Final answer:
Atticus Finch's statement about defending Tom Robinson in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is rooted in his commitment to justice and equality, reflecting his moral obligation to oppose racial injustice regardless of societal pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Atticus statement about his personal reasons for defending Tom Robinson delves into the complex moral and ethical convictions that drive Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. In the novel, Atticus takes on the defense of Tom Robinson, a black man wrongfully accused of raping a white woman, primarily because of his steadfast commitment to justice and equality. He believes in the principle that everyone deserves a fair trial and that it is his duty as a lawyer and as a person to uphold these values, even in the face of widespread racism and injustice. In the various excerpts provided, themes of injustice, humanity, and the moral convictions that drive individuals to act against society's prejudices echo the sentiments that motivate Atticus's statement.