Would you go against normalities to raise your children the right way? Or would you risk your pride, and even your life, to stand up for what is right? These role model skills are vested in no other than Atticus from Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. In this novel, Harper Lee demonstrates the reasons that Atticus Finch is a good role model, resulting in the advancement of human rights not only for his children, but for all of Maycomb. One of the most apparent ways that Atticus represents a good role model is by being a good father to Jem and Scout. In chapter 9, Atticus teaches Scout the virtue of staying out of trouble when he says, “You just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don’t let ‘em get your goat” (Lee 101). Atticus teaches Scout how to behave appropriately, even after his own …show more content…
nephew vulgarly offended him for defending Tom Robinson. Atticus’ good parenting skills also appear in chapter 3 when he says, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from their point of view” (Lee 39). This information resulted in Scout seeing Boo Radley’s perspective, and then viewing him in a positive way, which is the way he turned out. Aside from his noble parenting, the bravery accumulated in Atticus enables him to be a good role model once again by standing up for all people, no matter their circumstance.
The ultimate courage that Atticus displayed when he agreed to defend Tom Robinson. When Scout, like many Maycomb citizens, questions why Atticus is defending a man of color in chapter 9, Atticus justifies his decision by saying, “For a number of reasons… The main one is, if I didn't I couldn't hold up my head in town...” (Lee 100). The morale expressed in Atticus demonstrates his role model qualities by not being afraid to do the right thing, even when he knows it is against general customs. Atticus’ generosity appears yet again in chapter 2 when Walter Cunningham knows he is unable to pay Atticus for his legal support, and Atticus responds, “Let that be the least of your worries, Walter” (Lee 27). Atticus then goes on to accept payment in firewood, hickory nuts, turnips, and a variety of other strange resources. The willingness of Atticus to help Mr. Cunningham further expands upon his role model quality of standing up for people and treating them
correctly. One final reason that Atticus represents qualities of a good role model is by putting himself in danger in order to defend somebody. Atticus rises to the occasion in chapter 10 when Tim Johnson, the mad dog, gets loose into the neighborhood. Atticus is uncomfortable with trying to shoot the dog, but Sheriff Heck Tate says, “I’d feel mighty comfortable in you did now” (Lee 127). When he steps up and shoots the dog, thus saving the neighborhood, Atticus puts himself in danger for the benefit of others. A similar situation occurs in chapter 15, when Walter Cunningham and his gang show up to hurt Tom Robinson. After being threatened and told to leave, Atticus stands up to the group by saying, “You can turn around and go home again, Walter” (Lee 202). Not only does this situation represent Atticus’ bravery to stand up for someone; but at the time, there is even more bravery involved in standing up for someone of color. Due to Atticus’ effective parenting skills, courtesy to stand up for people, and his ability to defend others by putting himself in harm's way, he serves as a good role model in To Kill a Mockingbird. Not only do his children and Tom Robinson benefit from this, but the whole town of Maycomb does by becoming more diverse due to the example Atticus sets by respecting everybody.
...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.
Atticus Finch Atticus Finch is a very essential character in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. He is not only the father on Jem and Scout, but he is also defending Tom Robinson. Along with all of the obstacles and challenges that Atticus faces he is still an exceptional role model for the children. He also overcomes the diversity of Negroes and whites that is displayed during his time by standing up and fighting for Tom Robinson and his triumph in court against Bob Ewell.
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
Through the development of Scout’s relationship with Arthur Radley, Scout develops and becomes more empathetic. Atticus Finch, Scout’s father, is her most consistent role model and used by Lee as the moral compass. Atticus is a firm believer in teaching by example, and his respect of his children is such that he treats them almost as adults, emphasised in the line ‘he played with us, read with us, and treated us with courteous detachment’ pg. 6. This refusal to shelter Scout from the harsh realities of life in Maycomb allows her to learn from experience. The strong moral guidance offered by Atticus allows Scout not only to learn from experience, but also to develop her personal integrity. Atticus exemplifies his strong beliefs, as illustrated when he says ‘Shoot
Atticus demonstrates his character by defending Tom Robinson. Atticus leads by example, showing the highest respect for everyone in Maycomb, not discriminating by color or class. His serious defense for Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman, proves his high ideals. Atticus fights a hopeless battle against the racism in the town. Atticus not only shows his non prejudice through the trial of Tom Robinson, but also through his everyday dealings with Calpurnia. Atticus refutes Aunt Alexandra persistent attempts to fire Cal and claims that she is one of the family.
In the book To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee Writes about the life lessons Atticus teaches Jem and Scout. Atticus teaches Jem and Scout Different life lessons in order for them to learn how to cope with different situations and problems. Atticus teaches his kids to treat others with respect, he also teaches his kids that having manners and being polite will go a long way. Atticus teaches his kids the importance of equality and by treating people equally you will be treated with respect.
Atticus treats them as he treats everyone and how he would like to be treated. Atticus should defend Tom Robinson because he prides himself on following the Golden Rule, and if he does not defend Tom Robinson, he could not live with himself. Atticus tells Scout he would not be able to show his face in town if he does not defend Mr. Robinson because he would be going against everything he believes in for what others want him to do. The people of Maycomb trust Atticus to stand up for what is right when no one else has the courage. Miss Maudie says, "Whether Maycomb knows it or not, we're paying the highest tribute we can pay a man."...
In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus is an ideal father, who sets a great example for his kids. A picture of Atticus is important to Scout because Atticus teaches Scout many important life lessons about life. Firstly, as Atticus talks to Scout about Miss. Stephanie, he states “if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. 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” (Lee,30). Scout realizes that one can never feel someone’s pain, happiness, or glory until she looks at their point of view of things; she learns to consider other people’s situation and feelings. She also understands that she will never know what goes in other people’s lives, and therefore she cannot judge anyone. Scout matures as she learns to apply Atticus’ wise advice to understand Mrs. Dubose and Boo Radley, who are individuals that are misunderstood by the community. Furthermore, as Miss Maudie talks to Scout, she states “Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets” (Lee, 46). Miss Maudie knows about Atticus’ personality quite well. Miss Maudie explains to Scout Atticus is a man with moral principles, he does what he believes is right even if others are not there to praise him. Through Atticus’ exemplary role, Scout understands the importance of integrity, and strong moral values. Finally, when Scout questions her father about the possible outcome of the trial, Atticus states “simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us to try to win” (Lee, 76). Atticus teaches Scout toleration, determination and moral courage. He already knows he is going to los...
Reassuring that Tom Robinson’s case is dealt seriously, Atticus exchanges his identity as the noble man he is for the reputation of a villain that the town flames and calls names such as “nigger lover”. Sacrificing Atticus’s identity does not give him much room to speak during the case, in fact, without his title as an intelligent, helpful, and wealthy citizen, the people of Maycomb could potentially harm Atticus, which forces him to take a slightly more cautious approach with the people of Maycomb. Concerned with the matter of how her father finds that his actions are right when the majority of the town finds it is wrong. Atticus then responds strongly to Scout, saying that he could not live with himself or tell her and Jem to do the right thing if he did not take the case seriously himself. Atticus’s identity sacrificed for the intention of saving his kids from “Maycomb's usual disease” which is racism.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee suggests that Atticus is a model parent. Atticus gives guidance to Jem and Scout, and he treats them with fairness and honesty. He tries to bring them up as best he can as a single parent.
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.”...
He sets positive examples for his children by showing them courage and respecting others. In other words, Atticus ' children, Jem and Scout Finch refer to their father as his first name. They do not refer to him as “dad” or “father” or any other name. This is a clever idea because it shows that Atticus wants his children to open up to him and treat him as an equal individual. By calling him “Atticus”, it improves the relationship between him and his children. They open up to Atticus and come to him for advice instead of listening to others. In addition, he educates his children in a manner Maycomb is not familiar with. When Jem was punished to read to Mrs. Dubose for a month, it was also a strategy Atticus used to teach Jem the true definition of courage. At first, Jem thought courage was Atticus holding a gun to shoot the rabid dog, but Mrs. Dubose 's fight with the morphine was an inspiring example of courage. Atticus says, “She had her own views about things, a lot different from mine, maybe... son, I told you that if you hadn 't lost your head I 'd have made you go read to her. I wanted you to see something about her- I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand.” (Lee 149). As Atticus ' children grow older, he teaches them about the real world by guiding them with advice. He points out the positive values of a person and tells
The morals for Scout and Jem to live by come from their father, Atticus Finch. He has experienced evils in his life, like the death of his wife, but he never lost faith in the good of people. He taught Scout and Jem right from wrong when they were young, because their mother was no longer around to teach them. Atticus understands that people have good and bad inside of them, but he feels that the good side can always overcome the bad side. This is true when he backed Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping Mr. Ewell’s daughter. Even though no one else helped Atticus out, he never gave up on Tom Robinson no matter how hard things got.
Atticus is a character that differs from most of others in Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird”, mostly from standing up to discrimination and racism and attempts to make his mischievous children behave and successful. His individuality among other characters set up an argument over the most prominent struggle of racism in the setting of the book in a man versus society plotline. Being at his older age, Atticus has had much experience with society, giving him ideas for wisdom as well as being an excellent role model. As the novel progressed, with the help of Atticus’s parenting, Scout and especially Jem has matured over time. Atticus’s parental style combines his wise advice, a good moral, and the individuality in his beliefs to keep his kids
“Perhaps most enviable in Atticus’s parenting is the quality that the adult Scout describes as an ‘infinite capacity for calming turbulent seas’” (Allan). Atticus shows this tendency when dealing with Mrs.Dubose’s criticism of the family. Her remarks incited warranted anger out of Atticus’ son, Jem, and Atticus appropriately responded by telling him to hold his head high and “be a gentleman” (Lee 133). Even after Jem defies Atticus’ orders and lashes out by destroying Mrs.Dubose’s front yard, Atticus keeps his calm demeanor and instructs Jem to take accountability for his actions by apologizing to Mrs.Dubose. Despite her bashing his name, Atticus makes positive statements about Mrs.Dubose out of respect and defends her to some extent due to her old age. “With his son Jem, he subtly instills in him the importance of respect and patience” (Earnest) by implementing this approach. Atticus exposes his children to his appropriate attitude in hopes that they subconsciously follow his example in the future. “Parents can contribute to the positive development and growth of their children in many ways, serving as continuously evolving role models” (Earnest) and Atticus is a prime example of a devoted role model. Ultimately, the goal behind Atticus’ parenting philosophy is “to bring the innocent goodwill of youth into the treacherous terrain of adulthood, to raise virtuous, courageous, resilient, fair,