“All heroes and heroines share several characteristics in common: they embody the characteristics of the values ​​of their society” (Reilly). Chances are the word “hero” conjures up images of strong, powerful, and rugged men fighting monsters and evil forces. Achilles, the legendary Greek warrior whose story is told in Homer's Iliad, and Superman, the invincible savior of the planet Krypton, are two examples. However, there is a new breed of hero, the modern hero. The modern hero is not necessarily a stereotypical strongman. He rejects assumptions about the definition of a hero. However, the modern hero still embodies moral and just qualities. Atticus Finch, character in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, is just and virtuous. Modern society holds justice and virtue in high esteem. According to Dahlia Lithwick, Atticus Finch motivated thousands of people, including herself, to pursue a career in law (1). Finch's influence on so many people is a powerful testament to his honorable character. And like this new breed of hero, Finch isn't traditionally tough or formidable. In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch plays the role of a modern hero, seen through his ordinary circumstances, his noble qualities and his daring actions. Atticus Finch is an ordinary man living an undistinguished life. A modern hero is not blessed by the gods; he has no supernatural abilities (Reilly). And Atticus comes from a nondescript background. Atticus grew up on Finch's Landing, a self-sustaining farm founded by his ancestor Simon. While tradition dictates that men remain at the Landings, Atticus pursues a career in law, then finances his brother's medical studies (Lee 4). He came back to Maycomb and trained as...... middle of paper ... line to defend a complete stranger. Maybe that's why he's more heroic than even Achilles and Superman. He lacks invincibility and divine powers. All Atticus Finch has is a strong conscience and a burning desire to do what is right. Scout says, “Atticus was weak” (89). Physically he may be, but morally and rightly so, he is Herculean. Works Cited Lee, Harper. To kill a mockingbird. New York: Warner, 1982. 4-5, 29-30, 74-5, 89, 91-6, 105, 112, 137, 205, 246. Print. Lithwick, Dahlia. “My legal hero: Atticus Finch.” Theguardian.com. Guardian News and Media, September 1, 2010. 1. Web. March 22, 2014. Moore, Andrew. “To kill a mockingbird.” To kill a mockingbird. Np, nd 14. Web. April 3, 2014.Reilly, Kathryn. “Classic and Modern Heroes.” Sophia.org. Sophia, and Defining a Hero section, The Modern Hero section. Internet. March 22. 2014.