Similarities Between Atticus And To Kill A Mockingbird

“The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.”- Vince Lombardi. Two men, by the names of Santiago and Atticus, portrayed this quote to its fullest. The men, both fictional characters, lived in small towns during the early to mid-1900s. Santiago took up his residence in Cuba, while Atticus established his home in the United States. These old and wise men enjoyed jobs, homes, and people who observed them as role models. Both worked hard in every feat they tackled and pursued greatness in things both big and small. The hard work of these experienced men inspired the people who noticed it and filled them with awe.

Even though the men came from two different times and locations, when scanning their lives, many shining similarities appear. Three of these shared attributes stand out most. Both men possessed seemingly impossible goals, lived as inspiring role models, and showed perseverance which defined them.
Almost everyone establishes a goal in his or her lifetime, Santiago and Atticus lived no differently. Both men possessed goals at a point in their life, which to skeptics seemed absurd and unattainable. Spending all his time out at sea fishing for a living, Santiago decided that he desired with all his heart to catch a certain massive fish. One day, Santiago set out in his skiff with all his gear, prepared to catch the fish before returning, no matter how long the task took him. This feat required much patience and skill, and many thought it a hopeless journey, and accused Santiago as turning a senseless fool. But the inspirited fisherman dismissed their disbeliefs and insinuations and set out to prove them wrong and fulfill his wish. Few people believed in the eccentric goal this seasoned fisherman set for himself, but nevertheless, Santiago pushed their negativity out of his mind and set out to seek success.
Unlike Santiago, the fulfillment of Atticus’s goal would come more from the success of another than of himself. Known as the best lawyer around town, a man approached Atticus seeking help for a black man whom a family had accused of heinous crimes. Atticus accepted the job despite the controversy and danger involved in the sensitive case. Tom Robinson, a man who always acted respectful and kind surely did not commit such a horrid crime, and Atticus wanted to prove that. At that time, few people treated black people with the same fairness and kindness as white people, and Atticus lived as one of these few. He desired that the judge and jury show the same amount of justice and respect to Tom despite the color of his skin, and that they show no bias towards the white opponents. Although he knew that this outcome seemed unlikely and the case seemed unwinnable, Atticus persisted in trying to give this poor man the freedom he deserved. Both men established arduous yet noble goals in their lifetimes.
While setting and pursuing these goals, Santiago and Atticus consistently lived as inspiring role models to children in their life. Even though Santiago had no family of his own, a young boy from the same town came into his life and treated him as a father, caring for him and looking up to him. Previously, Santiago had given fishing lessons to the boy, since that was the career he felt like pursuing. However, the boy’s parents lacked trust and confidence in Santiago as the most fit teacher and forbade their son to learn from the old man any longer. Reluctantly, the boy complied, but still admired Santiago and longed to fish with him despite his parents commands. With most of the town believing Santiago crazy, the boy came as a refreshing friend for the gentleman, not buying in to the cruel thoughts of his fellow citizens. Placing the wise seafarer on a pedestal, the boy looked to him for advice, even though he claimed that unluckiness had befallen him. The boy dismissed his excuses and persisted, knowing in his heart what a skilled and knowledgeable man Santiago had proven himself as. No matter what the fisherman did, whether he succeeded or failed, the boy looked up to him as his role model.
Like Santiago, Atticus had children in his life who looked to him for wisdom.

Unlike Santiago, the children who saw Atticus as a role model were his own children, Jem and Scout. Atticus seemed slightly old to have two such young children, however, the two did not mind. Instead of focusing on his age, the children focused on his wisdom and other notable attributes. Teaching them everything he could about life and the way to behave in specific instances, the children noticed the profound knowledge of their father, even if they sometimes lacked understanding. In every aspect of life, Jem and Scout perceived Atticus as not only a loving father but an exemplary role model; especially in the case of Tom Robinson. When the weight of this case fell upon Atticus, Jem and Scout meticulously monitored his actions regarding the matter and believed, though they knew not all the details, that Atticus would win. During the case Atticus presented many

noble
traits to his children who hid in the balcony secretly viewing the trial. Though in different ways, both gentlemen were blessed with children in their lives who looked to them for wisdom and knowledge.
These attributes which the children looked to became remarkably useful as Santiago and Atticus persevered in reaching their goals.

During the pursuance their goals, trials and tribulations came upon Santiago and Atticus, and their ability to face them showed defining diligence. When Santiago set out determined to catch his fish, he knew the task at hand would prove strenuous and trying, yet he went anyway. After days of waiting, watching, and praying, Santiago finally secured the fish on his hook, but then the real trouble began. The days that followed consisted of anguish for Santiago as he braced against his rod trying to keep it in the right position, all while the fish pulled him into the vast sea far from land. Pain tore through his body and thirst and desire consumed him like a raging fire. But despite the gruesome problems that faced him, Santiago persisted in his quest and pushed his strength to the limit. When he finally managed to pull the colossal creature into the skiff, the obstacles did not cease. The luring scent of the fragrant fish drew malicious sharks in from every direction all throughout the days and nights in which Santiago tried to get home. Despite the fact that he fought with every ounce of strength he possessed, the vicious animals overtook Santiago and destroyed the fish he worked so hard to catch. With the feeling of defeat overwhelming him he returned home and shocked the people with the enormous beast he caught, even if all that remained was

bones. Even though he lost his fish, the perseverance and determination Santiago showed was not in vain, but instead proved to the people his strength and sanity.
During the case of Tom Robinson, Atticus portrayed the same determination, just in a different way. When asked to defend the falsely accused black man, Atticus accepted a nearly impossible challenge. In those times white people treated black people unfairly, which placed a heavy burden on Atticus. Knowing how tough proving Tom’s innocence would be, Atticus decided from the beginning, to put all he had towards the task. The astute lawyer extensively researched every piece of evidence he could find so that he could develop the strongest argument possible and set this kind-hearted man free. Even when the whole town seemed against him and Tom, Atticus persisted in his feat. During the time of the case, many townsmen developed a hatred for Atticus because of his choice to help this black man, and with this hatred tried to cease his efforts. These men made stands against the pair often and even tried to murder Tom on one severe occasion. However, through all the danger and controversy, Atticus persisted, never wavering. When the day of the trial came, Atticus seemed as prepared as possible after the weeks of strenuous effort he poured into the case. Throughout the trial, Atticus used every bit of energy he had to attempt to persuade the jury to see the truth of the situation despite skin color. At the end of the day, the jury let their foolish human nature cloud their judgement and they voted against Tom. Even so, Atticus’s effort did not go in vain. Many people both white and black found themselves in awe of the attitude with which Atticus defended Tom and the true longing he had for real justice. His actions also impacted his children on a severe level. Even though he proved unable to save Tom Robinson, he showed incredible persistence and diligence to the task laid before him. Santiago and Atticus both persevered through many trials and hardships to try and achieve their goals.
Coming from two different worlds, Santiago and Atticus might not seem like they share any similarities at first glance. However, when looking deeper into their lives we see virtuous characteristics that they both share. Both gentlemen established goals that seemed impossible, had children who looked up to them, and showed perseverance that defined them. One cannot declare that one man seems better than the other, for they are both renowned men, who lived long and meaningful lives. So, while seemingly contrasting at first glance, the lives of Santiago and Atticus are actually the same in many ways, and both wise old men define themselves with honorable characteristics, even in the face of defeat.