Why does Atticus defend Tom? This question is at the heart of Harper Lee's iconic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. Atticus Finch, a small-town lawyer, takes on the arduous task of defending Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman, in the racist atmosphere of 1930s Alabama. Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against him, Atticus chooses to defend Tom because he believes in the inherent goodness of humanity, the pursuit of justice, and the importance of setting an example for his children. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayOne of the main reasons Atticus defends Tom is his unshakable belief in the innate goodness of people. Throughout the novel, Atticus consistently demonstrates his belief in the basic decency of human beings, regardless of their race or social standing. Atticus' choice to defend Tom is rooted in his belief that all individuals, regardless of the color of their skin, deserve equal protection before the law. This belief is exemplified in Atticus' statement to his children: "Courage isn't a man with a gun in his hand. It's knowing that you've been licked before you start but you start anyway and make it no matter what" (Lee 112) . Atticus recognizes the inequality and prejudice deeply rooted in their society, but he refuses to let these obstacles deter him from doing what he believes is right. Furthermore, Atticus' decision to defend Tom is driven by his unwavering commitment to justice. He understands that justice isn't always easy to achieve, especially in a community as deeply divided as Maycomb. However, Atticus believes that fighting for justice is a moral imperative that transcends personal comfort and social constraints. In the courtroom, Atticus skillfully exposes the weaknesses of the prosecution's case, challenging the prevailing prejudices that threaten to convict an innocent man. Atticus' dedication to justice is evident when he tells his children, "The only thing that doesn't abide by the rule of the majority is a person's conscience" (Lee 105). Atticus's defense of Tom is not simply a legal duty; it is a moral duty to uphold the principles of fairness and equality on which the justice system is built. Furthermore, Atticus defends Tom because he recognizes the importance of setting an example for his children, Scout and Jem. As a single father, Atticus understands that his actions speak louder than his words. By defending Tom, Atticus teaches his children the values ​​of empathy, compassion, and standing up for what is right, even when it is unpopular. Atticus's choice to defend Tom becomes a crucial teaching moment for Scout and Jem, shaping their understanding of justice and equality. Through their father's actions, Scout and Jem learn that courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to face it head on, even when the odds are against them. In conclusion, Atticus' choice to defend Tom Robinson is driven by his belief in the innate goodness of humanity, his commitment to justice, and his desire to set an example for his children. Atticus refuses to be affected by his community's deep-seated racism and prejudices, choosing instead to fight for what he knows is right. Through his defense of Tom, Atticus challenges prevailing social norms and highlights the inherent flaws of a justice system that allows racial prejudices to prevail. Atticus's decision serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of upholding justice, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. Please note: this is just one, 1960.