To Kill A Mockingbird True Love

To Kill A Mockingbird Essay

Is a true love story the journey of a tragic romance? Or maybe it can simply be the tale of a widowed man loving those he cares for. This man is in Harper Lee’s classic American novel, To Kill A Mockingbird. Atticus Finch’s daughter Scout tells the unassuming story of his presence in Maycomb County, Alabama. Maycomb and the Finches experience new people, places and conflicts only to ultimately reside in the embrace not of a lover, but the welcoming arms of Atticus. To Kill A Mockingbird tells the simple love story of Atticus Finch’s love for his family and those around him.

Atticus’s devotion for his family is depicted by his actions throughout Lee’s novel. Upon learning about her supposedly disturbing ability

to read at a young age, Scout reflects on her time spent reading words with Atticus. “I had stared at them all the evenings in my memory, listening to the news of the day[..] anything Atticus happened to be reading when I crawled into his lap every night” (23). In this quote, Scout explains how she spent much of “evenings” with Atticus, and illustrates her close, familiar times reading with him. The words “all the evenings” and “every night” indicate how often she was with Atticus. Also, she states “in my memory” which reveals that she freely remembers these times. These ideas are important because this means that not only did Scout spend her time with Atticus, but Atticus also put in his own time. Furthermore, the phrase “I crawled into his lap” paints an image of longing. Scout describes her actions as “crawled” which is often seen as a timid, humbling movement, to Atticus’s “lap” which is a close embrace. These connotations and images connect to Atticus’s love for his children by showing his fatherly, supportive love and care to Scout at the decline of each day. Another example of this is after Sheriff Heck Tate tells Atticus that Jem didn’t stab the drunken Bob Ewell. Atticus argues that he doesn’t want lies or cover-ups to protect Jem from justice, and that doing so would go against all of the morals he tries to teach his children. Atticus continues, “I’ve tried to live so that I can look squarely back at him[..] I don’t want to lose him and Scout, because they’re all I’ve got” (366). This passage exemplifies how Atticus cherishes and acts for his loved ones. The phrase, “tried to live” indicates that Atticus’s existence is led and purpose driven so that he “can look squarely back at [Jem]”. This is a figure of speech that illustrates the ability to regard and act freely with no remorse. This idea is important because it means that Atticus lives to be perceived by his children a certain way; with integrity. He deeply cares that he affects them positively. The word “lose” is also a figure of speech, which means not to suffer without, and in this case, Atticus does not want to live without Jem and Scout’s trust, respect and relationship.This also relates to Atticus saying, “they’re all I’ve got”. He is placing worth on his ties to his children. This is critical because worth is placed on things that have value; people that you love. Atticus committing time and establishing worth in his relationship with his children plainly shows how he lives out affection.
In To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus’s love in his community is shown through his actions and commitments.

One day, Scout brings up a question she has about a derogatory term their neighbor Mrs. Dubose and her cousin Francis has called Atticus. She asks him, “‘You aren’t really a nigger-lover, then, are you?’ ‘I certainly am. I do my best to love everybody’” (144). This conversation with Scout and her father evidently demonstrates Atticus’s passion and stance on loving those around him. The words “aren’t really” and “are you” have a tone of disbelief and implies a negative image. But then, Atticus replies with the word “certainly”. This means absolutely, with no doubt. Atticus, even in what seems to be an antagonistic situation, is very sure on his stance. The phrase “do my best” accompanies this idea all the more. It indicates trying even against oppression, and expresses Atticus’s willingness to put in effort to care for others. Additionally, Atticus uses the word “love”. In this quote, it is exactly what it denotes; Atticus loves. He is endearing towards “everybody”, which means no boundaries, limitations or judgement to any persons. Atticus’s words directly state that he loves any and every fellow man with high intentions and no discrimination. Nevertheless, this man does not only try to love everyone, but tries to love everyone unconditionally. An example is when Scout asks Atticus about the criticized Tom Robinson case, Atticus informs her that they’re facing disparate

circumstances. He tells Scout, “we’re fighting our friends. But remember this, no matter how bitter things get, they’re still our friends and this is still our home” (102). In this passage, Atticus is reassuring and affirming Scout that even in bad times, one should still hold dear to the people in conflict. The words “fighting” and “bitter” denote dispute and pain. However, Atticus instills an interjection, “no matter”. This phrase is a statement that reflects the word nevertheless, or the phrase even when. This is important because it shows that Atticus will put in work to maintain good relations with his community even in disagreement. “Our” intends ownership, which is followed by responsibility and concern. This word is also repeated several times, which indicates importance and value. Atticus uses “our” to describe their “friends” and “home”. This means that Atticus sees Maycomb as a group of people that he cares about. The attitude and efforts Atticus has in cherishing others is seen throughout Harper Lee’s love story, To Kill A Mockingbird.
Mr.

Finch’s love for his children and community shows a man’s brotherly love in this love story. Atticus Finch’s relations and drive for his loved ones show a bond that changes the way human beings think and act. Likewise, his promises and attachments for his commune shows an affection that cannot be tested, and stands firmly in prejudice. Love cannot be bound by amorous endeavors, but can be seen in the most effortless humanistic literature through a simple man in an intricate

world.