How Does Atticus Finch's Actions Impact Society

Words: 656
Pages: 3

A person’s actions, no matter how insignificant they may seem, shape the world. Throughout history, men and women of all backgrounds have impacted society with everything from their smallest choices to their most inspiring words. The threat of the human condition is the threat of complacency. The deep desire to stay comfortable with one’s current status keeps millions upon millions of people planted firmly in their seats, without any desire to better themselves or the world around them. Those who truly break out of this condition are the ones who go down in history as the people who impact and inspire the world.
Perhaps the most influential and important examples of action being taken for the common good can be cited from the birth certificate of America. The Declaration of Independence is at the forefront of action taken to change the world. Thomas Jefferson, and the 55 others who signed the document put their lives, and way of living on the line by doing so. Taking action to end the countless grievances against the British Crown was a dangerous endeavor. By signing the bold document, they were committing treason, and they were waging war. To them, the reward outweighed the
…show more content…
Atticus Finch, the father played an important role in his community as the man who “spends his time [doing] things that wouldn’t get done if nobody did [them]” (Lee 98). As a lawyer, he chose to defend a black man by the name Tom Robinson, accused of raping a white woman. Despite all of the evidence against the accusation, his skin color makes him guilty by association. Atticus knew he was going to lose the case, but instead of backing down, he stood by his principles and defended the man the best he could. Regardless of the outcome, guilty or not guilty, Atticus’s display of devotion to his cause paints a clear message of resilience in the face of