The Theme of Parenting in To Kill a Mockingbird

The Theme of Friendship in To Kill a Mockingbird Parenting is one of the main themes in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. The theme of parenting is shown through four father figures in the novel, Old Mr. Radley, Nathan Radley, Bob Ewell and Atticus Finch. Old Mr. Radley and Nathan Radley are unorthodox parents. Bob Ewell is a parent no one should aim to be. Unlike these father figures, Atticus is the ideal parent. In Harper Lee’s Novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, the fathers have different teaching methods towards their children, which eventually affect their attitudes, values and behaviour. In the novel, Old Mr. Radley and Nathan Radley act as father figures for Arthur Radley. Both Radleys are stern father figures. After an incident that occurs with Arthur, according to the narrator, Scout, he was “not seen again…” (13). His father, Old Mr. Radley, keeps him locked up in the house so he would stop misbehaving. Arthur’s older brother, Nathan is also cooped up in his home. When Old Mr. Radley dies, the position is given to Nathan. Both Arthur and Nathan stay inside their home, but come out occasionally. No one notices when Arthur comes out because we leaves his home when it’s very dark, so no one could see him. Nathan comes out whenever he needs to, he just does not talk to anyone. Scout explains further when she says: Mr. Nathan Radley could still be seen on a clear day, walking to and from town; we knew Boo was there for the same old reason, nobody’d seen him being carried out yet.

This explains that the citizens of Maycomb see Mr. Nathan but have not seen Arthur (also known as Boo) in a while. This also explains that Nathan is used to his father’s rules and is not used to being social; this also goes for Arthur. Old Mr. Radley and Mr. Nathan are very strict and stern parents. Mr. Ewell is an odd parent like the Radleys, but he does things no father should. In Scout’s eyes his family live like “animals” (40). Mr Ewell’s children do not attend school and he drinks and bears them. During the court scene, Mr. Finch questions Mayella, Mr. Ewell’s daughter about her home life and the truth comes out. “He does tollable ‘cept when-” … “Except when he’s drinking?” asked Atticus so gently that Mayella nodded.
This explains that Mr.Ewell is not fit to be a parent. Unlike the Radleys and Mr. Ewell, Atticus is the ideal father. Atticus treats his children, Jem and Scout, very well. Atticus teaches his children important life lessons. An example is when Atticus is talking to his daughter about her first day of school:
“…You don’t understand a person until you consider things from their point of view-” (39)
Atticus gives his children advice that can help them think about problems and reach a compromise or solution. Mr. Finch is very fair and gives everybody a chance. He is risking his reputation as a good lawyer to defend a black man who he knows is innocent. Everyone in Maycomb is very upset at his decision, but Atticus knows he is doing the right thing which encourages his children to do the same. Overall, Atticus is a wonderful parent and has taught his children very well. Fathers in To Kill a Mockingbird are very important. Their behaviour and attitudes about life can and will affect their children’s life as well. Mr. Radley and Nathan Radley are very strict father figures and it makes Arthur act in a way which is not normal. Mr. Ewell treats his children horribly and now his children are uneducated in school and are aware how to be a proper parent. Atticus has taught his children so many things; with his advice, they will become respectful and fair adults. Father figures have a great impact on what their child will become in the future and this is evident in the novel.