Atticus s Choice For Defend Tom Robinson - 1395 Words

When examining the morality of an action, one must consider several factors, including the consequences, intentions, intrinsic nature of the act, and the beneficial or harmful effects the action has on others. The classic film, To Kill A Mockingbird, depicts several instances where a character’s actions may be perceived as morally wrong, based on the fundamental principles of ethical theories. In the following, I will discuss the case where Atticus makes a choice to defend Tom Robinson, and I will apply two ethical theories to explain how his act could be considered morally wrong or morally right. Ultimately, I will illustrate that through a utilitarian perspective, Atticus’ action can be considered wrong, whereas a Kantian perspective†¦show more content†¦His action triggered greater pain among his family and to those of color, which stirred up tension and uproar and resulted in heightened prejudice and racial conflict. For example, once neighbors learned of A tticus’ choice to defend Tom, they increasingly condemned him with racial threats and insults, while others championed discrimination and encouraged lynching of colored individuals. Also, his children engaged in fights with others and encountered malicious remarks from neighbors. Because of the increased pain experienced by both white and colored individuals, and the lack of pleasure for the majority of people, Atticus’ choice to defend Tom Robinson was a morally wrong deed. Another critical component of utilitarianism that may characterize Atticus’ act as morally wrong involves examining the degree of conflict resolution. In evaluating the context of the film, it is clear that Atticus’ action did not resolve the racial conflicts and tensions between the white and colored individuals, but instead aggravated them. He violated the unwritten social rule of helping a colored man, which resulted in more harm than good. His action signified support for people of color, which left the prevailing white community in pain and anguish. Viewing this case through a utilitarian lens exemplifies that Atticus’ action did not provide any guidance to resolve the preexisting conflicts. Though utilitarianists would deem this act as wrong, one can claim that Atticus’Show MoreRelatedTo Kill A Mockingbird Closing Speech1580 Words   |  7 PagesAtticus’ Closing Speech As Abraham Lincoln once said, â€Å"The leading rule for the lawyer, as for the man of every calling, is diligence.† Being thorough is a prodigious factor in being a lawyer. In the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, the main character, Jean Louise Finch, also known as Scout, portrays her life events and displays how much segregation occurred in her early childhood. 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In Harper Lee’s book, To Kill a Mockingbird, which is based upon a true story, Tom Robinson, a man accused of rape, Scout Finch, a tomboy and lawyer’s daughter that observes occurrences in Maycomb, resists racist comments, and does not always understand things, who is also the narrator of the publication, both in a childish fashion and in an adult like fashion, and Atticus, a lawyer who is intelligent, respected and respecting, and defends Tom Robinson in his time ofRead MoreAnalysis Of Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee1545 Words   |  7 PagesPublished in 1960 but set in the deep South during the 1930’s, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird was an instant classic that has endured for more than half a century. Still taught in schools and often referenced in popular culture, Lee’s story of the Finch family in tiny Maycomb, Alabama is known as a â€Å"Great American Novel† because of Lee’s entertaining examination of so many timeless, socially relevant themes. Through her characters of Atticus Finch, his daughter Scout, and their mysterious neighborRead MoreAnalysis Of Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee1546 Words   |  7 PagesPublished in 1960 but set in the deep South of the 1930’s, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird was an instant classic that has endured for more than half a century. Still taught in schools and often referenced in popular culture, Lee’s story of the Finch family in tiny Maycomb, Alabama is known as a â€Å"Great American Novel† because of Lee’s entertaining examination of so many timeless, socially relevant themes. Through her characters of Atticus Finch, his daughter Scout, and their mysterious neighborRead MoreTo Kill A Mockingbird by Har per Lee Is an Inspiration for Students777 Words   |  4 Pages1930’s. This setting was in a small town in Maycomb, Alabama with people who did not get along. During this time there was a lot of segregation within America and different races. 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Using a variety of language features Lee skilfully positions the reader to view Atticus positively though his beliefs and actionsRead MoreRacism in To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee Essay1497 Words   |  6 Pagessociety in the south during the 1930’s. Many colored people were thought of as less than their peers. Whites were considered better than African Americans were, and almost every white person accepted the unjust judgment. Racial discrimination hit hard in the south. Many of the characters in To Kill a Mockingbird were impacted by racial discrimination, including Calpurnia, Scout, and Tom Robinson and his family. One of the more â€Å"accepted† sorts of racism in the 1930’s was in the home. Many familiesRead MoreThere Are Many Themes That Are Woven Throughout To Kill959 Words   |  4 Pagesnever understand his choice, so he made it easier for the townspeople by pretending to be the town drunk. Raymond states this himself when talking to Scout â€Å"Secretly, Miss Finch, I’m not much of a drinker, but you see they could never, never understand that I live like I do because that is the way I want to live.† While courage is a major theme in To Kill a Mockingbird, there are other themes like protecting the innocent and individuals subject to racial prejudice. Atticus shows courage by defending