Final answer:
Atticus Finch employs ethos, an appeal to ethics and credibility, to establish his authority in arguing Tom Robinson's innocence in 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' He leverages his reputation and legal expertise, while referencing evidence and moral principles to persuade the jury to overcome racial prejudices in pursuit of justice.
Step-by-step explanation:
Atticus Finch uses ethos to convince the jury of Tom Robinson's innocence in Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Ethos is an appeal to ethics and credibility that helps establish the speaker's authority and trustworthiness.
Atticus, by relying on his own integrity and legal expertise, projects an image of a man who stands firmly for justice and truth. He invokes his own reputation as an upstanding lawyer and citizen to bolster his argument.
Moreover, Atticus goes beyond merely asserting his own credibility. He also uses evidence meticulously, quoting and referencing facts about the case to build a logical argument. He challenges the racial prejudices of the time by encouraging the jury to do what is morally right, rather than what is socially expected.
By doing so, Atticus portrays himself as a moral compass in the courtroom, advocating for Tom Robinson's innocence based on the content of his character and the incontrovertible evidence, rather than the color of his skin.
Atticus's ethical appeal is designed to resonate with the jurors' sense of justice and fairness, hoping to sway them towards a verdict that aligns with the principles of equality and the rule of law. He emphasizes the importance of preserving these ideals, even when they clash with societal norms or popular opinion.