(ch 9). Atticus feels that Tom Robinson deserves the best defense possible. Although Atticus was assigned to defend Tom Robinson, he is planning to give him a good defense. He understands that Tom is not likely to win, no matter how well he defends him.He knows that the color barrier is just too strong.Yet Atticus believes the only moral thing to do is to defend Tom to the best of his ability.e understands that Tom is not likely to win, no matter how well he defends him. He knows that the color barrier is just too strong. Yet Atticus believes the only moral thing to do is to defend Tom to the best of his ability.