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 * This article explains the difference of left and right, and how it's used in the book __To Kill A Mockingbird__, both literally and figuratively. I never noticed Harper Lee's use of these sides until this author pointed them out. Once you think about it, you realize her use of the mockingbird is not the only symbolic evidence expressed throughout the book. I agree with her, in which the left side represents unequality, injustice, and all the bad things in the world. Every bad character in the book favors the left side, Bob Ewell, the rapid dog, and Mayella, who wasn't nessecarily bad, but mislead. On the other hand, Atticus favors his right side, Tom Robinson's left arm was injured, and Jem broke his left arm, all symbolic of their levelheadedness and acceptance of others.

I just read "The Redemption of Atticus". Needless to say, I am apalled that Mr. Crespino had the nerve to call Atticus anything but a hero. As stated in Marcus Jimison's letter, he feels Atticus defends Tom Robinson not because he is concerned, but because he feels only white men can help black men. Atticus's compassion is clearly shown throughout the book: he chooses to defend Tom Robinson despite it may crush his career, he protects Tom from the Lynch mob by keeping guard in front of his cell, and he tells the court outright that Mayella is lying, while Tom is telling the truth. Atticus is not a hero as many picture heros to be, he doesn't have muscle, super powers, or a costume, he only has his tendency to favor his "right" side and his two children, Scout and Jem, to provide him with an untarnished view of the world.**