Throughout American history, the Southern region has been a place where prejudice against black people was a common occurrence. In the novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird ", prejudice is portrayed heavily during Tom Robinson's trial. As the trial comes to an end, Atticus gives a closing argument to conclude the case. As the skillful lawyer he is, Atticus utilizes multiple rhetoric devices, such as tone, parallel structure, ethos, pathos, and logos, to justify his arguments.
One of the rhetorical devices used by Atticus in his closing argument is tone. The tone of the closing argument is objective and sympathetic. An example of objective tone throughout the argument is seen when Atticus is using facts to reveal Mr.Ewell as the culprit. " there is circumstantial evidence to indicate that Mayella Ewell was beaten savagely by someone who led almost exclusively with his left Mr.Ewell swore out a warrant, no doubt signing it with his left hand. " This example shows Atticus's objective tone because he uses factual evidence and unbiased judgment to prove Tom Robinson's innocence. An example of sympathetic tone throughout the argument is seen when Atticus states his feelings towards Mayella Ewell. "I have nothing but pity in my heart for the chief witness for the state.she has merely broken a rigid and time-honored code of our society. " This example reveals Atticus's sympathetic tone because his words show a sense of understanding and pity for her and her actions, no matter how horrid they may be. .
In addition to tone, another rhetorical device utilized by Atticus is parallel structure. An example of parallel structure is seen when Atticus declares the truth that everyone is capable of making immoral mistakes. "There is not a person who has never told a lie, who has never done an immoral thing, and there is no man living who has never looked upon a woman without desire. " This example aids in justifying Atticus's argument because the emphasis is placed on the fact that everyone in the courtroom has a moral fault and that they are being prejudiced against Tom Robinson as a human being and not as a black man.
