How Is Atticus Finch A Hero

To Kill a Mockingbird

“Heroes are just everyday people who work hard, are honest and have integrity,” Jordin Sparks stated. Atticus Finch is an ordinary man, but a man who has strong morals and a heart full of love. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch is described as an honest, honorable and hardworking hero through Lee’s use of various literary devices such as dialogue, narration and imagery.

Harper Lee shows her readers that Atticus Finch is a true hero through dialogue. After Bob Ewell attacks Jem and Scout, Atticus explains to Mr. Tate that he “can’t live one way in town and another way in my home” (Lee 314). Atticus is honorable and has self respect for himself and others. He wants to make the right impression on his kids, so Atticus makes sure he is setting a good example for Jem and Scout to follow, by always trying to do the right thing. Atticus admits to himself and Mr. Tate, after the incident with Bob Ewell, “that if I

connived at everything like this, frankly I couldn’t meet his eye, and the day I can’t do that I’ll know I’ve lost him. I don’t want to lose him and Scout, because they’re all I’ve got” (Lee 314). Atticus loves his children and cherishes them with all his heart. He knows what a blessing Jem and Scout are and he treats them with as much self respect as he has for himself. He wants to be the best father he can and set a good example for Jem and Scout so they can be the best they can be. Lee’s use of dialogue shows the reader that Atticus is a respectful and dependable hero.
Harper Lee uses narration to show that Atticus Finch is a hero. Scout remember that her brother and her were so scared of Mrs. Dubose that, “Jem wouldn’t go by her place without Atticus beside him” (Lee 39). Jem does not like to go by Mrs. Dubose’s house without Atticus, because he looks up to Atticus and feels safe with him. Jem feels comforted and protected when he is with Atticus, because he knows that his father loves him and will do whatever it takes to keep him safe. When Harry Johnson’s sick dog is loose and has rabies, Scout remembers “Mr. Tate almost threw the rifle at Atticus. I’d feel mighty comfortable if you did it now” (Lee 109). Heck Tate, the town sheriff, feels more comfortable with Atticus shooting Tim Johnson, Harry Johnson dog. Mr. Tate trusts Atticus and his abilities so much that he want Atticus to take care of Tim Johnson instead of himself. Harper Lee’s use of narration throughout the novel, the reader can see that Atticus is protective and a trustworthy hero.
From start to finish of the novel it is clear that Harper Lee uses imagery to show her readers that Atticus is an affectionate and uplifting hero.

As Mrs. Maudie’s house was burning, Scout looks back on “Atticus carrying Miss. Maudie's heavy oak rocking chair and thought it sensible of him to save what she valued most” (Lee 78). Atticus puts himself in danger to save his friend and neighbor’s most prized possession. There is no doubt that Atticus cares about other people’s happiness and feelings. Scout remembers walking past Mrs. Dubose’s house with her brother and Atticus while Mrs. Dubose sits on the front porch and “Atticus would sweep off his hat, and wave gallantly to her and says “Good Evening, Mrs. Dubose! You look like a picture this evening” (Lee 115). Atticus knows how to treat everyone in Maycomb with love and kindness, no matter who they are. He is especially sure to show people compassion and makes each person feel special. Atticus is a loving and caring hero as shown through Harper Lee’s use of

imagery.
In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Lee uses dialogue, narration and imagery to portray Atticus Finch as an upstanding and honest hero. Atticus Finch is just an ordinary man who’s outstanding morals make him an extraordinary citizen. Heroes do not always wear capes, sometimes they are just everyday people that do simple things that make a remarkable difference.