Chapter 20/21: Explore Atticus’ words and actions in his closing argument. What makes his argument so effective? Why does Harper Lee do this? (Spiros)

Atticus’ actions during his closing argument are so effective because he is able to show his audience that he is putting himself out there and is being vulnerable in order for them to understand his opinion on people of color and how they should be treated equally rather than always having people against them. Harper Lee wants to include this to show how passionate a white person could be at that time in order to make such a powerful statement. After Atticus is done with questioning Tom Robinson, he performs his closing argument. He takes off his jacket and loosens his tie, which is considered to be very rare and even naked for when the kids see him: “He unbuttoned his vest, unbuttoned his collar, loosened his tie, and took off his coat.” (Lee 230). What Atticus was trying to say was that although there might be a bias towards black people, but in court, all men are equal and that bias should be discarded in order for it to be a fair trial. Harper Lee wanted to include this scene because she wanted to show that not all people were against people of color, and that there were still white people such as Atticus who would defend them and try to show that they are equal. It is a really meaningful message to the readers too, (especially the ones reading it when the book had come out), because it was also an epiphany to them as well, since some of them had the same biases as the characters in the book. Atticus really had to put himself out there in order to show that he truly meant what he was saying and how that had to consider his side. Although he was unsuccessful, the jury must have really considered his vulnerability due to the fact that they took so long make a descision. How do you think that the rest of the people in the courtroom will take this statement? Do you think that it will be very effective?