In the Deep South, in a little town named Maycomb, tradition for most people meant prejudice, separation, and racism. Atticus Finch chooses to fight against this "old tradition" with traditions of his own. Because of his highly ethical character, Atticus is able to honorably defend Tom Robinson and promote a "new tradition" for himself and his children. Respect, dignity, and equality form the backbone of Atticus' belief system, a belief system containing qualities that are …showed first 75 words of 1756 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1756 total…changed overnight, and he does not expect it. His solution to his dilemma is to stick firmly to his own beliefs. Atticus Finch is a true Southern gentleman. His courage, nobility, pride, and honesty allow him to do what few men at the time could do. Atticus does not fool himself by ignoring the inevitable. He accepts Maycomb’s traditions and attacks the traditional views that he does not believe in like a true gentleman.