Final answer:
Atticus Finch employs ethos in his defense of Tom Robinson by creating a credible persona as an ethical lawyer, aligning his arguments with the jury's sense of justice, and using evidence to support his claims. His respect for the court and its values strengthens his appeal to the jury to consider the evidence fairly and to rule with integrity.
Step-by-step explanation:
In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch utilizes ethos to persuade the jury of Tom Robinson's innocence by establishing his own credibility as a moral and ethical lawyer and by aligning his arguments with the values of justice and integrity that he presumes the jury shares. Atticus's appeal to ethos is evident when he references his own reputation in the community and when he presents himself as an advocate for the truth. Moreover, he emphasizes that the legal system is based on the principle that all men are created equal and hence should be treated equally, appealing to the jury’s sense of fairness and moral duty.
By establishing himself as a trustworthy figure who believes in American ideals, Atticus strengthens his argument for Tom's innocence. He uses evidence and logical reasoning to expose the contradictions in the prosecution's case, thus supporting the ethical framework within which he operates. At the same time, his respectful and earnest demeanor towards the jury elevates his stature as a man of principle who stands for equity and justice, making his ethical appeals even more persuasive.
Atticus’s strategy is a complex interweaving of ethos with elements of logos—the logical aspect of his defense. His integrity as a lawyer and dedication to justice encourages the jury to consider the evidence without bias and reflect on their own moral standing in the context of the trial, thus urging them in the direction of a not guilty verdict for Tom Robinson based on fairness, truth, and the American judicial values.