A tragic story, but an epic journey; Atticus Finch's paradoxical story of discrimination and ethical choices unfolds through a case of alleged rape. Atticus, a widower, father of two and illustrious lawyer, tries to restore peace and justice in Maycomb, Alabama. Characterized by remarkable compassion and integrity, he staunchly defends Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a young white woman. Alongside Atticus, Robinson struggles with the hardships of prejudice of living life as a minority. Thanks to the hope and curiosity of Atticus' children, Jem and Scout, as well as the presence of Boo Radley, a social pariah due to his intriguing past, Atticus overcomes various tests. In addition to being a devoted citizen, a father and a lawyer, he encounters many difficulties as he tries to put together a case that creates a riot in a calm and orderly Maycomb. Harper Lee, the author of To Kill a Mockingbird, describes Atticus Finch's strength, courage and determination as the characteristics of a well-represented epic hero, as well as through his tragic flaw, excessive trust in his peers throughout the novel. Atticus tries. to prove that this accusation is only an accusation expressed by Mayella for revenge and attention; the right lawyer hopes to be able to demonstrate that his and Tom Robinson's dignity and respectability are indisputable. Atticus finds evidence to clearly prove Robinson's innocence, but after much controversy, the jury still refuses to question the credibility of a white girl. Her use of ethics is a fallback for her and her father, Bob Ewell, and the two family members attempt to hide their affairs so as not to lose respect in town. Luckily, Atticus recognizes his situation and gets to…middle of the paper…the situation and the pressure have kept Atticus from admitting failure. He is a tragic hero, with his trust in everyone, and an epic hero, with his arduous journey full of ups and downs and his ultimate difficulty being the trial of Tom Robinson, in which he has no one to support him. The Atticus Finch paradox is complicated and doomed to fail from the start, but he wanted and couldn't give up. Works Cited Jones, Carolyn. "Atticus Finch and the Mad Dog." Bloom literary reference online. Facts on File, 1996. Web. February 5, 2012. Lee, Harper. To kill a thrush. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1960. Print.Metress, Christopher. “The Rise and Fall of Atticus Finch.” Bloom literary reference online. Archived Facts, 2003. Web. 5 February 2012.Santos, Marlisa. ""Standing; The Death of Your Father": Atticus Finch as Hero Archetype." Bloom literary reference online. Archived facts, 2009. Web. 5 February. 2012.