Atticus Finch Role Model

The novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee is set in a small town during the early 1930’s. The two young protagonists, Jem and Scout, are guided through their childhood with educational events in the real world. Jem and Scout have only one parent because their mother passed away due to a sudden heart attack when Scout was only two years of age. At the beginning of the novel, Scout is six years old, and Jem is ten years old. The two siblings are brought up by their father, Atticus Finch, and their African American housekeeper, Calpurnia. Atticus Finch is a good role model for his children because he allows them to learn about life through experiences and mistakes.

Atticus Finch will not judge a single soul in Maycomb, even the slightest amount. He feels that he must uphold a good reputation in the town. A choice is given to Atticus to

In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch displays his honest opinion and always tells the truth. He is a man of his word even if the situation is one that could put his children through trouble. Atticus’ children were attacked by Bob Ewell one dark night, and Mr. Ewell ended up under a tree stabbed in the chest with a knife. Sheriff Heck Tate observes the scene and suggests that Bob Ewell has fallen on his knife. Atticus believed that his son killed Bob Ewell, and did not want Jem to get away with committing a crime. Atticus mentions, “— if they don’t trust me they won’t trust anybody. Jem and Scout know what happened. If they hear of me saying downtown something different happened— Heck, I won’t have them anymore. I can’t live one way in town and another way in my home” (274). The quotation explains that Atticus feels he could not be trusted as an attorney or as a father to his two children if he lied for his son. Honesty is important for people to learn at an early age because honesty is needed to build meaningful and lasting relationships. Atticus displays honesty which is a trait that everyone should