- Atticus's unwavering commitment to justice:
When Atticus learns that Bob Ewell has attacked Jem and Scout, he immediately takes action to protect his children and bring Ewell to justice. He knows that Ewell is a dangerous and violent man, but he does not hesitate to confront him. Atticus says to Jem, "This time we aren't going to run. We're going to stand up to him.... We're going to walk right up to the front door and knock." This quote demonstrates Atticus's determination to face conflict head-on and to fight for what is right, even when it is difficult.
- Atticus's moral courage:
Atticus's moral courage is evident in his willingness to defend Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, in a racially charged trial. Despite the overwhelming evidence of Tom's innocence and the strong social pressure to find him guilty, Atticus tenaciously defends him, even at the risk of his own reputation and safety. He tells Tom, "The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience." This quote highlights Atticus's belief that doing what is right is more important than following the crowd or bowing to social pressure.
- Atticus's ability to remain calm and composed under pressure:
When Atticus is confronted by the angry mob outside the jail, he remains calm and composed. He does not allow himself to be intimidated or provoked into violence, even when the mob is threatening him and his children. Instead, he uses his words to defuse the situation and convince the mob to disperse. Atticus says, "There's nothing to fear but fear itself." This quote demonstrates Atticus's ability to control his emotions and think clearly in difficult situations, which is essential for resolving conflicts effectively.
Overall, Atticus's response to conflict in chapter 19 of the novel reflects his strong moral character and his unwavering commitment to justice, moral courage, and doing what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular.