Atticus uses words like "honorable" and "great" because they elevate the importance of maintaining the long lived code of equality in the courts. Atticus explains to Jem that in the courts of Maycomb, a black mans state of innocence or guilt is truly determined by a white mans testimony. First, he asserts that the "State has not produced one iota of medical evidence that the crime Tom Robinson is charged with ever took place." He addressed these directly in his speech. 7. Atticus uses. He believes all people make mistakes, everyone is human, and that no race is superior than another because of skin colour. In saying this, Atticus tries to convince the audience and jury that everyone is capable of making mistakes, and differences in appearance does not mean that groups of people are superior to others. Atticus also says i am confident that you gentlemen will review without compassion the evidence you have heard, come to a decision, and restore this defendant to his family. It was clear that the people in the court do know that what Atticus says is true. Atticus Finch (Toms Lawyer) is currently summing up his cross examination of Mayella in his closing statement. First, the structure is parallel. Fundamentally, writers of all types use antithesis for its ability to create a clear contrast. One tool used often in literature and politics is called antithesis. She has committed no crime, she has merely broken a rigid and time-honored code of our society, a code so severe that whoever breaks it is hounded from our midst as unfit to live with she tempted a Negro. (272) Atticus Finch connects the Jury to the code of society, which is the long-lived and unbroken belief in which any white woman with a negro, Moreover, this strengthens the case because the Jury can now see that Atticus is fighting for the good of the county, which assures his credibility of judgement. There are different ways a speaker or writer can appeal to his or her audience: 1) logic or reason (logos ), 2) emotion ( pathos ), and/or 3) ethics and morals ( ethos Logos: Unlike many others in Maycomb, he strongly believes in a strict moral code, to treat everyone with respect and seek real Justice, not based one who the person is but the credible evidence of their, Atticus Finch of the novel To Kill a Mockingbird tackled the task of defending the case of Tom Robinson who was accused of raping Mayella Ewell. He says that courts are the great levelers, meaning that the courts carry out justice. This guide focuses only on antithesis as a literary device. Second, the contracting elements of a butterfly and a bee seem contradictory. Also, since Atticus is so respected by the people of the town, he technically uses Ethos for the whole speech; for he knows that everyone is listening to him and deeply considering his. When Tom Robinson has accused the entirety of the town flocked to the courthouse to view the trial. The word "antithesis" has another meaning, which is to describe something as being the opposite of another thing. This is an example of antithesis because the two halves of the sentence mirror each other in grammatical structure, while together the two halves emphasize the incredible contrast between the individual experience of taking an ordinary step, and the extraordinary progress that Armstrong's step symbolized for the human race. Recently, Mayella Ewell is on trial prosecuting Tom Robinson on charges of rape. . Each "side" of the phrase has the same number of words and the same structure. Eng208002 survey of british literature: beginnings to 1789 for an example of a comparative analysis paper from a former student that received an "a". In order to accomplish this feat Atticus applies the three appeals logos, ethos, and pathos. This case is as simple as black and white. Thomas Jefferson once said that all men are created equal some people are smarter than others, some people have more opportunity because they're born with it, some men make more money than others, some ladies make better cakes than others--some people are born gifted beyond the normal scope of men. examples of antithesis in atticus closing argument Nowhere is this concept more prevalent than in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Many well-known speeches contain examples of antithesis. Atticus informs the jury about the evil assumptions that society makes about Negroes. I have asked my client to leave the courtroom, as I had asked him not to be here during the medical . PDF TKM Closing Argument - athenscsd.org Additionally, Atticus highlights his trustworthiness in the court system. examples of antithesis in atticus closing argument Atticus presents the above statement to the jury, setting up an antithesis. While the words involved in oxymorons seem like they don't belong together (until you give them deeper thought), the words or ideas of antithesis do feel like they belong together even as they contrast as opposites. Instant PDF downloads. In the year of 1935 a man was put on trial for a crime he never could have committed, but a lawyer named Atticus fighter to save his life by using his powers in the courtroom. Sometimes, characters in literary works are the antithesis of each other. During this monologue, Harper Lee establishes a resigned tone and uses the tone to establish a universal theme of the struggle for equality. - Muhammed Ali. But this is a truth that applies to the human race and to no particular race of men. That institution, gentlemen, is a court. Perplexed by what he means, Scout asks Atticus, who explains that he is simply defending a negro (p. 83). Atticus Finch, Toms adept lawyer, believed Soulfly in equality and justice for all and was more than happy to defend Tom Robinson with all his heart no matter his race. Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities 3. The most ridiculous example I can think of is that the people who run public education promote the stupid and idle along with the industriousbecause all men are created equal, educators will gravely tell you, the children left behind suffer terrible feelings of inferiority. One day it's fine and next it's black So if you want me off your back Well, come on and let me know Should I stay or should I go? She must destroy the evidence of her offence. The defendant is not guilty, but somebody in this courtroom is. - Unknown This is an antithesis example because there is the contrast between the animals and their actions (the peaceful floating butterfly versus the aggressive stinging bee) combined with the parallel grammatical structure of similes indicated by "like a." In this passage, the simple word "either" functions as a cue for the reader to expect some form of parallelism, because the "either" signals that a contrast between two things is coming. As a literary term, it refers to the juxtaposition of two opposing entities in parallel structure. Many people believe integrity is one of the most important traits to have. Get a quick-reference PDF with concise definitions of all 136 Lit Terms we cover. Because of his penetrating intelligence, calm wisdom, and exemplary behavior, Atticus is respected by everyone, including the very poor. Atticus Finch (Tom's Lawyer) is currently summing up . (84)"Popped me like a cork on pavement." Thus, the worth of their words were. He believed that you shouldnt judge someones actions until. Antithesis - Wikipedia But this is a truth that applies to the human race and to no particular race of men (Lee 273). He comes up against a tough, rock solid case including an African American man and a young woman who grew up in poverty. In Atticus' argument, he used logical statements and foolproof evidence in an attempt to persuade the courtroom into taking his side. Often, the closing statement is the . The two terms are set near each other to enhance or highlight the contrast in opposite meaning. Instead of making his speech specifically about Tom Robinson, Atticus stated that some people of a race may lie, but that is true for all humans, no matter what the color of their skin is. Repeitition Tom Robinson, guilty, pity Pathos She is the victim of cruel poverty and ignorance. you gentlemen would go along with them on the assumption-the evil assumption-that all Negroes lie, that all show more content I have asked my client to leave the courtroom, as I had asked him not to be here during the medical . 9.02 EXAMPLE OF A CLOSING ARGUMENT The following example should give you a feeling for the scope and structure of a closing argument. Atticus uses pathos when he tries to convince the jury that it is their religious duty to not convict Tom, logos when he shows that not everyone is equal, and uses logos and ethos when he shows the jury that everyone should be equal in court. It was extremely hard for the court to take Tom Robinson's story for the truth. When Atticus is asked to defend Tom Robinson, a Negro man accused of raping a white girl, he accepts. 9 points Key Terms for Lesson logos: by appealing to an audience's sense of reason and logic, the speaker or writer intends to make the audience think clearly about the sensible and/or obvious answer to a problem pathos: by appealing to the audiences emotions, the speaker or writer can make the audience feel sorrow, shame, sympathy . This famous statement by Muhammad Ali displays two contrasting animal actions: a silent (floating) butterfly and an aggressive (sting) bee. One of the characters in the book, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer representing Tom Robinson, a southern black man who has been accused of rape by a white woman. " Here are the two reasons he gives to develop his argument. Endorsement For A Political Candidate, Atticus Finchs closing argument in the trial of Tom Robinson, from Harper Lees classic, View To Kill a Mockingbird (Atticus Finchs closing speech) samples, Type out all lyrics, even repeating song parts like the chorus, Lyrics should be broken down into individual lines. That institution, gentlemen, is a court. Atticus Finch's Closing Argument in the movie To Kill a Mockingbird . Atticus uses ethos to prove Toms innocence by acknowledging the credibility of the courts: "Our courts have their faults, as does any human institution, but in this country our courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are created equal" (205). There are different ways a speaker or writer can appeal to his or her audience: 1) logic or reason (logos), 2) emotion (pathos), and/or 3) ethics and morals (ethos). Rhetorical Analysis of Atticus Finch's Closing Statement ARGUMENT AND CONDUCT OF COUNSEL 17 (2018). The most ridiculous example I can think of is that the people who run public education promote the stupid and idle along with the industriousbecause all men are created equal, educators will gravely tell you, the children left behind suffer terrible feelings of inferiority. In parallelism, two components of a sentence (or pair of sentences) mirror one another by repeating grammatical elements. Wilders Funeral Home Windsor, Nc, on examples of antithesis in atticus closing argument. Atticus's Closing Arguments-ecf5ed-429a07.pdf - Course Hero Heres a quick and simple definition: Antithesis is a figure of speech that juxtaposes two contrasting or opposing ideas, usually within parallel grammatical structures. In this catchy oath, Green Lantern uses antithesis to emphasize that his mission to defeat evil will endure no matter the conditions. Cha c sn phm trong gi hng. Ex. This allows the juxtaposed words to be as . Explain. In the name of God, do your duty. This is the strongest point that Atticus makes that alludes to the jury's sense of ethics, because when Atticus says God, it makes any of the jury who believes in a God which at that time most did it draws to their attention that Tom Robinson is a man with a family, that he is a human being and that is what God wants them to do. To Kill a Mockingbird (Atticus Finchs closing speech), Songs That Sample To Kill a Mockingbird (Atticus Finchs closing speech). examples of antithesis in atticus closing argument This excerpt of the soliloquy is a good example of an antithesis that is not limited to a single word or short phrase. Placing two contrasting concepts together helps the audience define and comprehend complex ideas. Also, he was emotionally invested in this case, and he knew that his conscience would not allow him to do what was not right, regardless of others opinions. And, as unfortunate as this was, he accepted that for he had tried his best. She tempted a Negro. Antithesis is a figure of speech that places two completely contrasting ideas or clauses in juxtaposition. First, the structure is parallel. The aural patterning of the antithesis, its tightness and predictability, are critical to appreciating how the syntax of the figure can be used to force semantic opposites" ( Rhetorical Figures in Science, 1999). Last updated: Sep 29, 2021 3 min read. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness ." Antithesis by Muhammed Ali "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee." (Goethe) "Everybody doesn't like something, but nobody doesn't like Sara Lee." The Invisible Guardian Part 3, One tool used often in literature and politics is called antithesis. The contrast, as well as the parallel structure, often creates a rhythmic statement that sticks in a reader's mind. Tom Robinson serves as a perfect example of this symbol. But this is a truth that applies to the human race and to no particular race of men. Atticus Finch Character Analysis in To Kill a Mockingbird - SparkNotes In everyone's mind Tom is bad because he is Black, through this quote Atticus tries to make the audience see that Tom is a man, and that some men are bad and some are good but Atticus just wants them to look at the evidence to decide if Toms guilty or not, and to try to make them see that everyone is capable of making mistakes not just black people. The mirroring of these elements then works to emphasize the contrast in their content, particularly in the very strong opposite contrast between "human" and "divine.". This is the night That either makes me or fordoes me quite. 7. Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities This classic tale of love and sacrifice features the French Revolution as its backdrop. 271 -275) Identify the rhetorical appeals being used and how they are used Example: "The state has not produced one iota of medical evidence to the effect that the crime Tom Robinson is charged with ever took place" (Lee 271). Rhetorical Analysis of Atticus Finch's Closing Statement (Movie Version) To Kill a Mockingbird is known to many as one of the best pieces of American literature. She was white and she tempted a Negro. Heroes generally go against what is expected, stay true to their morals, and always persevere, no matter how dire the outcome is expected to be. Plural: antitheses. Written by the MasterClass staff. This is a depiction of the death of a Mockingbird, ultimately destroying innocence and purity that resided with Tom Robinson that died when he was shot as he tried to flee from his inescapable doom. ARGUMENT AND CONDUCT OF COUNSEL 17 (2018). Atticus Finch may be perceived as a white savior to some, though that does not mean he saw those of color as equals. The first instance of antithesis here, where Hamlet announces the guiding question ("to be or not to be") is followed by an elaboration of each idea ("to be" and "not to be") into metaphors that then form their own antithesis. The two characters are shown as opposites . Examples and Observations "Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing." It's not a show, friends; it's show business. No guts, no glory. The Rules of the Closing Argument | Litigators at Work Our courts have their faults, as does any human institution, but in this country our courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are created equal. (pg 274) This strong quote proved that Atticus wants people to put aside what they are told and/or what they think of african americans and to put aside differences and just look at the evidence and decide with that and not with his skin color. Atticus Finchs final speech to the jury in Harper Lees To Kill a Mockingbird inspires readers of all ages. Antithesis Examples and Definition - Literary Devices Rhetorical Analysis of Atticus's Closing Argument. CLOSING ARGUMENT EXAMPLE: Presenting a Theory of Defense Throughout the Case Stephen B. Part 2 of a worksheet. She did something every child has doneshe tried to put the evidence of her offense away from her. her putting a mans life at stake, which she has done in an effort to get rid of her own guilt. The English language is full of literary devices that can enliven your writing. Read. There is not a person in this courtroom who has never told a lie, who has never done an immoral thing, and there is no man living who has never looked upon a woman without desire(Lee 232) While Atticus is talking he changes his tone in order to address the audience on a more personal level to try to make an impact on someone's mind. Bright Southern Center for Human Rights 83 Poplar Street, N.W., Atlanta, GA 30303-2122 (404) 688-1202 ! Atticus notes that some black people are dishonest and immoral, but this statement holds true for some people of every race. " Should I stay or should I go now? No products in the cart. Through dishonesty and stubbornness however, that honor and trust has been removed. It is an extremely powerful speech. We must all learn to live together as brothersor we will all perish together as fools. Atticus used ethos to demonstrate his credibility and reveal his opinion about this case. A court is only as sound as its jury, and a jury is only as sound as the men who make it up. (274) Here is an excellent example of Mr. Finch and how he marries sweet talk with ethos. He goes on to say that Tom is not guilty but someone in the room is. Atticus, Examples Of Atticus Finch's Ethos In To Kill A Mockingbird, Attorney Atticus Finch relies on ethos persuasion in the closing argument containing the intention to connect with the jury by highlighting the code of society along with the trustworthiness of the courtroom. They're usually more spread out, playing into the importance of parallelism. For this reason, Atticus Finch was appointed to be his lawyer. Some of these elements used symbolisms and allusions. What is Antithesis Definition & Examples in Literature & Film