In To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee depicts the judgmental nature of characters within the novel by enabling them to express criticism about actions they deem taboo. The Maycomb community constantly scrutinized Atticus’ parenting style because in their stubborn mindset it opposed the traditional beliefs they held about parenting. The close-minded mentalities of Aunt Alexandra and Mrs.Dubose fostered an unwarranted stigma against Atticus’ parenting abilities, however they stifled their ability to acknowledge that he possessed qualities prevalent in outstanding parents.
One character that openly criticizes Atticus’ approach to parenting throughout the novel is Aunt Alexandra. She portrays her disapproval of Atticus’ parenting style through
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verbal assertion and her decision to move in with his family. She hoped that her efforts to expose his children to proper etiquette would instill her prim attitude within them, which she felt they lacked as a consequence of Atticus’ parenting capabilities. Aunt Alexandra disagreed with Atticus’ approach to several situations, therefore causing her to express disapproval in his parenting style. Atticus’ daughter, Scout, recalled one instance where her father defended himself by saying he was doing his best to raise his children. The argument ensued over Atticus allowing Scout to wear overalls, a subject that caused Aunt Alexandra to become “fanatical” (Lee 108). In her opinion this was not the appropriate attire for women to wear. Similarly, Aunt Alexandra was at odds with Atticus in regards to him keeping the housekeeper Calpurnia around and her role in the children’s lives. Aunt Alexandra did not feel like the family needed her, but Atticus argued his case and explained how she helped raise the children (Lee 182). Aunt Alexandra perceived Atticus’s parenting style as questionable and expected Atticus to conform to her conventional guidelines for raising children. Despite arguments against his parenting abilities by Aunt Alexandra, Atticus displays attributes of a phenomenal parent. “One of Atticus' greatest strengths as a father is his ability to let his children be themselves and love them as they are” (Ennis). He portrays this eminent characteristic when he allows Scout to wear overalls instead typical garments expected for girls to wear during the time era. He does not coerce Scout into complying with stifling formality that Aunt Alexandra attempts to inflict upon her. “Atticus allows his daughter Scout to be herself, and does not pressure her to be more feminine” (Earnest). He also asserts to Aunt Alexandra what he feels is in the best interest of his children, such as allowing Calpurnia to have a presence in their lives. Atticus argues “If anything, she’s been harder on them in some ways than a mother would have been” (Lee 183) and that she has had a positive impact on the children, which makes Calpurnia a member of their family. Sustaining an accepting and defensive nature are commendable qualities of remarkable parenting and Atticus proves through numerous occasions that he has acquired these traits. Another character that exhibits disdain for Atticus’ parenting style is Mrs.Dubose.
She stated that it was a pity that Atticus never remarried and in regards to his late wife “it was heartbreaking the way Atticus Finch let her children run wild” (Lee 133). She constantly taunts Atticus’ children and verbally attacks their father when given the opportunity. Mrs. Dubose felt that Atticus gave his children too much freedom and insinuated Atticus’ incompetence as parent. Furthermore, she also expresses the same opinion about Scout’s attire as Aunt Alexandra. She told Scout that she should wear dresses instead of overalls and threatened that if someone did not change her ways she would become “a Finch waiting on tables” (Lee 135). Her comments to the children imply her belief that the children need a mother figure in their lives to guide them and to teach them to behave accordingly. According to Mrs.Dubose, Atticus is an inept parent that needs help on properly managing his children to enable them to comply with how she expects them to …show more content…
behave. However, Mrs.Dubose’s depiction of Atticus as an inadequate father is a fallacy.
“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,
and empowered children” (Allan). The parenting technique employed by Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird is questioned by Aunt Alexandra, Mrs.Dubose, and other characters throughout the novel. His tactics are considered to be unconventional and do not conform with the traditional set of values held by the Maycomb community on the subject of parenting. However, the overcritical citizens fail to realize that Atticus is the epitome of a suitable father which he displays through his acceptance of his children and devotion to be a role model in their lives to promote their attainment of positive characteristics and values.
When Aunt Alexandra first arrived at the Finch house, she took over as if she had been living there her whole life. When arriving home, Jem and Scout found her, “sitting in a rocking chair exactly as if she had sat there every day of her life.”(p. 168). From the very beginning, Aunt Alexandra felt she should be completely in charge. The first thing she said was, “‘Put my bag in the front bedroom, Calpurnia,’” (p. 169). Aunt Alexandra treated Calpurnia as if Calpurnia was her servant. Aunt Alexandra was a strong influence within the Finches home, from the beginning. It did not do much of anything in the end, yet Jem and Scout saw a different side of their father, Atticus. “Atticus suddenly grew serious. In his lawyer’s voice, without a shade of affection, he said: ‘Your aunt has asked me to try and impress upon [Jem] and Jean Louise that you are not from run-of-the-mill people, that you are the product of several generations’ gentle breeding−’”(p. 177). This may have been one of the first times that the children...
...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.
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
Miss Maudie's statement is true in that the right things he did were sometimes unpleasant, I think Aunty Alexandra's stay with the Finch Family was one of those things. Even if Aunty's stay wasn't entirely his idea, Atticus tolerated her stay and her a treatment of the children because he knew that in some ways she was good for the children. Scout needed to have a female influence in her life and unfortunately that meant having a sometimes cold and stern woman living with them.
“Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands.” – Anne Frank (Goodreads). In the novel To Kill a Mocking Bird, Atticus, Bob Ewell and Walter Cunningham are parents who each parent differently, and obligate values that are influenced on their children. The children are able to grow up with these influences that they are used to, and this contributes to their overall development and forming as an individual. Atticus being a lawyer has helped him progress intelligence and a sense or morality that is applied to his children Jem and scout. Atticus is able to endure parenting skills more and more everyday. Bob Ewell poorly shows good parenting from developing
Scout and Jem still are unable to accept her and are detached from her strong traditional southern views. As a result Atticus receives many criticism the way he brought up his children and is forced to act. 'Our Father was actually fidgeting. "No, I just want to explain to you that--your Aunt Alexandra asked me...son you know you 're a Finch, don 't you?" (177) However Jem and Scout notices this and become resentful towards the changed Atticus. As Atticus struggles with the Tom Robinson case, Aunt Alexandra plays the role of their mother since they only have Atticus “I know what he was trying to do, but Atticus was only a man. It takes a woman to do that kind of work." (170) however she also knows that instilling manners and acting as the motherly figure was the role of a woman, during that time period. Throughout the book, Atticus has struggled with the job of filling both the father and the mother. No matter how hard he tries, the roll of the mother can never be filled by Atticus. His character does not have the same personality traits that a mother would. All Scout needs is a loving mother, but when Aunt Alexandra comes, she does not nearly fill that role. She is even harsher and the spot still remains vacant. "...you 've got to do something about her," Aunty was saying. "You 've let things go on too long Atticus, too long” (36).This quote shows how Aunt Alexandra is demanding and looks as if she is trying to be the stricter side, which I dont think Scout needs "Atticus, it 's all right to be soft-hearted, you 're an easy man, but you have a daughter to think of." (136-137)I think Alexandra is totally wrong here. Scout does not like to listen to a demanding person telling her what to do. Instead of listening, she will simply do the opposite. A less harsh and caring mother would give Scout something more to mature. Alexandra is really into
In the story To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, we are introduced to the character Atticus. He is a hard working single parent of two who is kindhearted and does what he believes is right and treats everyone equally. Being such a hard worker, his mind is often on work, even at home, which means less time spent with his children. While Atticus may make some mistakes as a parent, overall he is an admirable father.
On several occasions, Scout gets into a fight with people who make unpleasant comments about her father. Atticus continuously tells her that this is wrong and that she needs to learn to control her anger, “You might hear some ugly talk about it at school, but do one thing for me if you will: you just hold your head high and keep those fists down. 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). The day after this discussion with Atticus, Scout is approached by a fellow student who had previously made a mean comment about her father. “I drew a bead on him, remembered what Atticus had said, then dropped my fists and walked away...it was the first time I ever walked away from a fight” (Lee 102). Although she struggles at first, Scout develops a higher level of maturity which allows her to control her temper and simply defend her father with her words, without being rude. Jem is also faced with these type of situations and struggles with his anger, for instance when he attacks Mrs. Dubose’s flowers. Atticus goes to great lengths to teach his children that in life, they must learn to stay calm and be kind to everyone, despite how cruel those people may be. Scout and Jem face several situations in which their control is tested, which leads them to “come of age”
Aunt Alexandra is Atticus' sister. She moves to live with Scout and Jem because she wants to teach them the right way of growing up since their mom is dead. As she watches them grow up, she grows up mentally also. “People up there set them free, but you don't see them setting at the table with them. At least we don't have the deceit to say to them ‘yes, you are as good as we are but stay away from us’ said Mrs.
Aunt Alexandra challenges the demeanors of Jem and Scout wanting them to behave in a different way. “ ‘She [Aunt Alexandra] asked me to tell you you must try to behave like the little lady and gentleman that you are’ ”. Both Jem and Scout express confusion to their fathers words. They do not understand why their father is asking them to do such a thing. Jem and Scout were raised by Atticus to treat everyone with respect and honesty. The children are understandably in a state of shock when Atticus tells them to change how they act. Atticus then tells the children “ ‘I don’t want you to remember it. Forget it.’ ”. He then leaves the room, presumably to talk with Aunt Alexandra. Atticus realizes that he would rather have his children be themselves then force upon the behaviors Aunt Alexandra desires. Atticus shows courage by willing to possibly tarnish the Finch name and go against his sister if it means that his children are
Dubose view Atticus as a bad father, I believe he is a good father. He cares about his children a lot, but choose to express it in different easy than other parents may do so. He teaches Jem and Scout good morals throughout the story, and teaches them ways of responsibility that will help them cope in the “real world” someday. Atticus wants his kids to experience things for themselves, and hopes that they will learn many things in their childhood by the time they are grown up. His goal for them is to become strong and independent, and to deal with things in the right way. Atticus’s attitudes and actions impact Jem and Scout in a good way. He is a good father, and only means good for his
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...
Some may question the parenting style of others and that is just how humans work. They doubt the way others do things because it is not how they themselves would do it. Atticus Finch is a good father because he taught his children bravery through his self-control, he is determined to teach Jem and Scout the value of respecting people, no matter who they are, and he teaches his children that life involves making difficult decisions sometimes. Atticus is one of those people that everybody should look up to and want to be more like him because despite all the racism that happened and disrespect he got, he stood with his head held high and made sure his children did too.
Atticus is always guiding Jem and Scout with advice so that they will become more compassionate people. Atticus sets a good example for the children when Mr Ewell confronts him. Even though he is provoked and insulted, Atticus simply has a “peaceful reaction”. This shows the children never to get into fights with people when they are upset about something. Atticus shows children about courage and all the forms it appears in. When Jem is told to read for Ms Dubose and she dies, Atticus explains to Jem about her morphine addiction, and how she died “free”. This shows Jem that courage isn’t always where you expect to find it, and that if you have some compassion, you see people for who they really are. The most important piece of advice he gives his children is that “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.” This is important for the children to know, because it helps them to be more caring people, and they use this advice throughout the novel.
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