There are many methods for guiding others, but in Harper Lee's book, To Kill A Mockingbird, a unique way is exhibited. Atticus, a main character, uses his own techniques while being a single father and lawyer. He encounters a variety of challenges in his life at home, work, and in Maycomb. Throughout the book, Atticus stays consistent, understanding, and honest, while raising and teaching Jem and Scout lessons that will benefit them throughout their life. Atticus is a consistent figure in the children's lives throughout the book. He has high expectations for Jem and Scout because he knows they are capable. His expectations are clear and do not change, so they know what is expected of them. He is not only consistent with his children, but he is consistent in almost every aspect of his life. Miss Maudie states, "Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets" (Lee 61). In his career, he believes in what is right and his beliefs do not waver. Although he knows defending Tom Robinson, a black man, could affect himself and his children's lives, he sticks to his beliefs. Being consistent …show more content…
Her father, Atticus, helps her work through events that happen at school. He tells her, "if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view . . . until you climb into his skin and walk around in it" (Lee 39). Especially while Atticus is defending Tom Robinson, Jem and Scout are criticized at school. Being younger than Jem, Scout does not understand much about the trail, but Atticus helps her comprehend the conflict. Atticus knows his children well, which helps him understand their point of view and teaches them how to see other's. Her father's advise benefits Jem and Scout through life at school, home, and in
it's not fair for you and Jem, I know that, but sometimes we have to make the best of things, and the way we conduct ourselves when the chips are down—well, all I can say is, when you and Jem are grown, maybe you'll look back on this with some compassion and some feeling that I didn't let you down." And he’s not a parent that keeps stuff away from kids but knows that they will always remember this trial and someday look back at it. (Chapter 11, page 20) As you can see in all of these, Atticus is a very smart kind and loving person.
The novel revolves around the character of Atticus Finch, a devoted and compassionate father to his children, Scout and Jem. Atticus instills the essential values of empathy, morality, and fairness in them. He leads by example, teaching them to treat others respectfully and kindly, regardless of their background. Atticus's role as a father figure becomes evident through his unwavering commitment to doing what is right. When he takes on the defense of Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of rape, Atticus faces societal backlash and prejudice.
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--...until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. "- Atticus Finch. This famous quote teaches Jean-Louise Finch (Scout) an important lesson about empathy from the beginning with Miss Caroline and reoccurs throughout the novel, anding aiding her coming-of-age in the end as she walks Arthur Radley home. Not only does Scout learn to “walk in another man's skin” but Atticus is forced to teach Scout’s older brother, Jem, the same lesson.
Atticus gives her a tip to understand why people do the things that they do after she has some issues with her first grade teacher at school. “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” (39). Atticus tells Scout this to help her get along with others better. This takes place early on in the novel, but later in the novel Scout remembers this lesson.
In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus dedication to his moral integrity guides jem and Scout to embody his wisdom and provides a solid foundation to handle Maycombs disease. To begin, atticus teaches scout the importance of understanding others by walking a mile in their shoes. When scout comes home from school and expresses to Atticus that she hates it due to Mrs. Carolins stance on her reading, Atticus responds by telling her she needs to understand people better and put herself in their shoes. “ ‘ first of all’ he said ‘ If you can learn a simple trick Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person till you consider thing from his point of view’ ”
In spite of Scout’s inability to fully comprehend the significance of what Atticus is doing for Tom, she readies herself to defend Atticus, which ultimately portrays that she does not regard society’s expectations on how she should
Scout admits she feels fine and Atticus asks her what is wrong. She tells him that her teacher, Miss Caroline, says that they cannot read together anymore because she is too advanced for her age. Atticus responds with, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … until you climb into his skin and walk around in it,”(Lee 39). Though Scout does not fully understand the concept of this lesson, it slowly comes to her as the book advances. She is able to make many connections using what Atticus taught her, and she truly understands the meaning of standing in another person’s shoes.
They can be difficult at many moments , but Atticus handles them very well. He shows his unique tactics of parenting throughout the book. Atticus is the epitome of a role model by demonstrating love, leadership, and discipline to his children. Mr. Finch shows his vast love for his kids in many instances during the book. Scout says "anything Atticus happened to be reading when I crawled into his lap every night."
He gives clear, strong examples of what is right and what is not. Atticus not only wants to instill good habits and values into his children, but he also wants them to learn good morals and ethics by supporting them and installing messages that will help them later on in life. In conclusion, this all illustrates and supports the fact that Atticus is a noble parent, who prioritizes his children’s safety and is also a positive role model to his
Scout when her classmates are making fun of Atticus for defending a black man , and Jem when he believed Nathan Radley when he cemented the tree because it was “ill”. Scout hears her classmates saying terrible things about Atticus because he's defending a black man, but she doesn't see the wrong in what her father is doing. Atticus explains to her that it's not really a bad thing, but some people see it that way. Scout is too young to understand prejudice and injustice. Atticus tries to preserve this innocence by raising her to believe that there is nothing wrong with defending a black man.
People are influenced by the ones around them; these people can have positive or negative influences. Mentors are role models for you look up to and learn from. The only way for mentors to have a positive influence is if they are heard. Listening is the key. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee creates mentors for Scout to show listening to the advice of those before you can lead to strong morals and an understanding of others.
TITLE “Sometimes I think I’m a total failure as a parent, but I’m all they’ve got. Before Jem looks at anyone else he looks at me, and I’ve tried to live so I can look squarely back at him…” Atticus is the teacher figure for his children, Jem and Scout in To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Atticus is also very cautious about how he explains certain delicate topics to her, such as when she brings up the issue of rape he says that “Rape was carnal knowledge of a female by force and without consent.” (Page 149) explaining it in such a manner that she is still a bit curious as to the nature of rape yet does not inquire further and lets it go. " 'I asked him if I was a problem and he said not much of one, at most one he could always figure out, and not to worry my head a second about botherin ' him.” (Page 249)These lines show how skilled Atticus is not only in comforting his children but also in showing them how much they mean to him. The relationship between Jem and Scout is much like any other sibling relationship, full of love, support and trust.
When Jem and Scout’s Aunt Alexandra was thinking about moving in with the Finch’s, so they have a woman figure in their life, Atticus says to Scout, ‘’’How’d you like her to come live with us?’’’ (pg 128). This shows he is a good father because he cares about the opinion of his daughter. He honours and respects what she has to say. He is being fair because he knows the type of relationship Scout and her Aunt Alexandra have.
A father plays a crucial role in the life of his children. One modern adage expresses a touching thought about fathers, stating, “Dad, a son’s first hero and a daughter’s first love.” This quote embraces the relationship of Atticus Finch and his children, Jem and Scout, in Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Jeremy, the older of the Finch kids, holds his father in extremely high regard and depends on his guidance in life while his younger sister, Jean Louise, trusts Atticus whole-heartedly and adores him despite her occasional indifference toward him. During the three years in which To Kill a Mockingbird takes place, the author grants a glimpse of Atticus’ method of upbringing.