Exploring Atticus as a Parent in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird

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“What makes a good parent?” This is a very commonly asked question. There are many different parenting techniques, but which one is the best? There is not a right or wrong answer to this question, but there is a good and better. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, two fatherly figures are displayed, Atticus Finch, and Bob Ewell. Atticus Finch is a single father raising two children in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama. Atticus works as a lawyer believing in equal justice for all Americans regardless of race or religion. Bob Ewell is also a single father raising eight children who also lives in Maycomb. Bob is unemployed and collecting welfare who believes in racial segregation. Now the question is asked, “Why is Atticus a better father than Bob? What qualities and techniques does Atticus use that make him such and effective parent on his two children, Jem and Scout?”

Atticus Finch is a good father to his children for many reasons. First, Atticus is always there for Jem and Scout and always helps them with any problems they have. He is known for his good advice. Attic...

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