Examine How Lee Presents the Character of Atticus in to Kill a Mockingbird

Throughout the novel, Atticus plays a central role in all of the major events, constituting as the moral backbone of the Maycomb society and the voice of reason for the oppressed. Lee writes Atticus as being very unorthodox for his time, and as being the person who will help usher in moral change into the Maycomb society. Due to time of writing, it seems that Lee presents the character of Atticus in such a way to impress upon the public that, like the Maycomb community, they should also review their prejudiced views. Due to the very striking presentation of Atticus in the novel, he is one of literatures most well known characters, who has left his mark in the world of law as well. Atticus is presented by Lee as being near perfect, he has perfect moral values, he is fair and respectful, and most importantly, due to the main theme of the book, he is unprejudiced. Even at the first mention of him, Lee shows how Atticus is all for fairness and diplomacy, he says that Scout and Jem are both right when they are musing on what led to the events mentioned in the book. He also values fair opportunities; he [11] “invested his earnings in his brother’s education”. The book is set during the great depression, so this generosity is further accentuated, and this I think is done on purpose by Lee to convey how Atticus is very altruistic. To provide contrast between what is right and wrong, Lee has written the character of Atticus as being very different from Maycomb’s social expectations, which mostly are socially prejudiced and hypocritical. In the opening section, Scout notes how Atticus moved away from his homestead of Finch’s Landing, and it could be seen as an implicit reference to the fact that he has also moved away from the social norm as well. For example, when Atticus lived at Finch’s landing he used to shoot doves for recreation, but now he realises that shooting is wrong and he tries to cover up the fact he has such a deadly talent.
Atticus is also shown as being