chapter 29-30 of the incident with Bob Ewell. Atticus moral dilemma will reveal his character and his beliefs. Bob Ewell attempted to hurt Atticus children in order to get revenge on Atticus for defending the African American who was accused of raping his daughter in court. Atticus has a hard time of choosing whether to tell the town that Bob Ewell died of an accident, or his son or Boo Radley killed Bob Ewell. Atticus is a famous lawyer in Maycomb and he believes in legal justice.