Atticus Finch's identity prevents Scout from thinking that all is lost in society because of the fact that everyone is inclined to commit immoralities. Atticus is the bona fide American individual who is unwilling to join the masses in discriminating black people and even goes as far as risking his position in society with the purpose of demonstrating Tom Robinson's innocence. From watching her father's determination, Scout learns that one has to dedicate their lives to being moral, even when the respective person's campaign is doomed from the very start. Maycomb's general attitude toward black people challenges Scout's personality and influences the girl in acknowledging the insecure position of justice in society. As she realizes that the masses can easily overturn clear facts so that matters progress as they want to, she becomes even more determined to support people like her father. In becoming familiar with Boo Radley, Scout discovers that one can survive in society without getting involved in the local affairs. However, Radley's intervention in the clash between Scout, Jem, and Bob Ewell, proves that it is virtually impossible for an individual to remain passive to what goes on in his or her vicinity.

Even with the fact that he is unsuccessful in trying to save Tom Robinson, Atticus Finch nonetheless manages to live the American Dream through the fact that he is free to express himself at all times, in spite of the fact that his thinking comes against the one of the town's majority. The city of Maycomb is nothing like the American Dream in effect, considering that it is filled with corruption, racial inequality, and individuals devoted to committing crimes. Boo Radley's intention is most probably that of living the American Dream. However, in spite of the fact that the character struggles to ignore everything that goes on around him, he is eventually caught in the game and even risks being charged with murder.

Lee, Harper. (1960). "To Kill a Mockingbird." J.B. Lippincott & Co.