To Kill A Mockingbird Atticus Parenting Style

In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the parenting style of Atticus Finch differentiates from Alexandra Finch, although, they were both raised by the same parents. Atticus’s parenting style is freer and he is trusting of his children. While, Alexandra is more hesitant and remains loyal to stereotypes that others believe. Atticus’s parenting style is more effective as he lets his children experience the world rather than remain true to stereotypes, alike Alexandra.

Atticus and Alexandra were raised in the same upbringing but remain polar opposites. Atticus believes that all are equal, and that one is not superior to the other. Whereas, Alexandra believes that men are superior to women, and that women should wear a dress at all

times. In the long run, Atticus’s children experience more of the world, for example the trial of Tom Robinson. Whereas, Francis’s only input of the trial is his grandma’s (Alexandra), who is racist and biased.

Scout is a mature eight year old that has experienced a variety of different events that shaped her character throughout the book. At the begging of the book she did not have a filter, as she did and said the first thing that came to her mind. For example, when Scout meets Dill at the fence, she did not realize that it was impolite to continue to ask questions about Dill’s father, and Jem had to stop her. Also on Scout’s first day of school, Scout caught up with Walter Cunningham and beat him up. Once again, Jem had to end the fight. After the trial, Scout was more compassionate and realizing as she could sense when somebody was uncomfortable, leading back to the example of Dill. “I was beginning to learn his body English. His hand tightened on mine and he indicated that he wanted to leave.”(Pg.372). Scout was starting to understand others and what they are feeling. This was due to the parenting style of Atticus; Atticus encouraged his children to become more involved in Maycomb and learn the good and bad aspects. For example, Atticus forces Jem to read to Ms. Dubose. When Jem

cuts the flowers he is required to read at Ms. Dubose’s house every afternoon after school and Saturdays. Jem pleads to Atticus that he said he was sorry to Ms. Dubose, although he will not have it. “There was no point in saying sorry if you aren’t. Jem, she’s old and ill you can’t hold her responsible for what she says and does. Of course, I’d rather she’d have said it to me than to either of you, but we can’t always have our’ druthers. Certainly you will read for a month.” (Pg. 140) Atticus is firm but free, and results on his children becoming more mature, as Jem did not cut the flowers again and goes to Ms. Dubose’s house every afternoon after school.

Alexandra Finch conflicts with Atticus as they both have different opinions.

For example, Atticus believes that black people are equal to white people, however, Alexandra believes that white people are superior to black people. Alexandra also is dedicated to stereotypes and does not step by them. Atticus allows Scout to wear overalls and explore Maycomb, Alexandra requires Scout to wear a dress and stay at home. “I didn’t know whether to go into the dining room or stay out. Aunt Alexandra told me to join them for refreshments. I was wearing my pink Sunday dress, shoes, and a petticoat.”(pg.306) Aunt Alexandra dumbs Scout down by forcing her to attend tea parties and wearing dresses. I believe that by Atticus letting Scout be independent, requires her to learn the different opinions of others, and understand why her father has chosen the opinions that he believes. Scout knew how to read and write before anyone in her class as Atticus educated her. Alexandra would not have done this and instead had Scout stay at home, learn how to bake, or accompany her to a tea party. Alexandra believes that men are more superior to women and that white people are more superior to black people. From receiving Atticus’s parenting methods his children, are more mature, more educated, and aware of the events occurring in

Maycomb.

To conclude, Atticus’s parenting style is more beneficial as his children are more educated and mature. Whereas, if Alexandra were to raise them Scout would be uneducated and believe that men are superior to women and that white people are superior to white people. Atticus’s parenting style is more effective as he lets his children experience the world rather than remain true to stereotypes, alike Alexandra.