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To kill a mockingbird - evaluate atticus as a father
Atticus parenting style how to kill a mockingbird
Atticus parenting style how to kill a mockingbird
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Harper Lee created a beloved character and hero, Atticus Finch: a stoic, intelligent man who believes in in nothing but good and justice, and the values he teaches his children. Not only does Atticus value what he teaches his children, but he values his parenting style. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus has an effective parenting style; he opp¬oses the 1930’s common parenting, he treats his children like adults, and he honestly answers any questions his children ask him.
Back in the 1930’s, parenting styles were different, and households heavily relied on women; however, in the case of To Kill a Mockingbird and Atticus Finch, Atticus is the only parent to his two children, Scout and Jem, and his parenting style opposed that of the regular style
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in the 1930’s. Since To Kill a Mockingbird is set during the depression, parent(s) changed their work hours according to how long school kept their children. Parents also protested homework because they were afraid it would consume family bonding time. This idea is contrary to modern belief of homework as a lesson to success, which is similarly how Atticus views this topic. This can be found in, “You can’t do that, Scout […] You, Miss Scout Finch, are of the common folk. You must obey the law” (40), which shows Atticus’s support towards the school system’s laws and beliefs, and ultimately convinces Scout to stay in school. This is also Lee’s hint to show Atticus’ belief that education will get his children far. Furthermore, the 1930’s were also racist times with the civil war ending only forty years prior to the events of the story. It is safe to assume that parents subjected their children to racist propaganda and taught them all the wrong ideologies about coloured people. However, Atticus teaches his children equality among all races, and skin colour, this can be seen in “[I]’m simply defending a Negro” (100), in which Lee uses the word “simply” to show Atticus treats all his cases fairly no matter the skin colour, and it shows Atticus mad his words clear enough to be understood by Scout, who by the time was six years young. In contrary to popular belief, Atticus treats his children equally to adults when others believe they should be treated as they are, children. This is effective in more than one way. A study 2017 has been done comparing children who are treated like adults to children who are treated as children. The study showed children treated like adults showed more maturity and discipline than children treated as children. In relation to Scout and Jem, they show maturity during the trial, and in conversation in adults. This can be seen in “[B]ut lots of folks have been hung-hanged-on circumstantial evidence” (294), when Jem reaches the same level as Atticus to further understand the trial, and in chapter 24 when Scout initiates a conversation with the ladies of Maycomb. Additionally, since Atticus deals with Scout and Jem as adults it gives them a chance to comprehend difficult matters earlier than other kids, which is not only an advantage when adults talk, but a tool to use when understanding difficult topics. This can be exhibited in, “I wondered why Atticus was inviting us to the front porch instead of the livingroom, then I, then I understood. The livingroom lights were awfully strong” (271), which shows Scout being able to asses and comprehend the situation even if it took some time. Besides Atticus’ treatment to Scout and Jem, he also treats the kids with full grown integral honesty.
Atticus’ remark on the incident with Scout, Jem, Arthur Radley and Bob Ewell in chapter 30, “[T]hank you from the bottom of my heart, but I don’t want my boy starting out with something like this over his head. Best way to clear the air is to have it all out in the open” (366), then he says, “[I]f this thing’s hushed up it’ll be a simple denial to Jem of the way I’ve tried to raise him […] I don’t want to lose him and Scout, because they’re all I’ve got” (366), is a perfect example of Atticus’ honesty to both Scout and Jem, and others. This honesty shows Atticus parents as an example to his children. With this example, Atticus sets them apart from other kids by identity. Atticus shows Scout and Jem the reality of the world with his honesty; showing them the real world and teaching them life is not fair, which creates a sense of truthful identity. This can be seen in “[I]t ain’t right, Atticus” (284), when Jem analyses and copes with the trial of Tom Robinson. Jem knows the law is not fair to Tom, but because of Atticus’ honesty, it helped Jem understand that the world is not fair, and this honesty explains to both Scout and Jem that the justice system is meant to be fair, but sometimes it is not fair. Atticus’ honesty ultimately prepares Scout and Jem for the reality of the
world. The values of parents in To Kill A Mockingbird are different from our modern world, and it is a clear fact the parenting styles have evolved. From sexist beliefs to liberal ideologies, parenting styles has greatly differentiated throughout history, nonetheless, To Kill A Mockingbird’s Atticus Finch, has more than respected others parenting styles, and society’s style. Atticus created a mould to an effective parenting by rivalling the common hitherto of parenting in the thirties, equally treating Scout and Jem to grownups, and showing the power of honesty. Atticus Finch himself knows he is not the perfect parent and adults in the book revere to him as an example of a decent father, but in the eyes of readers, Atticus is more than a prominent parent, he is en exemplar of effective parenting.
Atticus Finch is a very essential character in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. He is not only the father on Jem and Scout, but he is also defending Tom Robinson. Along with all of the obstacles and challenges that Atticus faces he is still an exceptional role model for the children. He also overcomes the diversity of Negroes and whites that is displayed during his time by standing up and fighting for Tom Robinson and his triumph in court against Bob Ewell. Lee presents Atticus Finch as understanding of Tom Robinson, caring with the children, and calm throughout the Tom Robinson trial.
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
In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus, a lawyer and the father of Jem and Scout, displays great courage, loyalty, and patience in every situation.
Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird was published in the year of 1960, and is one of the few American classic novels awarded the Pulitzer Prize. The racism that is prevalent in many southern American towns in the 1930s is brought to life with profound imagery in To Kill a Mockingbird. There are several characters in the book, yet the true main character is the narrator's father, Atticus Finch. He is a man of great integrity and intelligence. A very heroic figure in more ways than one, Atticus possesses traits like being principled, determined, and, more importantly, he teaches others. When looking at To Kill a Mockingbird, one can see that Lee uses lots of description, dialogue, and actions to portray Atticus as a heroic individual.
Throughout the book To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch demonstrates himself as an honest lawyer, a loving father, and a symbol of righteousness through his beliefs that he instills in his children. Atticus Finch values empathy, respect, and bravery, and he proves himself as a moral compass by teaching both Jem and Scout these values in the form of life lessons.
As a father, Atticus Finch tried to make his kids the best they can be. He tried teaching them that just because everyone acts a certain way, doesn’t mean they have to be close-minded and go along with it. Furthermore, he tries teaching them to always place themselves in someone’s position before judging them. Atticus leads them with example in the way he fought for Tom Robinson, tried helping Mayella Ewell deal with her father, and tried protecting Boo Radley from harassment. In conclusion, Harper Lee portrayed a sense of universal understanding in her novel.
Instead of talking more, he prefers to show.(EVIDENCE, ELABORATE) Also, Atticus is not a type of father who would love his children dearly all the time. At times, he will be firm and teach them harsh lessons about life when necessary. This is evident when he took Jem along with him to tell Helen Robinson about Tom Robinson’s death. This way, Atticus allows Jem to learn lessons about prejudice and other principles in life. Also, throughout the novel, Atticus works to develop his children’s respective consciences and character, through teaching vital lessons with objectives, such as though humanity has a great capability of evil and wrong doings, it also has a great capacity for good. Also, the evil can be looked upon as good, if one approaches things with an outlook of compassion and understanding, instead of hatred, thus his objective is to teach them to be more compassionate and gracious towards others in life.
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.
“The key to being a good dad...well, sometimes things work out just the way you want. Sometimes they don't. But you gotta hang in there. Because when all is said and done, 90% of being a dad is just showing up” ( Modern Family). Fathers aren’t perfect, but they can be the best role models to their children by simply being there for them like Atticus. He shows how to be a great father in the book “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. While Atticus makes mistakes as a parent, he educates his children with wisdom they’ll use throughout their lives. Atticus teaches his children how to see from different point of views, violence is never the answer, and what real courage means.
Atticus Finch is a lawyer in the town of Maycomb In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, he is a father of two children, Jem and Scout Finch. He is a man of wise character and considerate soul. He knows his morals and tries to help his children grow up to be successful and happy. Throughout the novel, Atticus acts justly, loves tenderly, and walks humbly by the way he perceives the people in his life, how he succeeds in his job and treats his family.
In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch’s parenting skills were often questioned throughout the novel. Although there were people that didn’t believe he was a good father, I think that he was. There are many different reasons provided throughout the novel that prove he is a good father. Atticus may let his children get away with a little more than the average parent would, but he has a good head on his shoulders. He is open to giving his kids more freedoms and there’s nothing wrong with that. Atticus approaches life with a devotion to fairness and exposes his children, Jem and Scout, to real life. Overall, he makes a pretty good father.
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 a good father. In the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus tries to be a good father as much as possible to Scout and Jem. Atticus finch is as good of a father as he is a lawyer. He is a loving and caring father and teaches Scout and Jem the difference between right and wrong as well as equality for all.
Effective Conventions Made : Research shows that children are more susceptible to commit crimes, develop depression and ___ psychological disorders from the effects of bad parenting. In fact, many people grow up treating others just like how their parents treated them with reference to their parents’ values, behaviours and attitudes. Harper Lee, an American author expressed her childhood experiences in Alabama through writing the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. This book makes a reference to how society views in the Great Depression (1930s) changed to be noticeably racist impacting the life of a widowed father and lawyer named Atticus and his children Jem and Scout. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee conveys that Atticus Finch is a great
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee suggests that Atticus is a model parent. Atticus gives guidance to Jem and Scout, and he treats them with fairness and honesty. He tries to bring them up as best he can as a single parent.