“When a character acts selflessly against the prevailing vice(s) of the dominant social order, true virtue exhibits itself.” This is demonstrated quite clearly in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, specifically through the actions of Tom Robinson, Atticus Finch, and Boo Radley.
According to Tom's testimony (heavily implied to be the correct version of the events), he frequently did little household projects for Mayella Ewell out of the kindness of his heart, feeling sorry for the girl with her impoverished life and neglectful father, who "'didn't seem to help her none'" (Lee 191). In this way, he acted against the prevailing vices of the dominant social order: prejudice against and isolationism from other social groups. In Scout's words, ". . . white people wouldn't have anything to do with [Mayella] because she lived among pigs; Negroes wouldn't have anything to do with her because she was white . . . Tom Robinson was probably the only person who was ever decent to her." (Lee 192). By opposing these vices, Tom Robinson exhibited true virtue, freely sacrificing his time and energy and finding compassion for someone universally loathed. It's quite a shame that Mayella repays his kindness by giving false testimony about him in court, accusing him of raping her. She uses Tom as a sacrifice to save what little reputation she has.
Atticus takes on Tom's case and does his best to prove the man's innocence. In this way, he selflessly sacrifices his standing in the community in order to fight the all-white jury's prejudice against Tom, a black man. As Link Deas, the owner of the cotton fields says, "'[I] don't see why you touched [this case] in the first place . . . You've got everything to lose from this, Atticus. I mean everything'" (Lee 146). Atticus's reply is, "'Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he's not going till the truth's told . . . And you know what the truth is'" (ibid.). The virtues Atticus shows are self-sacrifice, honesty and integrity.
When Boo Radley saves Scout and Jem from a murderous Bob Ewell, he is not necessarily acting against the dominant social order. After all, I imagine few in Maycomb would condone the murder of innocent children. However, he still displays true virtue, putting himself in a dangerous situation in order to save the two children. He expects nothing in return for his bravery despite risking his life and his quiet way of living; if the locals discovered his heroism, he would become a local celebrity. Indeed, Scout calls revealing his actions to be "'sort of like shootin' a mockingbird'" (Lee 276). Boo has been selfless on many levels, which I believe is a true virtue.
Each of these men live under different circumstances and conditions, particularly because they live in the prejudiced and isolationist South. This leads them to have different degrees of success in their lives. Tom is a black man, and has only managed to obtain the status of a fields worker for Link Deas at the time of his death. Then, an all-white jury convicts him of a crime he did not commit, heavily influenced by their prejudice. He is shot dead when he tries to escape from prison. Atticus, meanwhile, comes from a family of wealthy white cotton growers. As such, he has lead a successful career in law and been elected to the state legislature. The Radleys have traditionally kept to themselves, worshiping at home, and Boo Radley has continued this tradition.x
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