To kill a Mockingbird

Atticus Finch and the Truth
To some, truth is merely the absence of lies. However, to Atticus Finch, a main character in To Kill a Mockingbird, it means much more. This is understood because of the many examples of truth that are told in the novel. As the story progresses it becomes obvious that truth is very important to him. To Atticus, truth is confronting the whole story, a precious jewel worth defending, and an often-elusive goal worth pursuing.
Atticus always tells the whole truth and nothing less. Tom Robinson, a black man, is accused of raping a white woman. Scout asks Atticus what rape is. Instead of hastily changing the subject he unflinchingly explains that rape is ¡°carnal knowledge of a female by force and without consent¡± (135). Atticus believes that one must face the demons of society along with its angels. He explains to Jem and Scout what many would assume unfit for young ea...