Comparing Atticus And Jack Finch In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

How are the characters of Atticus and Jack alike and how are they different? Choose at least two traits to compare them.

Atticus and Jack Finch are brothers, who although have many similar traits, also have many different traits. On one side, both brothers are men who strive for justice, but on the other hand, they are quite different. Uncle Jack is outgoing and fun while Atticus is undergoing and dull. First off, the reader is able to see distinct similarities between the two brothers. One of these similarities is a passion for justice; It is easier to be seen in Atticus, who is a lawyer, but can also be seen in his brother. Throughout the story, Atticus can be seen aiming for justice, but at one point you can see it above others. While talking

to Scout on why he was defending Tom Robinson, 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." Not only does this quote prove Atticus’s morality it also proves that he believes this man deserves a lawyer; Atticus says that he could not do all these things, not only because he would be a racist, he would also be letting the judicial system down and denying another man justice.

Although Jack is not a lawyer, he believes in justice also. After punishing Scout for beating Francis up, he is told Scout’s side of the story, where Francis insults Atticus and makes up a fake story. After being told this, Jack replies to Scout, “...Wait’ll I get my hands on that boy...” Jack knew that Francis was the one in fault and wished to give Scout the justice she deserved. Although both brothers are alike in this sense, they are different also. When the children are

given air-rifles, Atticus will not teach them to shoot. “When he gave us our air-rifles Atticus wouldn’t teach us to shoot. Uncle Jack instructed us in the rudiments thereof...” Uncle Jack was an outgoing uncle, more than willing to teach them to shoot and gave off the fun uncle vibe. Atticus is a completely different story. Instead of being outgoing, Atticus is the opposite; Scout even has the mindset that Atticus is feeble. One example of this is when the football game is going on, all of the parents are playing while Atticus does not participate. Even if he was not able, Atticus gives off the bland, suit and tie, lawyer type of personality instead of the fun and outgoing personality. Jack and Atticus are two brothers who have many similarities, such as a strive for justice, but do have their differences.

Write a paragraph that chooses an adjective that best describes one of the main characters in TKAM and then use the text to prove your character is appropriately described as the trait you selected.

In the book To Kill A Mockingbird, Scout Finch demonstrates the character trait of ignorance in multiple occasions. First off, in the beginning of the book where Dill was first introduced, Scout’s traits were also introduced. Jem and Scout were asking Dill general questions and talking about Dracula. Scout realized that Dill had not mentioned a father “...I asked Dill where his father was: “You ain’t said anything about him.”

“I haven’t got one.”

“Is he dead?”

“No…”
“Then if he’s not dead you’ve got one, haven’t you?”
Dill blushed and Jem told me to hush...” Scout did not have the knowledge to realize that Dill’s father had left him. The social knowledge needed for this inference was something that Scout lacked the experience for. Another example for Scout’s ignorance is where Walter was eating at her house. Walter did not have all the luxuries that the Finch’s did and so he poured too much syrup on his food. “He would probably have poured it into his milk glass had I not asked what the sam hill he was doing.” This was extremely rude and most people would not of mentioned anything, but Scout did not know what was and what wasn’t considered rude. Although most of the time Scout is ignorant because she lacks experience, this is one character trait that can undoubtedly be traced back to her.

Based on their attitudes towards their father, what can we identify as the children’s set of values?

The children have specific attitudes towards their father which can help the reader identify their set of values. First off, the children listen to Atticus and do what he says. This can tell the reader that the kids value obedience, honor, and respect. The children obey their father, respect him, and follow his direction to honor him. All of these are what the children value and can be seen in their interactions towards Atticus and in society. When Cecil Jacobs, a peer of Scout, insults Atticus it led Scout to give up her lack of fighting and fight him.“Cecil Jacobs made me forget. He had announced in the schoolyard the day before that Scout Finch’s daddy defended niggers.” Scout had the obedience to at least attempt to not fight, the honor to defend her father’s name, and the respect to fight for him. These are all the set of values that the Children have and can be seen throughout the text and through their attitude towards Atticus.