Atticus as a parent is teaching Scout and Jem of fundamental values. He tries hardest to pass on to his children his way of thinking for justice and equality. Atticus worries that his children see too many racism and injustice, he tries to show Jem and Scout that all people are created equal and makes sure that they think the same way he thinks not like most of the Maycomb people. "'Why reasonable people go stark raving mad when anything involving a Negro comes up, is something I don't pretend to understand…I just hope that Jem and Scout come to me for their answers instead of listening to the town. I hope they trust me enough.'" (88) Atticus wants his children to respect all people, and to be racists between colored people and them. When Scout asks if he is a "nigger lover" as a lot of the kids say in school. Atticus responds, "'I certainly am. I do my best to love everybody…'" (108) This shows that Atticus is not like the other people in Maycomb he tries to see every human as equal to the others. To show his belief in justice and peoples right, Atticus decides to accept the Tom Robinson case. He tells Uncle Jack why he accepted the case, "Judge Taylor pointed at me and said, 'You're It.' …But do you think I could face my children otherwise?" (88) Here, Atticus shows the reader his priorities as a parent. Knowing what is going to happen when defending a black man, Atticus accepts the case to prove his point to Jem and Scout. Defending Tom Robinson Atticus sends a message of what courage really is. Upon learning that Atticus will likely lose the Tom Robinson case in court, Scout wonders why, then, Atticus had taken the case. His response perfectly is, "'simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.'" (76) Atticus is trying to show Scout that she should not to fear failing and that this should never influence her decisions.
Atticus wants Scout and Jem to be good people, so that they are able to tell the difference between what is right and wrong. We can see this when Atticus finds that Scout is involved in several fights in school. He tells her "'...just hold your head high and keep those fists down. Try fighting with your head for a change...'" (80) Atticus wants to show his kids that there are other ways to decide the problem except with fighting. There are other situations where Atticus tries to teach Jem and Scout the meaning of courage. He keeps secret his past, and the nickname "One-Shot Finch." He does so because he, "wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand." (116) This shows that Atticus hides his past from his children in the hope they will, unlike most of Maycomb, think of bravery in a moral sense. As the novel goes on, we see how this method of parenting proves successful. Atticus liked shooting when he was the age of Jem and Scout. When they got their own guns he tells his kids, " It's a sin to kill a mockingbird…they do only good to us."(98) Atticus has a short talk with Scout about going to school and that going to school is the right thing to do if u don't want to end up homeless.
Atticus is a loving and caring father that tries to be as understanding as possible and help his kids as much as he can. He does not have a lot of time because he is doing a lawyers job that requires a lot of his time, so he does not have a lot of time to spend with Jem and Scout. Atticus and Scout read the newspaper every night. Even after the Scout's teacher forbids her to read with her father because he is teaching her wrong. So Atticus and Scout make an agreement between them that they will keep reading but only if she keeps going to school. This is quality time that they can sped together and talk about Scout problems. Atticus tries to make his kids life as enjoyable as possible. His love and concern about his kids is show when Atticus finds out that some people from town are going to come try to beat Tom Robinson up. Jem, Scout and Dill suddenly appear from nowhere in front of the counties jail where Tom Robinson is kept and drunk people surround Atticus. He is not a bit worried that the drunk people are going to hurt him but when his kids arrive he starts worrying that they might try to hurt the kids. Atticus orders them to leave but they refuse because they do not want something to happen to their father. At this moment the people start going back to their cars. This is another example of Atticus's love to his children.
Atticus is a successful father because he shows the differences in this world and Jem and Scout understand it. He passes to his kid his own traits. Atticus tries to show the differences, equalities, and morals between people, poor people and colored people that no one believes. Atticus Finch tries to teach his kids the difference between right and wrong in this complex world. He tries to be as understandable as possible and to spend as much time with his kids. Atticus Finch makes a very good father for Scout and Jem.
You May Also Find These Documents Helpful
-
Atticus shows that his words are not empty, and he practices what he has taught his children. Atticus conveys empathy for the minorities around him, such as the Ewell family and the Negroes. Tom Robinson, a black man, is being represented in court by Atticus. Atticus empathizes for Tom who is wrongly accused of taking advantage of Mayella Ewell, a poor white women, and tries his hardest to win the case for Tom. After losing the trial and humiliating the Ewells in the process, Bob Ewell, Mayella’s father, spits in Atticus’ face and threatens to get even with him. Atticus, feeling sorry for Mayella, takes this incident and uses it as a lesson of empathy for his children. Atticus says, “ Jem see if you can stand in Bob Ewell’s shoes a minute. I destroyed every thread of credibility at that trial, if he he had any to begin with. The man had to have some kind of comeback, his kind always do. So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that’s something I’ll gladly take. He had to take it out on somebody and I’d rather it be me than that houseful of children out there” (292-293). The lesson of empathy is supported largely through Atticus, and his ways with Tom and the Ewells. To sum up, Atticus’ inspirational experiences convey greatly to his children, and help to better them for the rest of the…
- 814 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
In To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus is a distant parent. Atticus teaches his children many things for example, he teaches Scout how to read and write, and teaches both his children important life lessons. Atticus’s parenting style reflects on the type of person he is, he…
- 428 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
Atticus defends his client Tom Robinson with all his heart, despite Tom being black. Although slavery has long since become abolished, in Maycomb, whites still discriminate against blacks, but Atticus has a different outlook on men. He defends Tom the way he should... fairly. Scout, Atticus' daughter, does not understand why someone would falsely accuse an innocent person. Atticus then explains to her that "... You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view..."(Lee 30). Explaining that there has to be a reason for everything, even if it was considered unjustified.…
- 464 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
Maycomb relies on Atticus throughout the story; the first clear incident is the mad dog appearance. Heck Tate says, ““Take him, Mr. Finch”… [and] handed the rifle to Atticus” (95). This quote symbolizes the towns’ people handing their problem to Atticus to solve. However, Mr. Finch is not able to follow in the town’s footsteps as they conform to racial segregation. He ignores their crude remarks such as, “Scout Finchs daddy defends niggers” (76) and agrees to stick up for Tom Robinson, a black man, in court. His decision soon puts him in the position to receive scorn from Maycomb citizens. Even though Tom does not win the case Atticus succeeds in “send[ing] forth a ripple of hope” and “making a step---it’s just a baby-step, but it’s a step” (216).…
- 576 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
The final solid piece of evidence that proves that Atticus is a positive parental figure is that he teaches his children valuable life lessons. Like any good parent, Atticus teaches his two children valuable lessons that will get them through life. One of the valuable lessons that he teaches Jean Louise in the first few chapters of the book is to not judge those that do not have money. In the few first pages in chapter 3 Walter Cunningham went to eat at the Finch’s house, when suddenly Walter added syrup to his dinner. Scout's reaction was one that was not anticipated and she started making rude comments about him. Atticus then teaches Scout to not judge others and to try ”walking around in their skin”(39). This shows that Atticus is a positive parental figure, because telling this to someone is the most valuable life lesson that you can ever learn. In addition, if Atticus told this to Scout is because he knows best and to tell her before you start judging someone try to put yourself in their shoes and see what they are…
- 501 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
We read To Kill a Mockingbird in English class. Many people have their own opinion about Atticus, one of the main characters in this book, and the way that he acts. My personal opinion about Atticus is the way that he treats his kids and carries himself is awesome! He is a admirable person in terms of parenting. Atticus did many admirable things in life ranging from deciding to do the right thing and defend Tom Robinson to giving his kids advice about life at such a influential age. Even though Atticus may have made few mistakes as a parent, in the long run he was a great father.…
- 621 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
His main goal in the Tom Robinson trial is not to win, but to show the town of Maycomb that Tom is innocent, and should be treated correctly. While discussing the death of Mrs. Dubose, Atticus informs Scout that things would be getting difficult soon; this shows a lot about his character “This case, Tom Robinson's case, is something that goes to the essence of a man's conscience-Scout, I couldn't go to church and worship God if I didn't try to help that man” (Chapter 11, pg. 139). Atticus reveals that standing for Tom Robinson, against racism, was the right thing to do; if he were to deny it, he would never be able to treat himself or others the same. This sets Atticus apart from everyone else in Maycomb, considering mostly everyone knew that Tom was innocent, though only the courageous and honorable were able to stand up to…
- 808 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
Ruining the wellbeing of his family, Atticus is doing what is right and is doing his best to protect Tom Roberson. Defending a black man is a risky thing to do not only because of the prejudice and racism of the people of Maycomb, but also because of Atticus's reputation in the town. Atticus is risking his career and family name by defending Tom Roberson. He is courageous for justice which is more important than any personal harm that could come about from defending Tom Roberson. Scout overhears Atticus being called a nigger lover is heartbreaking to Scout. Feeling concerned she ask Atticus “You aren’t really a nigger lover are you" (Lee 108). Atticus knowing his reputation will exponentially decrease following the aftermath of the trial. Atticus responds in a way to reassure Scout that his beliefs and values uphold any statements that others may make about him. He states "I certainly am. I do my best to love everybody...it's never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name. It shows how poor that person is, it doesn't hurt you" (Lee 109). This quote shows that Atticus is uphold all of his ideas and values into the Tom Roberson case. Feeling unconcerned how this may affect his family, he is trusting that he is doing the step of action to end this trial. Knowing that he will fail, Atticus gives it his best shot and…
- 853 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
Atticus is a white lawyer who lives in this racially prejudice town yet he is willing to stand up for a black man. A prime example of Atticus’ ability to help Scout mature is his advice and teaching Scout to not be judgmental of other people based on their appearance or actions. Atticus tells Scout, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” (Lee 30) This quote teaches Scout a life lesson that changes her personality throughout the rest of the novel because Atticus is telling her to not be judgemental differs her from everyone else in Maycomb. Nobody in Maycomb considers a black person’s point of view. Everyone else is willing to judge people solely based on their skin color. On the other hand, Scout does not judge people and is accepting of everyone. Another example of Atticus providing Scout advice that influences her development is his reference to killing mockingbirds. “Remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” That was the only time I ever heard Atticus say it was a sin to do something…” Miss Maudie responds to Scout by saying “Your father’s right….Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy….but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill…
- 985 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
To begin with, Atticus demonstrates empathy towards African Americans when he agrees to defend Tom Robinson, an African American, who is being falsely accused of raping and beating Mayella Ewell, a white woman. Atticus explains to Scout that everyone is equal despite their skin color and is the reason why he is defending Tom. Also, Atticus defends Tom because he is trying to fight for equality in his town Maycomb that is known for great discrimination. Atticus understands the fear and pain Tom Robinson and his family feel about the case, regardless if they are African American.…
- 583 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Atticus shows great compassion and tolerance when he stands up for the Negroes. He stands up and represents Tom Robinson because he believes that everyone should be treated equally in the court of law. He knows that because Tom was a Negro there would be a slim chance of winning. That fact never discouraged him though because he says that the main reason he is representing Tom is because, “ if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this county in the legislature” (75). He recited a speech, which clearly states that Tom Robinson is not guilty. In that speech he says, “our courts have their faults, as does any human institution, but in this courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are created equal” (205). He believed that prejudice and stereotyping is wrong and he tries to teach these morals to Scout and Jem.…
- 660 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
A voice of reason and justice in Maycomb, Atticus is needed by the people of Maycomb. He is “trust[ed] to do right” (236) by the people of Maycomb. He is well respected and well off in such desperate times, but when he decides that he is actually going to defend Tom Robinson, earns much distaste toward himself from the town’s people. This, however, does not stop him. Atticus is very genuine and empathic, he sees both good and bad in each person but does not criticize them for the bad. Racism, which he has described as Maycomb’s disease, does not sit well with him. Atticus is a man with his own mindset and makes decisions based on his conscience, whereas others seem to follow the societal normalities like lemmings. When Tom Robinson’s case is handed to Atticus, he presents an extraordinary case which, in today’s time, would’ve definitely freed Tom. Although Atticus is against racial discrimination, he is unintentionally racist himself, but this is not a bad thing. When Atticus says that they need to help “them”, referring to the blacks, he is separating the Blacks from himself. By viewing the Blacks as helpless, when in fact they are not, he unintentionally has been racist and although it may be considered a bad thing, he inevitably puts hard work and his heart into this, maybe more than he would’ve done if Tom was white. Atticus has a very controlled and warped racism inside of him…
- 1161 Words
- 5 Pages
Good Essays -
Initially, it makes sense for Atticus to take a stand because of his reasonableness. Atticus is the type of parent to be a role role model for his children, Scout and Jem. For instance, Atticus explains, “... I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this country in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again” (Lee 75). Atticus tell his children that he has to live with himself before he pleases others, that's why he is defending a “negro”. On the other hand, the night Tom Robinson was moved to the county jail, Atticus sat outside the jail reading his newspaper waiting for the mob to show up with guns trying to hurt Atticus and Tom. Luckily the children…
- 537 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Even though Atticus is just seen as a lawyer in the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird", Jem and Scout, his kids, come to realize what kind of a great father he is. Many people think a gun is used to kill innocent people or animals. Atticus shot this mad dog because if he had not, the dog would have been danger towards others. Miss Maudie tells Scout and Jem "forgot to tell you the other day that besides playing the Jew’s harp, Atticus Finch was the deadest shot in Maycomb County in his time" (Lee 98). This demonstrates that Scout and Jem come to understand and value Atticus when they see him come and kill the dog. Before this innocent happened they thought that Atticus was just a man who solved cases, but they never knew about the other side of their father. Atticus in this story is a lawyer who defends a black male named Tom Robinson. One of Atticus’s reason to defend Tom Robinson was that if he didn’t then he couldn’t be able to hold up his head in town and couldn’t represent this county in the legislature. He also couldn’t even tell Scout or Jem not to do something again. Jem and Scout come to admire Atticus when they figure out that Atticus is standing up for what he believes in even though most of the whole county doesn’t. Finally Atticus speaks to Jem about courage. He tries to develop that relationship with Jem by making him see things the way he does. For instance he talks about Mrs. Dubose to Jem and says “I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what” (112). This proves that Jem comes to admire Atticus through his speech because Atticus is using another person as an example then himself. He is using Mrs. Dubose as an example and tried to make him understand that she died beholden to nothing and no one. The reason Atticus explained it this way was because, he wanted Jem to understand…
- 398 Words
- 1 Page
Good Essays -
Atticus Finch is the father of Jem and Scout. His wife died when Scout was 2 and he is bringing the children up on his own, with the help of Calpurnia. Scout "says he played with us, read to us, and treated us with courteous detachment". It is clear he loves his children.…
- 676 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays