Falsely accused of rape, Tom Robinson is arrested without questions asked. Wanting a fair trial for Tom Robinson, Judge John Taylor asks Atticus to defend Tom. Deciding to defend Tom Robinson, Atticus is asked by Scout why he was defending a black man. Atticus replies, "I'm simply defending a nigger, his name is Tom Robinson." (Law 62). Compassion is demonstrated by Atticus' willingness to take the case. His compassion towards Tom Robinson represents his incredible sense of right and wrong in situations. By placing himself, Jem, and Scout in danger, Atticus not only shows compassion but also courage. This situation has a significant impact at that point in the text as Tom Robinson is represented as a mockingbird. Falsely accused by Bob Ewell, Tom Robinson symbolizes the smearing of a mockingbird as he is accused of rape. Atticus's compassion is impactful because his compassion towards Tom represents the saving of a