To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 9

When Atticus speaks of defending Tom Robinson, he says, "Simply because we were licked a hundred here's before we started is no reason for us to not try to win." To what is Atticus referring? Why would it be worthwhile to fight a battle let you know you're going to lose?

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Atticus is alluding to the Southern attitude toward blacks, something that hadn't changed since the days of slavery. Tom didn't have a chance in court because of the color of his skin. None-the-less, he knew the case might be a catalyst for change, even is it only made a small difference.... it would be a small step in the right direction.

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To Kill a Mockingbird

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