Why Is Atticus Finch Important In To Kill A Mockingbird

In the novel, To Kill a Mocking Bird, Maycomb is a small town and a home for numerous people. A noteworthy citizen of this small town goes by the name Atticus Finch. He resides as a widower with his two children, Scout and Jem, as well as with Calpurnia, the maid. Atticus lives in a time when racial issues stir conflict amongst the people. While enduring these difficult periods, many great character qualities help Atticus remain strong. Through times of great racial tension, Atticus Finch sets a great example for others because of his thoughtfulness, humble heart, and courageous spirit. The people of Maycomb admire Atticus’ thoughtful attitude towards others. The Oxford Dictionary defines thoughtful as “Showing consideration for the needs of other people”. Atticus’ thoughtful attitude makes others feel important

During a time of hardship, one must not cower, but display courage. Atticus displays this all throughout the novel, but mostly when he deals with Tom Robinson. When Scout gets separated from Jem and Dill in the Trial scene, she finds herself listening to men talk about her father. “… thinks he knows what he’s doing,’ one said. ‘Oh’h now, I wouldn’t say that,’ said another. ‘Atticus Finch’s a deep reader, a mighty deep reader.’ ‘He reads all right, that’s all he does.’ The club snickered. ‘Lemme tell you somethin’ now, Billy,’ a third said, ‘you know the court appointed him to defend this nigger.’ ‘Yeah, but Atticus aims to defend him. That’s what I don’t like about it’”(185-186). In a time when Whites did not like Blacks, a White person defending a Black person probably would have people hating them. A white person must possess a great amount of courage to defend a black person during these racial times. Atticus knew he would acquire many haters for defending Tom Robinson, but because of his courageous spirit, he ignored people’s thoughts about him and continued to fight for