How Does Atticus Finch Teach Life Lessons In To Kill A Mockingbird

As we age we gain perspective and wisdom about the world around us, this knowledge develops character. Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, the character of Scout Finch is developed and is taught life lessons. In Harper Lee's novel, the setting is a small town in the Deep South, Macomb, Alabama during the civil rights movement in the 30s. The town is painted as a radically conservative area and Atticus Finch is a father that wants to teach them how to right from wrong in spite of the town’s history. Throughout To Kill A Mockingbird, Scouts character is developed and learns important lessons of thinking before you speak and respect.

Through out the book Scout continues to face issues that are still pertinent today. These lesson vary from racism to bullying. Though, all of this

share the common theme of “respect”, and she continually learns this lesson throughout. One example is when she and Jem invited Walter Cunningham to dinner. Who she began to disrespect him, she is abruptly pulled aside. Calpurnia states, “Hush your mouth! Don't matter who they are, anybody sets foot in this house is yo company.” (Lee 33) Furthermore, when confronted by Atticus for there mocking of Boo Radley, he states “ No, stop putting his life history on display for edification of the neighborhood.” (Lee 65) He is attempting to stress the importance of respecting others. The theme of respect continues to reappear in the story as it is a central theme.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, the characters are reminded to always think before you speak.

This is evident when Atticus persuades Scout to use her head rather than her fists when facing issues. Atticus's talk with Scout characterizes her a thoughtless or tactless, because leading up to it, she had gotten into physical confrontations with classmates over issues of racism and personal attacks. Atticus argues that, "No matter what anybody says to you, don't you let em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change.” (Lee 101) His appeal to her followed the fact that violence achieves nothing. Furthermore, when the Finch family had Walter Cunningham coming home over for dinner, Scout faced a similar issue of thinking before you speak. She was asking inappropriate questions and making inappropriate statements for the setting of a dinner table. For example, when Walter pours syrup on this dinner Scout exclaims, “But he's gone and drowned his dinner in syrup!” (Lee 32) This is very uncomfortable situation for Walter because of his unique pallet. In conclusion, the lesson of thinking before you speak radiates throughout the premise of the story in situations during school and at the dinner

table.
In To Kill A Mockingbird Scout’s character is dynamic and is continuously growing and changing. She learns important lessons about coming-of-age, such as respect and speaking thoughtfully. These issues still face modern society today. If respect and considerate speaking were universally followed the world would become a much better place. There would be far fewer conflicts from mishaps and mistakes. To Kill a Mockingbird has set the gold standard for all books dealing with social issues head-on while remaining true the plot.