Why does Atticut say simply because you were licked a hundred years before you started is no reason for us not to try to win?

Answer 1

He means that while Maycomb's racist history predestines a negative trial outcome for Tom Robinson, he must defend Tom; one must always attempt to establish justice even when he knows his attempts will be futile.

Answer 2

Atticus is emphasizing the importance of standing up for what is right and fighting for justice, regardless of the likelihood of winning. He believes in challenging injustice and prejudice, even in the face of difficulty or history of defeat, as it is crucial to strive for a better future and create positive change.

Answer 3

Atticus is trying to explain why he continues to fight, even though they're very likely to lose. Atticus is standing on principle, and stating that it's important to fight for what is right, regardless of the outcome.

Answer 4

'Licking' means a beating, so Atticus is probably referring to the start of slavery in America and the continuous and accepted abuses of the slave trade over the previous hundred years. He is encouraging Tom to find the courage to fight back with his help for all black people.

Atticus Finch says in Harper Lee's novel. "Courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what" The courage you get with a gun in your hand is false: "Real courage" is taking on the challenge for the moral principle regardless of the outcome.

Answer 5

To teach Jem and Scout about true courage when Atticus was talking about Mrs. Dubose and her morphine addiction.