Why Atticus Is Respected In Maycomb

Report for Literature Class
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Atticus is respected in Maycomb because of several reasons. These include, his honesty, that he is actually defending Tom Robinson, and that he is kind to everybody, not just people who are kind to him.

Atticus is very honest. He is honest to his children when discussing matters, including when he discusses Tom Robinson’s case and what others are saying. He is honest to Tom Robinson when he tells him that he has a chance, but Atticus does not tell Tom that they are going to win the case. He is also very honest with the people in Maycomb. He gives them his reasons for defending Tom and when the people in Maycomb want to criticize him, he does not fight back or get mad at them.

The town criticizes Atticus for actually defending Tom Robinson. At the same time, they respect Atticus for defending Tom to the best of his ability. They respect that Atticus is willing to fight for Tom and are glad he was the one chosen to do the job. Most of them don’t like that a black man would automatically be called guilty even if it is obvious that he is not guilty, but they won’t do anything about it. Therefore, they respect Atticus because he is trying to do something about the injustice of it all. Atticus is doing the right thing by defending Tom, not what would be considered normal in his time.

Another thing is that Atticus is very kind. He is kind to Mrs. Dubose who says mean things to him, and he is kind to Mr. Ewell when he spits in his face. Even while Atticus is being criticized, he has kind and calm words to say; never does Atticus have harsh or loud words to say while he is being criticized. The town of Maycomb respects that he can keep calm, even when the situation is difficult.

So the town of Maycomb respects Atticus for his honesty, his willingness to do what is right, and that he is kind to everybody. I would respect Atticus too.