U4L8 Atticus Rhetorical Appeals

How does Atticus use Pathos?

How does Atticus Use Ethos?

How does Atticus use Logos?

Ethos: Estblishing Credibility

Atticus speaks as a lawyer, but also as a man of integrity. He respects the courtroom and treats the jury as people who have a serious moral duty. His credibility comes from his calm delivery, his careful reasoning, and his consistent commitment to justice.

He does not insult the jury. He calls them to live up to the responsibility of the court.

Logos: Using Evidence and Reason

Atticus’s argument depends strongly on logic. He reminds the jury of key facts from the trial:

• there was no medical evidence proving the crime happened as described
• Mayella’s testimony was inconsistentthe injuries suggest a left-handed attacker
• Bob Ewell is left-handed
• Tom Robinson’s left arm is crippled and unusable

These logical details matter because they challenge the accusation. Atticus wants the jury to ask: Does the evidence prove Tom Robinson is guilty, or does prejudice make people assume he is guilty?

Pathos: Appealing to Fairness and Human Cost

Atticus also uses emotion, but he does not use it carelessly. He asks the jury to see Tom Robinson as a human being, not as a stereotype. He also reveals the tragedy of Mayella’s situation without allowing pity for her to become an excuse for injustice against Tom.

This is important because prejudice often works by making people stop seeing others clearly. Atticus’s speech asks the jury to feel the human cost of a false accusation.