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Emily Brooks
Joshua Mehler
ENC3021-01
4/22/2013
Atticus Finch and His Rhetorical Delivery
1. Introduction
In the Harper Lee’s, To Kill a Mockingbird, many rhetorical concepts are exemplified.
Atticus Finch, a small town lawyer, defends an African American man accused of raping a white
woman. He gives an emotionally moving speech to the jury in the defense of Tom Robinson
where he presented a strong argument using Aristotle’s ethos and pathos, which is establishing
credibility with the audience (ethos), and the act of playing off of the audience’s emotions to
persuade them (pathos). By the use of body movements, facial expressions, and tone of voice,
Austin’s “Chironomia” was exercised to deliver a strong speech that assertively gained the
audience’s attention. Finch also used Quintilian’s “Theory of a Good Man” to acquire the respect
of the jury and townspeople. By effectively utilizing these concepts, Finch is relating to the
audience on an emotional, professional, and moralistic level. Aristotle, Austin, and Quintilian
have equally shown how these theories can still be universally applied in rhetorical situations in
today’s world.
2. Aristotle and ethos, pathos, and logos
One of the most important aspects to persuading an audience is to grasp their attention
and hold on to it for the remaining argument. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch tries to
relate to the jurors by stating, “In the name of God, gentlemen, believe Tom Robinson” (Lee
128). Finch is implying here that he believes in God, as most of the jurors do, to connect with
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them and establish the credibility needed to form a persuasive argument. Aristotle believed that a
true orator must be credible and holding moral characteristics because after all, “We believe
good men more fully and more readily than others” (Aristotle 1-1). This Aristotelian concept is
known as ethos (Aristotle 1-1). In today’s rhetorical situations, without the establishment of
credibility, the audience does not have any basis for trusting or respecting the speaker. Atticus
Finch has previously earned the respect of the townspeople having been a respectable lawyer,
widower, and father of two. Taking this into account, the jurors listen to his argument with the
reassurance he is speaking noble words. As the speech continues and ethos has been practiced,
Atticus begins to utilize the concept of pathos.
One’s emotions are an important aspect to the way we establish a connection to our
audience. Atticus Finch utilizes pathos in his delivery by emphasizing to the jurors of the job
they have. He states firmly, “Now I am confident that you gentlemen will receive without
passion the evidence that you have heard, come to a decision, and restore this man to his family”
(Lee 126). By reciting this statement Finch addresses to the jurors, in a deep and passionate way,
the honor that is bestowed upon them if they were to do the job they were sworn in to do. Using
Aristotle’s pathos, he tries to latch on to their emotions in order to persuade them to make the
morally correct decision. Aristotle stated in Book One – Chapter One of Aristotle’s Rhetoric,
“Persuasion may come through the hearers, when the speech stirs their emotions. Our judgments
when we are pleased and friendly are not the same as when we are pained and hostile. It is
towards producing these effects, as we maintain, that present-day writers on rhetoric direct the
whole of their efforts. This subject shall be treated in detail when we come to speak of the
emotions” (Aristotle 1-1). Furthermore, Finch tries to utilize pathos in his speech by yet again
projecting the importance of their duty to the court by saying, “There is one way in this country
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in which all men are created equal-there is one human institution that makes a pauper the equal
of a Rockefeller, the stupid man the equal of an Einstein, and the ignorant man the equal of any
college president. That institution, gentlemen, is a court” (Lee 126). In this statement, he is
employing pathos in a more emotional manner, emphasizing to the jurors the importance of their
duty to society.
In his last attempt, Atticus Finch resorts to logos to convince his audience that Tom
Robinson is innocent of the charges against him. Aristotle’s logos is persuading by the use of
logical reasoning (Aristotle 1-1). In Aristotle’s Rhetoric, he states, “persuasion is effected
through the speech itself when we have proved a truth or an apparent truth by means of the
persuasive arguments suitable to the case in question” (Aristotle 1-1). In his speech, Finch
claims, “the state of Alabama has not produced one iota of medical evidence that shows that the
crime Tom Robinson charged with ever took place” (Lee 126). His attempt to prove Tom
Robinson’s innocence is supported by the evidence proclaiming a counterargument to Mayella’s
original accusation of rape. In the beginning of his speech, Finch also uses logos when stating
“Now there is circumstantial evidence to indicate that Mayella Ewell was beaten savagely by
someone who led, almost exclusively, with his left [hand]. And Tom Robinson now sits before
you, having taken "The Oath" with the only good hand he possesses -- his right” (Lee 127). By
the use of logos in his speech, he presents logical reasoning to the jury and spectators, arousing
serious doubts of the allegations that were made against Tom Robinson.
As you can see, Atticus Finch utilizes three of the most prominent rhetorical concepts
known to man. Aristotle’s ethos, pathos, and logos are effectively used in his speech, proving
that we can still apply ancient rhetorical theories in today’s society. Though Aristotle’s theories
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are shown distinctively in his speech, Finch utilizes other rhetorician’s theories such as
Quintilian’s Theory of a Good Man Speaking Well.
3. Quintilian’s Theory of a Good Man
In the setting of this novel and film, the Great Depression was engulfing the ordinary
lives of people and creating havoc upon the low-income families of the south. The occurrence of
unwarranted deaths of African American citizens was not uncommon. In spite of the evidence of
Tom Robinson’s innocence, the townspeople now stand on Mayella Ewell’s side despite their
hesitation. Atticus Finch is dealt with the task of proving an innocence that is rightfully due. This
small town lawyer, father, and friend house many characteristics of being a morally pure man.
The act of standing in front of hundreds of white folks to prove the innocence of a black man
takes not only a good-hearted soul, but also a silver tongue.
In Quintilian’s Theory of a Good Man he declares, “A great orator must be a good man.
A bad man cannot be a consummate orator, as he is deficient in wisdom” (Quintilian 12-1).
Atticus Finch displays true morals throughout the entirety of the movie and novel. For example,
in a life lesson to Jem and Scout, he states, “You never really understand a person until you
consider things from his point of view - until you climb into his skin and walk around in it” (Lee
30). Quintilian goes on to say that, “The mind of a bad man is too much distracted with cares and
remorse” (Quintilian 12-1). Atticus has exemplified true morals throughout this book and
remains a mature character even as danger escalates.
Quintilian’s idea of a good man is based solely on virtue and morals. He implies that if
one is not a good man, but he believes himself to be an orator and he only speaks in support of
the bad, then only harm would be done to eloquence and the art of speaking well (Quintilian 121). He goes on to say that discernment and prudence are necessary to be a good speaker, but if
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discernment were put in the wrong hands, only pain and evil will come of it. Even more, if the
mind is not free from immoral behavior then it is impossible for the orator to pursue the most
noble of studies (Quintilian 12-1). Atticus Finch is portrayed as one having all of these qualities
that make up a good man, furthermore dubbing him a good orator.
Overall, because Atticus displays all of the qualities Quintilian seeks in an orator, he is
rightfully seen as not only a good man, but a good orator as well. The theories that were formed
by Quintilian are still used in today’s society in common rhetorical situations such as the speech
given in the defense of the accused Tom Robinson.
4. Gilbert Austin and Delivery
If an orator prepares a speech using good logic, morals, and language, but lacks a
successful delivery, you can only assume that the argument was not effective. Body language,
movements, tone of voice, facial expression. Each of these factors contributes to a successful
delivery that can move and manipulate an audience (Austin 189). For example, a well thoughtout speech with no powerful delivery is like Simon without Garfunkel, like Tom Petty without
the Heartbreakers. In his final speech to the jury, Atticus Finch exemplifies how the use of
elocution can be the cherry topper of a great speech. In Austin’s Chironomia, he claims there are
three great divisions of oratory: the voice, the countenance, and the gesture (Austin 189). Austin
touches base with this concept of elocution by stating, “In their various modes of exercise, these
objects will obtain their ends, that is succeed in influencing the hearer in the degree proposed,
not only by the interesting matter which may be presented to him, but also by the manner in
which it is presented. The manner is called the delivery. And the advantages of good delivery are
such, as to conceal in some degree the blemishes of the composition, or the matter delivered, and
to add lustre to its beauties: insomuch that a good composition well delivered, shall, with any
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popular audience, succeed better, proceed very rapidly, and in many respects very carelessly”
(Austin 189). In his final speech in the defense of Tom Robinson, Atticus Finch delivers a
moving speech using a fluctuating tone, emphasizing principle words and phrases. He also uses
body language as a way to sternly emphasize the emotional aspect of the speech being delivered
(Lee 126). Altogether, he takes his audience into account when he presents this speech and
speaks to them as the jurors and townspeople they are.
Power in any substance comes from the manner in which it is portrayed. The more
powerful a voice, the more assertive it is, therefore entertaining the audience and keeping their
attention. Atticus Finch understands this concept as he addresses the jury and spectators. As
Austin puts it, “The voice is the organ of eloquence, and has the entire dominion over one sense.
All that language and tones can effect to influence the understanding, and to win the affections,
depends on the power of the voice addressed to the ear” (Austin 29). The fluctuating tone of
Finch in his delivery when he states words such as God and duty in the phrase, “In the name of
God, do your duty” (Lee 126) emphasizes his belief in a deity and relates it to the job the jurors
were sworn in to do. Other examples of the fluctuating tone of voice Finch possesses are the
words “flatly contradicted by the defendant” (Lee 126) that follows a pause for emphasis on the
following words. Even more, when he states, “Tom Robinson now sits before you having taken
the oath with the only good hand he possesses…his right” (Lee 127). The raise in his voice at the
word “oath” indicates an importance of the vow Robinson has taken, while the lowering of his
voice at the word “right” indicates the importance of the use of his right hand rather than his left.
Atticus also tries to manipulate the jury’s emotions through the use of pathos by putting an
emphasis on the words “pity” and “heart” in the phrase, “I have nothing but pity in my heart for
the Chief Witness of the State…” (Lee 127). This act of eloquence is defended by Austin when
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he states, “The very name of eloquence is derived from the exertions of the voice, and where the
voice fails…The qualities and management of the voice, are therefore of the highest importance
to the public speaker; the former are principally the gift of nature; the latter chiefly depends on
art” (Austin 29).
Another technique that is practiced by Atticus Finch is the use of long pauses in between
phrases of importance. For example, when referring to Mayella Ewell and her accusations
against Tom Robinson, he says, “She is the victim of cruel poverty and ignorance…(long
pause)…but my pity does not extend so far as to have put a man’s life at stake which she has
done in an effort to get rid of her own guilt” (Lee 127). Once again, Austin defends this theory
that Atticus has so rightly used by stating, “…in public speaking, pauses of a nature somewhat
different are introduced; these may be termed rhetorical pauses, and require to be adjusted by
correct judgment and feeling. They are placed either before or after important matter, in order to
introduce or leave it impressed on the memory with stronger effect. By suspending the sense in
an unusual manner and in an unexpected place, they arrest the attention” (Austin 52). Clearly this
theory of Austin’s has been deemed effective because it is seen even today’s rhetorical society.
The last key factor in the effectiveness of Finch’s speech was the usage of body
movement and facial expression. He utilizes these concepts in an attempt to place emphasis on
certain important phrases. For example, for most of the speech he maintains eye contact with the
jurors. He then proceeds to point, with two fingers, to the two witnesses who were, “called to
question” (Lee 126). Throughout the speech he continuously shakes his head when he disagrees
with a statement or nods for the opposite. At one point in his speech he motioned as if he were
pushing something behind him when he stated, “She must push Tom Robinson away from her”
(Lee 127). In Austin’s Chironomia, he articulates the importance of the gesture in oratory by
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providing this metaphor: “The stroke of the gesture is to the eye, what the emphasis and
inflexions of the voice are to the ear, and it is capable of equal force and variety” (Austin 377).
By the use of these body movements and facial expressions, Atticus Finch effectively utilizes
Austin’s theory of elocution.
Overall, the use of elocution in Atticus Finch’s speech portrays to the audience his
argument in an assertive and emotional way. Without the use of a fluctuating tone of voice, body
movements, and facial expressions, an orator must rely solely on the information he is providing
to his audience which may not effectively convince them of the argument at hand. Utilizing
Austin’s theory of elocution allows Finch to grab his audience’s attention and keep it for the
entirety of the speech. Speaking on the necessity of elocution Austin writes, “the stroke of
gesture is analogous to the impression of the voice, made on those words, which it would
illustrate or enforce; it is used for the same purposes and should fall precisely on the same place,
that is, on the accented syllable; so that the emphatical force of the voice and the stroke of the
gesture co-operate in order to present the idea in the most lively and distinguished manner, as
well to the eye as to the ear of the hearer” (Austin 377). This also exemplifies how past
rhetorician’s theories such as Austin’s can be used in today’s society.
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, in the American classic, To Kill a Mockingbird, many rhetorical concepts
are exemplified in the final speech given by Atticus Finch. This small town lawyer speaks in the
defense of Tom Robinson, an African American man accused of raping a white woman. In his
speech, Atticus utilizes theories developed by ancient and modern day rhetoricians. As he
establishes credibility, appeals to the audience’s emotions, and reasons logically, he is utilizing
Aristotle’s theory of ethos, pathos, and logos. Furthermore, through the morals he bestows
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throughout his speech, he presents Quintilian’s Theory of a Good Man. In his speech, Finch also
uses Austin’s theory of elocution by the fluctuation in his tone of voice, body movements, and
facial expressions to convince his audience of the innocence of the defendant. By effectively
utilizing these concepts, Finch is relating to the audience on an emotional, professional, and
moralistic level. Through the given speech, Aristotle, Quintilian, and Austin have shown how
these rhetorical theories are still universally practiced in today’s rhetorical situations.
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Works Cited
Aristotle. Rhetoric. Ed. Lee Honeycutt. Trans. W. Rhys Roberts. 2011. Web. 24 April
2013. < http://rhetoric.eserver.org/aristotle/index.html>.
Austin, Gilbert. Chironomia, or a Treatise on Rhetorical Delivery. London: Cadell and
Davies, 1806. Google Books. Web. 24 April 2013.
Lee. Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. New York. Warner Books, Inc. 1960. Print.
Quintilian. Institutes of Oratory. Ed. Lee Honeycutt. Trans. John Selby Watson.
Iowa State, 2006. Web. 24 April 2013. <http://rhetoric.eserver.org/quintilian/>.