April, Easter and Atticus Finch

It has been some time since I wrote anything in this blog. One morning, on my way to Clayton, Georgia, up in Rabun County, I wanted to write something down so that I could vent about some Idiot who came up behind me in the early morning hours, driving on I-285 at the Memorial Drive exit, and poured his brights in my side view mirror to such an extent that I went blind for a few seconds and couldn't see in front of me, much less behind my car. I maneuvered the curve running under the overpass at Memorial Drive and got out from in front of the guy and regained my sight. Amazing Grace.

More of an amazing idiot, rather than amazing grace.

Anyway, I was reading a passage of characterization of the main characters in "To Kill a Mockingbird" a second ago and thought about the concept of grace in the book.
The main plotline in the book revolves around the trial of Tom Robinson, a black man, who is falsely accused of raping a white women in the small town in Alabama which provides the setting for the book. Despite the exemplification of the innocence of Tom Robinson, he is found guilty because he is black and later killed when he "attempts to escape". In this case, there is an Old Testament-type sense of law which finds the man guilty despite his perceived innocence.

On the other hand, Bob Ewell is described as the real malevolent symbol of evil in the novel. Despite the inference of his own guilt of the central crime, he jumps with glee when Tom Robinson is found guilty in his stead. Later, he is murdered by the "avenging angel" of Boo Radley, when he tries to harm Jem and Scout coming home from the Fall Festival at school.

Later, when the sheriff of the county comes to visit Atticus to enquire after Jem and Scout, Scout pinpoints Boo as the man who protected the two children and murdered Bob Ewell. As Atticus tries to reason a defense for Boo Radley and begin to defend him against the law, the Sheriff points out that his murderous act was done in defense the children and that he should be protected from prosecution because, "you don't kill a mockingbird."

This act of grace, refusing to prosecute Boo Radley due to the nature of his act and the character of the actor, results in a poetic justice in the end for the little community. Boo Radley carries a dark reputation throughout the novel which hides his gentle nature. His act in defending the children and his underlying gentleness, seeme to overcome his guilt for the ultimate murder. The actions of Boo do not atone for the evil which is committed in the community. However, Boo is not held accountable apparently due to the righteousness of his actions.

I understand that many lawyers hold this piece of fiction as one of the reasons why they became lawyers in the first place. I am sure that it is the character of Atticus Finch which appeals to the reader: the gentle, virtuous attorney and father, who fights the good fight in the face of insurmountable obstacles. I wonder if there are any who associate with Arthur "Boo" Radley, the gentle, silent guardian of the community who rescues the main characters in their moments of need. In some sense, both Atticus Finch and Arthur Radley portray aspects of the father in the novel. One finds honor and respect through his actions; the other finds forgiveness through his righteousness.

It is the time of grace and atonement.