How Does Atticus Use Logos In To Kill A Mockingbird

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In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch employs logos and repetition in his closing argument to the jury and people of Maycomb in order to persuade them to see beyond their prejudice and free Tom Robinson. When Atticus begins his appeal, he reminds the courtroom that there is no medical evidence to prove the crime ever took place. In the start of Atticus’ appeal logos is seen when he states, “The state has not produced one iota of medical evidence to the effect that the crime Tom Robinson is charged with ever took place” (271). Atticus is stating that without this very important evidence there is no way to know if a crime was actually committed. Atticus reminds the jury and audience that without medical evidence to support the case, there is no case and Tom is innocent. Furthermore, as Atticus is talking about Mayella’s involvement, he explains …show more content…

Atticus wants to show the courtroom that not every black person is evil when he repeats the word /all/ (273). Atticus is trying to show that even though the blacks may be considered evil, that does not mean Tom is the same way. Atticus is showing the courtroom that their assumption about Tom Robinson is wrong, and that he is not guilty of committing this crime. Since, Atticus treats the jury members as equals to himself, he wants Tom to receive the same treatment. When Atticus says the word /gentleman/ (273), it shows that even though the men on jury are the destitutes of the town Atticus treats them as if they were all equal. That is why Atticus wants the courtroom to see that even though Tom is black, he should be treated as an equal to them. These rhetorical methods are seen in Harper Lee’s book To Kill a Mockingbird, during Atticus Finch’s appeal to the jury and people of Maycomb with the use of logos and repetition persuades them to see beyond their prejudice and free Tom

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