In Year 9, students learn how to write critical essays, responding to classic literature and poetry, including Harper Lee’s modern classic To Kill A Mockingbird. In chapter 15 of the novel, noble lawyer Atticus Finch knows an innocent black man is in danger of being attacked by a racist mob. He goes to protect him, and then his children arrive to help their father. The students were asked to write an essay about the heroes and villains of the chapter, referencing conscience, individuality, and the herd mentality, explaining what the heroic and villainous acts are, using quotes to support their answers.
Sofia’s essay was well-structured, well-considered, and thoughtful. It can be read below:
Heroism in Chapter 15
By Sofia F.
Chapter 15 of to kill a Mockingbird references conscience, individuality and herd mentality. These three characteristics are shown by the chapter’s main characters: Atticus, Jem, Scout and Mr Cunningham.
Atticus is a caring and a loving man who shows his conscience with an important act that opens the chapter.
In the beginning a group of men, including Mr Heck Tate and Mr Underwood, go to Atticus’s house to tell him that Tom Robinson has been moved to the County Jail. Atticus was always aware of his situation by taking on such a case, as were the people around him. In fact, Mr Link Deas said to Atticus that day: “You’ve got everything to lose from this Atticus. I mean everything”. Atticus shows his conscientiousness when he replies: “Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he’s not going till the truth’s told … And you know what the truth is”. Atticus would do anything to protect Tom Robinson even if it means risking his own reputation. Atticus is aware of what he is getting himself into.
In fact, he also shows his determination a few pages into the chapter, when he leaves on a Saturday night with an extension cord and a lamp and goes to the County Jail to protect Tom Robinson. He knows a mob will go to attack Tom.
Atticus knows of the danger he is putting himself in by going there alone, but he does not hesitate. He is led by his conscience as a progressive man who knows what the right thing to do is. In this was, Atticus demonstrated himself to be a man with a conscience.
Conscience and individuality are very important and are also demonstrated by Atticus’s son Jem in this chapter. After Atticus leaves for the jail, Jem decides to follow him, and Scout is determined to go too. They call Dill too, and go downtown, where they see something strange. Jem said “That’s funny … Jail doesn’t have an outside light” this is when they realize that Atticus is there. Jem shows individuality when Atticus says, “Go home Jem … Take Scout and Dill home.” Jem disobeys his father because he wants to protect him and thus acts as an individual. In fact, he is also conscious of the fact that he could get in trouble but he sees that it is the right thing to do. In the end, Atticus is proud of his son and shows it with a sign of affection.
Jem throughout the chapter, develops his own individuality and conscience.
Scout’s individuality was more instinctive. She acts protectively when her brother is in danger. A man from the mob takes Jem in an abrupt way by the shirt; instinctively Scout kick the man, who lets go in pain. Scout then says, “Ain’t nobody gonna do Jem that way.” Scout shows individuality because she takes her family’s side and does the right thing, even if she does not know really well what is going on. Scout also shows individuality when she tries to make Mr Cunningham aware. With her innocence she was able to make Mr Cunningham conscientious. Scout act a lot like an individual, even if she is only eight.
Many would say that Mr Cunningham is the villain in the chapter but instead he is just afflicted by the so-called “herd mentality”. This obscures his conscience and individuality. It is evident that Mr Cunningham is not the leader of the mob; he is just caught up in it. Scout starts talking to Mr Cunningham about is entailments; he did not seem that bothered. However when Scout says of Mr Cunningham’s son, “He’s a good boy … a real nice boy … Tell him ‘hey’ from me won’t you.” Mr Cunningham decides to do the right thing. He remembers that he has a son to take care of, and to whom he must set an example. To see someone care for his son made him realize what he was doing.
He also takes his individuality back by saying, “I’ll tell him you said hey, little lady … Let’s clear out … Let’s get going, boys.” Mr Cunningham was not entirely a villain because in the end his conscience and good judgement won over his temporary herd mentality.
Conscience, individuality and the herd mentality are three very important elements of the chapter, highlighted by using contrast. For example, the herd mentality has bad intentions and this contrasts with the goodness of Atticus, Jem and Scout. In fact, Harper Lee uses this literary device to highlight herd mentality and bad from good.
In conclusion, this chapter teaches the qualities of being an individual and having a conscience and how they can win over the negative herd mentality. Atticus, Jem and Scout are the main heroes who ultimately help a man save himself from doing the wrong thing.