To Kill A Mockingbird Atticus Character Traits

A perfect man is a man who has high moral values and respects all those around him. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird the author, Harper Lee, portrays an idealistic character, Atticus, who is an inspiring father to his children and an excellent citizen of Maycomb. He does not support racism and considers all men equal. This is evident by the fact that he is defending a black man. He understands the problems of others’ and their point of view, and respects them for what they stand for.

Atticus Finch is a single father of Jem and Scout. He has a unique relationship with his children. In a society where children are not allowed to interfere or ask too many questions, Atticus treats his children with respect, equality, and as adults. His children call him “Atticus” and not father, which infers that they

are considered to be equals (23). Atticus’ ways of parenting are also different as evident by the lessons and punishments they receive. When Jem destroyed Mrs. Dubose’s lawn, Atticus told Jem that “to do something like this to a sick old lady is inexcusable” and urged him “to go down and have a talk with Mrs. Dubose” (138). This tells us that Atticus has a different way of dealing with his children. Instead of scolding them, he allows them to face the consequences of their choices. Atticus teaches Scout that in order to understand a person’s point of view, one has to “climb into his skin and walk around it” (39). Atticus told Scout to “consider things from [one’s] point of view” (39), for a better understanding of an individual’s point of view and not holding a grudge for the wrong reasons. Thus, one can say that Atticus is a crowning parent and he imparts important values through real experience. He may not “play football” like other fathers, but he sure has the qualities of a perfect father.
Atticus believes in respecting everyone for what they stand for.

This quality and his gentlemen ways make him one of the best and most respected citizens in Maycomb. When Jem and Scout pass through Mrs.Duboses’ house, they greet her by saying “hey, Mrs. Dubose”, but in reply Mrs. Dubose was rude to them. However, when Atticus used to pass by her house he would sweep off his hat and would say “good evening, Mrs. Dubose you look like a picture this evening” (133). This character trait of Atticus tells us about his discipline and respect for others. Atticus also understands others perspectives. One can tell this when Bob Ewell spits on Atticus’s face; Atticus did not respond to this rude behaviour in a violent manner and just walked away. When asked about this incident, Atticus explained by saying, “see if you can stand in Bob Ewell’s shoes a minute”. It would destroy Bob’s “last shred of credibility” and if ‘spitting in [his] face save[s] Mayella” one beating then Atticus would gladly take it (292,293). Atticus is a type of person who is willing to give up his self respect, in order to save someone from getting beaten. Thus, one can say Atticus is the most respected

man.
The author, Harper Lee, portrays non-racist and non-discriminative characters. In a town, divided based upon skin colour, Atticus does not discriminate between it. The blacks have different churches than the white, different sitting area in a court room, where everyone is considered to be equal. Atticus defends a black man in the court even when half the town is against him. In Atticus’s closing statement, for the case he explained, “in our courts all men are created equal” (274). This justifies, Atticus being a firm believer of equality and justice. Atticus’s views on equality go beyond race and skin color. He gives his children same equality as adults and treats them as one. Thus, Atticus has equality integrated into his daily and personal life.
Therefore, one can say, Atticus Finch is a perfect father for his children. Atticus’s parenting techniques; give his children a real life lesson which will stay with them for life time. Atticus is an ideal citizen in the town of Maycomb. He is respectful to everyone, even to those who dislike him. Atticus is an excellent lawyer, despite being a white man, he was defending a Negro man, even with the cruelty he was receiving from his fellow people. Atticus fought for Tom, till the last moment even though all the tides were against him. He did not give up the fight for justice. Atticus Finch is a character of high moral standards and equality for all. To sum up all of this, a quote by Mahatma Gandhi “To a pure heart, all hearts are pure”