To Kill A Mockingbird: Character Analysis

In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus is the undeniable hero of the story and stands for justice and equality. As a beacon of hope for many, Atticus stands up to the masses of people that prejudice has blinded. However, he attempts to reason with them throughout the novel to rectify their dissolute ways. Wisely, he helps Scout and Jem learn what is right or wrong as they grow up and outgrow their innocence. With the utilization of many words of wisdom, they attest to Atticus’s rationality. One such example of this is, “Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird”(Lee 103). A courageous man, Atticus is not afraid of standing up for what he believes is right and does not give in to societal pressure. With these actions throughout the novel, Harper Lee reveals Atticus as a rational, understanding, and brave character. The rationality of Atticus Finch is a defining feature of him that aides many people and assists him on many occasions throughout the novel. First, “Aunt Alexandra tells Atticus that he shouldn 't have let the children watch the trial, and Atticus retorts, "they might as well learn to cope with it”(Smykowski). This quote demonstrates Atticus’s rational thinking by his intelligence and comprehension of the situation. Shrewdly, he recognizes how the children will eventually encounter the prejudices of the community and realize they cannot hide behind the curtain of innocence forever.