Tuesday, August 4, 2009

What are some quotes relating to integrity and humility in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Integrity


In Chapter 11, Scout tells her father that he must be wrong for defending Tom Robinson because the majority of Maycomb believes he shouldn't. Atticus tells Scout,



"They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions...but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience" (Lee 140).



Atticus displays integrity by deciding to follow his conscience in the face of adversity. He makes the noble, morally upright choice to defend Tom Robinson despite the negative reaction he receives from the Maycomb community.


In Chapter 23, Atticus tells his children that a relative of Mr. Cunningham initially wanted to acquit Tom Robinson. He goes on to explain that the Cunninghams are a family that has integrity and respect. Scout says,



"He said the Cunninghams hadn't taken anything from or off of anybody since they migrated to the New World. He said the other thing about them was, once you earned their respect they were for you tooth and nail" (Lee 298). 



Humility


In Chapter 10, Atticus shoots and kills a rabid dog in one shot. His children are amazed and ask Maudie why Atticus never told them he was the deadliest shot in Maycomb. Maudie explains to the children that Atticus is a civilized individual who recognizes that his talent is a gift from God. She says,



"People in their right minds never take pride in their talents" (Lee 130).



Instead of bragging about his marksmanship abilities, Atticus displays humility by not mentioning his incredible talent.


In Chapter 12, Calpurnia takes the children to First Purchase African M.E. for Sunday service. Scout notices that Calpurnia speaks differently around her community members. Scout asks, "why do you talk nigger-talk to the---to your folks when you know it's not right?" (Lee 167). Calpurnia says,



"It's not necessary to tell all you know. It's not lady-like---in the second place, folks don't like to have somebody around knowin' more than they do. It aggravates 'em" (Lee 167).



Instead of flaunting her ability to articulate, Calpurnia chooses to speak humbly with an informal dialect so she will not come across as overly refined.

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