How Is Atticus Finch A Good Role Model

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To Kill a Finch

As the mad dog laid dead on the ground, the true character of Atticus Finch began to shine. What does blood do to the purest man in Maycomb County? Other than that fact that he is seen to kill a dog, his character is still a leading example for the people of Maycomb to follow. This example especially has an impression on his two children, Jeremy “Jem” Finch, and Jean Louise “Scout” Finch. This ‘follow my lead’ ideal is surely intentional, and its effect is intended to last throughout the rest of his children’s lives. To sum, Atticus Finch is attempting to make his children the best they can be by teaching them about empathy and integrity from an early age, as well as setting a role model for them to follow.
Firstly, he teaches his kids about empathy as early as six years old. One example of this is when Scout is sitting with Atticus, discussing her fervent irritation with her new teacher, Miss Caroline. Atticus completely understands what is going through her head, and knows that empathy is on her mind. And thus, Atticus states one of the most famous lines in literature in history. Looking at Scout, he said that “You never really understand a person until you climb into their skin and walk around in it” (pg 39). Another, less famous example in the book comes far later, …show more content…

Examples of this range from when Miss Maudie tells Scout that Atticus “put down his gun when he had realized that God gave him an advantage over most living things … People in their right minds never take pride in their talents” (pg 130). This is just a single examples of what makes Atticus who he is: a leader by example. Just by showing his best face and walking with pride, he is able to project his high morals and virtues to all around him. This category includes his own children, who graciously follow his example. This placement is well deserved for someone whose example is enough to place him in

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