symbols
This symbol of this balance scale shows what the court should be like. In the book even though Tom Robinson told the truth, the jury favored Mayella Ewell because of the colour of her skin. Atticus chose to defend Tom Robinson because he believed in fairness.
This symbol can represent how society didn't accept Tome Robinson just because of his skin colour. The jury didn't side with him because of this reason. The community was so quick to judge without understanding who he is as a person. Atticus showed compassion and got to know him. The town treated him as inhuman and weren't interested in the good person he was.
This symbol can represent acceptance around the world and with every race and culture. Atticus was the one of the few people that believed in Tom and accepted him regardless of his skin color. Society was degrading toward Tom. During the trial the opposing lawyer spoke down to him and kept calling him "boy." Not many people had faith in Tom and Atticus, but Atticus never gave up on Tom.
This symbol represents peace. There was conflict between races and by defending Tom, Atticus thought that there would be less conflict and would bring a possible harmony and peace in their world with all races.
This symbol represents courage and hope. It took courage for Atticus to accept the offer to defend Tom Robinson when he knew he would be ridiculed and possibly isolated from society. He had the option to decline the offer but his courage to defend an innocent man was part of his hope to change the perception and judgements people had without any proof.