Wait a second!
More handpicked essays just for you.
More handpicked essays just for you.
Atticus finch is a good father essay
Atticus finch is a good father essay
Tom robinson trial to kill a mockingbird
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
Recommended: Atticus finch is a good father essay
In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, readers can view Atticus as a positive parental figure for a variety of reasons. One piece of evidence that points to this is that Atticus cares about his children. Although Atticus does not show his affection towards his children traditionally or frequently, he shows it in his own ways. Some parents hug and kiss their children, but not Atticus. Atticus’ way of showing affection to Jem is by ruffling his hair. An example of this occurs when Atticus and his children are walking home from the jail house following the mob scene. Scout states that she thought Atticus was going to be irritated at Jem for his lack of compliance. However, Scout states that “as they passed under a streetlight, Atticus reached out and massaged …show more content…
Although Atticus is not like every other parent, he shows his love to his kids in his own ways. He does not need to be kissing them, hugging them or buying them things to show his affection for them. His ways are unique ways that show that Atticus is a positive parental figure. Another good piece of evidence that shows that Atticus is a positive parental figure is that he sets a good example for the children. He sets a good example by being honest and telling them why he has to defend Tom Robinson even if that decision jeopardizes his reputation and the family. When Atticus was talking to Scout about defending Tom he said, “The main one is, if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this county in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again” (100). These words show that Atticus values equality and justice and it is setting an excellent example for the kids to follow at such a young age. Atticus defends Tom Robinson, an African American man, because he believes in equality for all. Atticus also mentioned that before he tells the children to do something or follow values he, Atticus, must display them first, and he
Throughout the novel, Atticus’ assistance to Jem and Scout’s development becomes evident. Atticus takes every opportunity to attempt to teach his children the importance of having an open-mind. For instance, when Scout queries Atticus about Maycomb’s prejudice perspective, he tells her, “You never really understand a person until…you climb in their skin and walk around in it.” (Lee 30) Even during the early stages of the novel, it is apparent that Atticus endeavors to instill the values of empathy and tolerance within Jem and Scout by teaching them how to have multiple perspectives on a situation. In addition, Atticus also attempts to enlighten his children about peaceful resolution in society. For example, when Atticus is chosen to defend Tom Robinson, Atticus tells Scout, you might hear some ugly talk about it at school but…you just hold your head high and keep those fists down.”...
Instead of talking more, he prefers to show.(EVIDENCE, ELABORATE) Also, Atticus is not a type of father who would love his children dearly all the time. At times, he will be firm and teach them harsh lessons about life when necessary. This is evident when he took Jem along with him to tell Helen Robinson about Tom Robinson’s death. This way, Atticus allows Jem to learn lessons about prejudice and other principles in life. Also, throughout the novel, Atticus works to develop his children’s respective consciences and character, through teaching vital lessons with objectives, such as though humanity has a great capability of evil and wrong doings, it also has a great capacity for good. Also, the evil can be looked upon as good, if one approaches things with an outlook of compassion and understanding, instead of hatred, thus his objective is to teach them to be more compassionate and gracious towards others in life.
Atticus Finch is shown as a loving and devoted father in many ways. One way is, that he always has the answers to the questions his kids ask no matter what they are. For example, Atticus says, “‘Jack! When a child asks you something, answer him, for goodness’ sake’” (Lee 99) when he is talking to Uncle Jack. This
Atticus considers himself and his children as equals. For example, Scout asks Atticus why he defends a Negro: “... If I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to mind me again” (100). Atticus is portraying to Scout that if he did not act righteously by defending Tom Robinson he would be ashamed of himself, and he could not hold authority to his children. Atticus treats his children as if they were his peers, which illustrates how he values equality. Furthermore, Atticus wants to provide an egalitarian lifestyle for his children. For instance, Atticus explains to Mr. Tate why he does not want to cover up the truth for Jem if he had killed Mr. Ewell: “... Sometimes I think I'm a total failure as a parent, but I'm all they've got. Before Jem looks at anyone else he looks at me, and I've tried to live so I can look squarely back at him… if I connived at something like this, frankly I couldn’t meet his eye, and they day I can't do that I'll know I've lost him. I don't want to lose him and Scout, because they're all I've got” (366). Atticus knows since Scout and Jem had to grow up without a mother, his children look up to him immensely. Atticus wants to live an honest life so his children can look at him with pride, and to do that he treats his children as his equals. In brief, Atticus is not only egalitarian by not having racial prejudice but also by his parenting
A prime example of Atticus being a good father is that he takes steps to make sure his kids grow up in a non-racist environment. An example of this is when Atticus is defending Tom Robinson in the case. Tom Robinson is the black male on trial for beating up a women named Mayella. In the beginning through the trail Scout ask Atticus if they’re going to win the case and Atticus replies, “ Probably not.” Scout begins
For example, when he says “‘Well, you’ve heard it all, so you might as well hear the rest. Tell you what, you can come back once you’ve finished supper.’” (Lee 227) This shows that Atticus knows that they want to hear the court trial, so he decides to let Jem and Scout come back. This also illustrates that Atticus is a good father, because he respects what his children want. “‘I’m just going over to tell Miss Rachel you’re here and ask her if you could spend the night with us- you’d like that, wouldn't you’” (Lee 188) Atticus knows that Jem and Scout like Dill, so he lets him stay with them. This also portrays that Atticus doesn’t want any harm to come to Dill, or for him to be scared, so he lets him stay with them; proving that he is a great father. To sum up, Atticus respects his children, and wants them to be happy.
From chapter one to thirty-one, Atticus shows his love to his children from compassion and his ability to explain the right in any situation. An example of this is when Atticus makes an agreement with Scout after Miss Caroline tells Scout Atticus is no longer allowed to read to her (Lee, 33). Scouts mood is soon brightened by Atticus's agreement to continue reading to her if she goes back to school. We also see Atticus's love for his children when he refuses to
Atticus is a great leader of his family, teaching his children morals and life lessons. He makes them better people by showing them how to deal with the trial and people making fun of them. Atticus teaches Scout how to respect other people. First, Scout learns to respect Atticus, then to respect "Boo" Radley, and finally to respect a whole race of people, negroes. He makes it a common practice to live his life as he would like his children to live theirs, and thus displays the attributes of an honest, respectable, and kind man. Throughout the trial process, Atticus shows Jem and Scout that true courage is standing up for what you believe in and that all human beings, despite their race, deserve respect. "You never really understand a person until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." This quote shows that Atticus wants his children to get along with people, and so other people will respect them for whom they are.
In the past Scout has been known to not always think with her head, instead, her first instinct is usually to fight. Especially if her pride is at stake. The other side of Atticus’s parenting style is strict. We see this in mainly two incidents, his reaction the Scout, Jem, and Dill's Radley play and when he finds them trying to leave a note for Boo Radley. Atticus is strict when he finds out that they are acting out a Radley play because he does not want them to be rude to the Radleys. Also, he sees that they were playing with scissors so he says “Give me those scissors, they’re no things to play with” (Lee 53). Also, he is embarrassed that the neighbors might see what they are doing. We know that Jem, Scout, and Dill knew they were not supposed to put on this play because in the book it states, “Our activities halted when any if the neighbors appeared” (Lee 53). Another example where Atticus is strict with Jem, Scout, and Dill is when he catches them trying to leave a note on the Radley’s window specifically, Jem and leaving the note the rest were keeping watch. He is mad because again, they are bothering the
Atticus Finch was an incredible parent. He did a great job raising Jem and Scout on his own. Atticus not only taught by his example, but also gave his children direct lessons. Atticus wanted to teach his children: all people are equal, what he says is courage, and to never lose sight of goodness in the world. Atticus uses the situations they face to teach these lessons.
One of the main reasons why Atticus is such a good parent is the fact that he is teacher. He constantly reminds Scout of the idea that “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” (36). This has helped scout mature and progress into a soon to be young adult. Although Scout never fully grasped the concept she showed signs of improvement. That is what parents are for, helping kids grow and improve in life. Another reason Atticus makes a good parent is that he is modest; for example when Scout and Jem find out Atticus was “the deadest shot in Maycomb County in his time” (98). He doesn't gloat about it, the fact that the children had never discovered this before shows that Atticus feels it is unimportant. As Jem says, “I reckon if he'd wanted us to know it, he'da told us. If he was proud of it, he'da told us” (109). This tells us that he isn't concerned about how other see him as a person, because he isn't particularly proud of his reputation. This leads right into the next example Just the fact that he fights to save Tom Robinson shows his kids that
Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus demonstrates himself as a loyal, humble man towards his family and especially towards Tom Robinson. Atticus respects and desires for everyone to be treated equally, no matter the color of their skin, thus he remains loyal to Tom since he believes that Tom deserves a fair trial. When Atticus tells Scout that “the main reason is, if I didn’t defend Tom I couldn’t hold my head in town, I couldn’t represent the country in legislature, I couldn’t tell you or Jem not to do something again” (86), he means that if he does not defend and show loyalty to Tom, he will have not stood up for true justice and equality, thus shaming himself forever. Therefore, even when faced with so much opposition, Atticus continues to stick up for Tom because he wants to promote and uphold justice and fairness for all to
Atticus Finch is a single parent, and faces most of the troubles and challenges a single parent today must deal with. Unlike other parents though, Atticus is more allowing and open to letting his kids, Jem and Scout, do as they please. His personality may contribute a lot to this. Atticus is kind, easygoing, and shows respect for all human beings. He treats everyone with equal respect, as well as his kids. Atticus allows his daughter Scout to be herself. Scout is the youngest out of the siblings, and fits more into the ‘tomboy’ personality. Aunt Alexandra, Atticus’s sister, believes
“No!” The child screamed. This one word comes out of the mouthes of young children all the time in contemporary society and it is directed towards their parents. When parents ask their children to do something, this is a common response. It is a usual response from children who think they have a right to challenge their parents’ authority. Children in the 1930s generally acted very differently towards their parents. A high degree of respect was expected from children by their elders. In modern society, this expected degree of respect has declined. Many theories exist to try to explain why the respect children give their parents is plummeting. This disrespect from children displays a great deterioration in civility in modern society. Since many children’s respect for authority appears to have declined in contemporary America, the responsibilities of parenting must become a priority to reinstate civility.
Life can be tough, especially when you’re a widowed father living in the southern United States in the 1930’s. In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, a man named Atticus Finch possesses all the characteristics needed to be a wonderful father, and man. Time after time, Atticus treated his two children as if they were not children. He made sure that they knew that their opinions were valid, and that as long as they asked him respectfully, they would get the same answer as anyone else.