Atticus Finch—we learn a great deal about Atticus’ character in this chapter (9) of the story through his
own words. Look at the quotations or paraphrases and decide what insights they give us into Atticus’
character traits and perhaps why he’s so well regarded. (Some of these would be great to put on Atticus’
character flap and also in the Important Quotes section.)
Quotation
1. The use of the word “nigger” (75)
2. His personal reasons for defending Tom
Robinson (75-76)
3. “Simply because we were licked a
hundred years before we started is no
reason for us not to try to win” (76).
4. “Don’t pay any attention to her, Jack.
She’s trying you out. Cal says she’s been
cussing fluently for a week, now” (78).
5. “When a child asks you something,
answer him, for goodness’ sakes. But
don’t make a production out of it.
Children are children, but they can spot
an evasion quicker than adults . . . “ (87).
6. “….the answer is she knows I know she
tries. That’s what makes a difference”
(88).
7. “Why reasonable people go stark raving
mad when anything involving a Negro
comes up, is something I don’t pretend to
understand…” (88).
Statement