What transgressions does Atticus finch commit in to kill a Mockingbird and how does this affect the relationship with other characters in the story?
In what chapters?
While Atticus Finch is portrayed as a moral and upstanding character in Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird, there are a few instances where he can be seen as transgressing social norms or expectations. These transgressions affect his relationships with certain characters in the story. Here are a few examples:
1. Chapter 10: In this chapter, Atticus is charged with shooting a rabid dog, Tim Johnson, which poses a threat to the neighborhood. This act could be seen as a transgression because Atticus, being a respected lawyer and father figure, is expected to uphold the law and not engage in potentially dangerous activities. However, Atticus proves his marksmanship and surprises his children with his hidden talent. This event slightly alters Jem and Scout's perception of their father, showing them a side of him that they didn't know existed.
2. Chapter 15: Atticus defends Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman in a deeply racist and segregated town. By defending Tom and fighting for justice instead of following the prevailing racist opinions of the community, Atticus goes against the prejudiced norms of Maycomb. This transgression alienates him from some members of the community and leads to insults from community members, as well as threats and attacks on his family.
3. Chapter 23: After Tom Robinson's trial, Atticus knows that the result was unjust, and he expresses his frustration with the townspeople. Atticus tells his children that the court system is not always fair and expresses sadness over the existence of racism. This transgression against the town's shared belief in justice and equality causes further isolation from some members of the community. Some people in Maycomb view his words as unpatriotic or traitorous and this affects Atticus' relationship with those individuals.
Despite these transgressions, Atticus remains a strong moral compass throughout the story, standing up for what he believes is right and guiding his children on the principles of justice and empathy.