Are Joe Keller and Atticus Finch polar opposites of the American Dream?
missvee Teacher High School – 12th Grade Assistant Editor $(document).ready(function() { $(‘a.toggle_expert_titles’).click(function() { $(‘#show_expert_titles’).toggle(); return false; }); }); Well, that is an interesting question. Joe Keller is a man who committed a crime by approving the shipment of faulty airplane parts and then pinning the blame on his business partner and friend. He placed his own success and dreams for his family above personal integrity, honor and respect. He believes that the American Dream is about having “things”. A business to pass on to his son, a comfortable lifestyle and home. Atticus Finch, on the other hand, is a man who lives by these values of integrity, honor and respect. He chooses to defend a black man (Tom Robinson) who has been accused of a crime he did not commit. This decision places both Atticus and his family in danger and makes them the target of prejudice and hatred because Atticus believes that the american dream is more than just living i
