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Good parenting is when you set a good example for your kids to follow in. Many authors tackle the role of good parenting when writing a story. In the book To Kill A Mockingbird written by Harper Lee she shows many strong parenting traits through her lead character. The character Atticus proves to be a good parent though honesty, courage and empathy.
Atticus demonstrates and instills courage very well throughout the play to contribute to his excellent parenting skills. One very courageous act was when he took the case even though he knows the whole town is going to criticize him. He gets a lot of hate throughout the book. For example Cecil Jacobs says, “Atticus is a nigger love” (100). Many people would not defend a black person, this shows
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he is very courageous and shows his kids that you might have to do things you might not want to but do it with courage and pride. Atticus was also very courageous when he shoot, the mad, dog. He took many risks when he put the gun is his hand which took a lot of courage. He explains, “‘I haven’t shot a gun in thirty years”’ (127) although he is scared he showed courage in front of his kids that he can do it and he did. As Atticus shows many acts of courage in the story his follow in his steps, it shows that he is doing a fine job raising his kids. An example when Scout and Jem shows courage just like their dad always does is when they snuck out of there house to help stop the mob. They help Atticus and Tom stay safe by distracking the mob by asking them questions, “‘Hey, Mr. Cunningham. How’s your entailment gettin’ along?”’(204) says Scout. This shows that all the time Atticus shows courage his kids are looking up to him. Although Atticus is a very courageous father he also shows he kids empathy towards other people in the town.
Scout and Jem never understand the way the Radley house lives, but Atticus explains “‘You really never understand a person until you consider things from his point or view”’(38). That shows a lot about Atticus parenting skill, he shows them that the Radley house lives different lives and you have to give live them space and privacy. He also shows he kids empathy towards Bob Ewell as his kids do not understand why he does the things he does. Atticus explains to Jem “‘Jem see if you can stand in Bob Ewell’s shoes a minute”’(292). This is very important for him to explain to his kids that everyone lives differently and he does a good job showing his kids empathy. Scout and his friend Dill get to experience empathy towards Mr. Raymond and put themselves in his shoes, as Atticus always tells them to. No one in the town understands why Mr. Raymond lives his life but Scout and Dill do as he explains his ways of life and adds on “‘You little folks won’t tell on me… It’d ruin my reputation”’ as everyone judges Mr.Raymond choice but Scout and Dill. Atticus shows empathy a lot in the book, it is very good trait for him to show his
kids. As Atticus demonstrates empathy and courage he also sets a great example for his kids through honesty. For instance, Atticus was very honest when he thought Jem stabbed Bob Ewell he was ready to defend his own son in court, as he is not the person to lie. Atticus expresses this when he tells the sheriff “‘Jem’s not quite thirteen...Any it’ll come before before county court”’ this shows that he will do anything to be honest and not even cover up for his own kids. In the book he was also very honest during the trail even though he was defending a black man and put his best foot forward. He worked hard on this case and got all the honest information to try and prove them guilty. This shows a lot of honesty because he did not make up anything, his kids were there to see his dad honest. Rather more Atticus was also very honest when his kids would ask questions to him about the trail. He was very straight forward with them which shows them to always be honest when Atticus ask them somethings. Atticus shows this when scout asks him if he is going to win the case he replies “‘No honey”’(101). Honesty is a very good trait for a father to show his kid as honesty is always the best policy. In the story To Kill A Mockingbird Atticus proves to be a very well rounded parent. He shows honesty, courage and empathy thought out the book that sets a great example for Scout and Jem.
...reinforcing the idea that the roles are now switched. Atticus keeps calm during most of the situations, but lets others boss him around and take control while he mainly sits and waits nearby. Scout and Jem begin to stand up for their father when he will not stand up for himself and act caring as if they were in charge of Atticus’ actions, protecting him from the evils of others. Scout supports this idea when she begins to talk very adult-like with Mr. Cunningham, especially showing her thoughtful wisdom when speaking of “entailments”. Atticus later shows that he is proud of his children for sticking up for him when he did not himself by massaging Jem’s hair in his “one gesture of affection.” So while Atticus often is being the best father figure he can to Scout and Jem, they are also very helpful to him by taking control of situations that he would not be able to.
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
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.
Atticus teaches his children about empathy by getting them to consider how the other person feels. 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”(39). Atticus displays empathy for Bob Ewell when Mr. Ewell spits in his face and threatens him. Atticus simply wipes his face with a handkerchief and continues on with his day. Jem becomes worried for Atticus thinking that Mr. Ewell will get him. Atticus tells Jem to think about how Mr. Ewell must feel “I destroyed his last shred of credibility…The man had to have some kind of comeback, his kind always does”(292). Atticus’ reassurance helped Jem understand the situation better. Empathy is clearly demonstrated by Scout for Boo Radley in the final chapter when Scout walks her rescuer home. Scout standing on Boo Radley's porch provides her the perspective
Atticus’s real courage drove him to put aside the criticism and risk, and take up and fight the Tom Robinson’s controversial case. It is evident that these three characters in To Kill a Mockingbird display acts of real courage, even when they know they are fighting a losing battle.
What does it mean to be a good parent? The most common definition of a good parent is one who makes their children feel valued and loved, by teaching them the difference between right and wrong. At the end of the day, the most essential thing is to create a nurturing environment where your children feel like they can mature into confident, independent, and caring adults. Harper Lee’s novel To Kill A Mockingbird defines what a true parent really is thought hardships and struggles throughout the book. The story is set in the Depression era of a little town in southern Alabama that is struggling with thick prejudice on a colored rape case. The story is told through a character
Lastly, I think that as a father, Atticus is extremely wise. Atticus’s wise parenting ultimately wins his children’s respect and trust, and their devotion to him runs deep. Atticus way of parenting is not typical, such as scolding and punishing. Instead, he parenting style is unique, different from other fathers and he is able to help the children learn from their experiences and thus they progress through levels of morality until they develop the compassionate ability to consider from others’ perspective and views . For example, when scout takes up cussing, Atticus does not deal with the situation directly by reprimanding and chiding her. Instead, he leaves her to cuss, knowing fully that it would just make her swear more. However in time, Scout realises on her own that it is not a right thing to do. I feel what Atticus did was intelligent as Scout may choose to rebel if Atticus interfered too much, and she might even hate him. However by letting her realise her own mistake, she will tend to mature as an teenager and be a better person. Atticus’s lessons are also taught by setting good examples for his children. By acting the same way that he wants his children to act, he is the perfect role model for them. He is wise as he is able to set ideal examples for his children by his actions such as defending his clients and treating others. By using this method of teaching, he is able to quietly and subtly pass on wisdom to his children about life, moral values and other virtues.
Atticus is shown as a courageous man because he stood up for his beliefs even though it could possibly ruin his reputation. Defending
“The key to being a good dad...well, sometimes things work out just the way you want. Sometimes they don't. But you gotta hang in there. Because when all is said and done, 90% of being a dad is just showing up” ( Modern Family). Fathers aren’t perfect, but they can be the best role models to their children by simply being there for them like Atticus. He shows how to be a great father in the book “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. While Atticus makes mistakes as a parent, he educates his children with wisdom they’ll use throughout their lives. Atticus teaches his children how to see from different point of views, violence is never the answer, and what real courage means.
Atticus is brave because he is more than willing to sacrifice all his time to defend Tom Robinson’s case, when he knows just as much as anyone else that it’s a hopeless cause. There are several times in the book when you can tell how beaten Atticus feels, yet he still gets up in the morning and does his best to carry on. In chapter 22, after losing the trial, Atticus gets up and carries on as usual and makes sure the children know
Parenting can be one of the most demanding jobs that a father or mother engage in. In
Atticus is always guiding Jem and Scout with advice so that they will become more compassionate people. Atticus sets a good example for the children when Mr Ewell confronts him. Even though he is provoked and insulted, Atticus simply has a “peaceful reaction”. This shows the children never to get into fights with people when they are upset about something. Atticus shows children about courage and all the forms it appears in. When Jem is told to read for Ms Dubose and she dies, Atticus explains to Jem about her morphine addiction, and how she died “free”. This shows Jem that courage isn’t always where you expect to find it, and that if you have some compassion, you see people for who they really are. The most important piece of advice he gives his children is 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.” This is important for the children to know, because it helps them to be more caring people, and they use this advice throughout the novel.
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.”...
...omes out of his home. Another time when one of the children were empathizing was when Scout is standing on the Radley porch and she is having flashbacks of herself and Jem and she says “Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough.” (Lee, 374). Scout and Jem learn to empathize which is arguably the best life skill to have.
But when it comes to having a happy family not both Atticus and Bob had a fun and loving home. Atticus always did his best to make sure his children understand and appreciate everything the world offers them. Atticus wanted his children to understand what he did and why he did it. He wanted Scout and Jem to grow up learning as much as they could, and would do anything to protect them. For instance ways Atticus showed his love is by making a deal with Scout. After Scout was told by her teacher that she didn't want Atticus to read to her anymore because he isn't a teacher. Scout refused to go back to school. Atticus said to her if she went to everyday, he would read with her every night, in secret. Atticus showed Scout and Jem the reality of racism in court, and how racism is everywhere. He made sure Jem could understood everything he was saying in court and said it in a way Jem could understand. Atticus made