Atticus As An Outsider Essay

First of all, I will be characterizing Atticus as an outsider and a riskful person. To begin, Atticus can be characterized as an outsider. Firstly, Atticus does not hunt, fish, gamble, drink, or smoke like a majority of the fathers and men in Maycomb do. As stated in the novel, “He did not do the things our schoolmates’ fathers did: he never went hunting, he did not play poker or fish or drink or smoke. He sat in the livingroom and read” (Lee 118). Not doing one or two of those activities to the maycomb people would most likely not be hugely thought of as strange, but not doing any of them would definitely be a sign that Atticus is an outsider. Secondly, Atticus does not have a job of admiration. According to the text, “Our father didn’t do
In the book it states, “Your aunt has asked me to try and impress upon you and Jean Louise that you are not run-of-the-mill people… and that you should try to live up yo your name… you must try and behave like the little lady and gentleman that you are… I don’t want you to remember it. Forget it” (Lee 177). Atticus and Alexandra frequently fight about how the children should behave and he finally decides to tell them her thoughts but adds that he wants them to not do as she says and be who they truly are. This is riskful because it could make Aunt Alexandra angry at Atticus and it could make the children feel like outsiders when they are older. Thirdly, Atticus keeps Tom Robinson safe from the lynching mob by not moving away from the door. In the reading it says, “Get aside from the door, Mr. Finch.’ ‘You can turn around and go home again, Walter,’ Atticus said pleasantly” (Lee 202). This is riskful because violence could have struck and Atticus could have been hurt or killed just so the mob could lynch Tom. By evaluating Atticus’ characteristics, being an outsider and being a riskful person suit him