Atticus believes that if even one person reconsiders being prejudice, it will make a difference. In the novel, Atticus' morals and values are very high. He is not racist and treats everybody the same: in a courteous and gentlemanly manner. Atticus gains the respect of some of the people in Maycomb County by acting in such a way. The people in Maycomb showed their appreciation for Atticus's taciturn fight against racism and hatred in many different ways. Atticus was not afraid to defend Tom Robinson to his full extent, he believed every person had the right to a fair trial and believed Tom's innocen

Atticus' idea of hatred does not define the reality of the prejudice existing in Maycomb. He knew what injustice was, and how to begin defeating it, but could not comprehend its deepest effects. Atticus was able to explain what he knew about hatred to his children, but did not fully understand it himself. He could not conceive of such deep prejudice and it almost cost him his children's lives. Atticus learned that his textbook idea of hatred did not define its true meaning. In conclusion: "Those who are incapable of committing great crimes will not easily suspect others of doing so"(Francois, Duc de la Rochefou

Atticus' misconception of evil became harmful for him and his children. His morals and values were so high that he could not even conceive of how people could hate each other so much. '" It's not okay to hate anybody'"(246). Atticus believes that it is not okay to hate anyone no matter what hurt they may have caused you. This seems good in theory because by hating someone back all you are doing is continuing the cycle of hatred. In reality, it is virtually impossible to just forgive and forget. In the case of Bob Ewell, Atticus did not take his threats seriously when he should have. Atticus knew that Ewell had a grudge against him, but because he could not comprehend true evil he just thought Bob was a little upset because Atticus made him look like a fool in court. "'We don't have anything to fear from Bob Ewell, he got it all out of his system that morning'"(218). Even though Bob had threatened Atticus and sworn to get him back he did not listen to him. Atticus' negligence and in not understanding how deep prejudice and evil goes in Maycomb almost cost him his children's lives. Because Atticus did not take Ewells threats seriously he attacked the children. Without the help of Boo Radley both Jem and Scout could be dead. Even after the attack, Atticus could still not understand how a man could hurt children to get back at their father. "'I can't conceive of a man who'd-'"(26

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Approximate Word count = 1346
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)