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Atticus finch role model in book
Atticus finch role model in book
Essay about atticus finch
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Everybody has different opinions of the good qualities of a good parent, and there are many different ways on how a parent can show they are a good one. In my opinion, Atticus Finch in the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee shows good examples of what a good parent is. Atticus Finch is a good parent to Jem and Scout because he teaches valuable life lessons and he is strict towards his kids, he teaches them that through actions come out discipline. Atticus shows many lessons that his kids won’t forget. For example, Atticus shows to be fair to all. In To Kill a Mockingbird Atticus treats everyone the same, to him a skin color and a religion doesn’t matter. For example, Tom Robinson is an African American. African American’s are viewed …show more content…
But to Atticus, Tom was a normal person just like everyone else is. In the story, Atticus says, "nigger-lover is just one of those terms that don't mean anything—like snot-nose,” (114) This shows that even the “N-word” doesn’t mean anything to him, it’s just an unuseful word. Another life lesson that Atticus teaches his kids is the true definition of courage. In the story Mr. Finch says, “I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand.”(149) Jem and Scout learn the true definition of courage after Jem ruins Ms. Dubose’s garden. Even thought Jem was afraid of Ms. Dubose he had to learn that courage had to do with facing your fears, and sometimes do what you’re afraid of even though it’s the right thing to do. A few other lessons that Atticus teaches his kids is that people always talk but it isn’t always the truth. Also, his kids are taught about stereotypes. A quote from To Kill a Mockingbird about stereotypes is "Boo was about six-and-a-half feet tall, judging from his tracks; he dined …show more content…
Atticus makes them apologize if they have done something wrong. For example, when Jem ruins Ms. Dubose’s garden. “‘I strongly advise you to to go down and have a talk with Mrs.Dubose,’”(138). As a consequence Atticus makes them read to Ms. Dubose. “Atticus,” he said, “she wants me to read to her.” “Read to her?” “Yes sir. She wants me to come every afternoon after school and Saturdays and read to her out loud for two hours. Atticus, do I have to?” “Certainly.” “But she wants me to do it for a month.” “Then you’ll do it for a month.” (140) This quote shows how Atticus isn’t lenient, he makes sure his kids learn that what they have done was wrong. Atticus make sure Jem and Scout respect their elders. He makes sure they say “ma’am” and “sir” when they are talking to someone. For example “Please don’t send me back, please sir,”(39) “Yes ma’am, blanket. It isn’t ours.”(95) In the story Atticus puts a stop to certain stuff and Jem and Scout always need his permission. “‘Jem, Scout,’ said Atticus, ‘I don’t want to hear of poker in any form again. Go by Dill’s and get your pants, Jem. Settle it yourselves.’” (73). Atticus is strict towards his kids because he cares about them and he wants to keep them safe. Atticus is strict by giving his kids consequences, having his kids apologize to others and by putting a stop
The most important thing Atticus teaches in To Kill a Mockingbird is the message about how to best educate a child. From the beginning of the book, it's plain to see that Atticus has been down on his luck most of his life. "It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyways and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do"(124). He strives to give Scout and Jem spirit, bravery and tolerance of others. "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" (30). He teaches this life lesson to show that it's actually achievable to live with principles without losing sight of hope or acting skeptical. Atticus is able to highly regard Mrs. Dubose's courage even though he disapproves of her continuous acts of racism. "She had her own views about things, a lot different from mine, maybe...son, I told you that if you hadn't lost your head I'd have made you go read to her. I wanted you to see something about her-I wanted you to see what real courage is instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand" (128).
Throughout the novel, Atticus’ assistance to Jem and Scout’s development becomes evident. Atticus takes every opportunity to attempt to teach his children the importance of having an open-mind. For instance, when Scout queries Atticus about Maycomb’s prejudice perspective, he tells her, “You never really understand a person until…you climb in their skin and walk around in it.” (Lee 30) Even during the early stages of the novel, it is apparent that Atticus endeavors to instill the values of empathy and tolerance within Jem and Scout by teaching them how to have multiple perspectives on a situation. In addition, Atticus also attempts to enlighten his children about peaceful resolution in society. For example, when Atticus is chosen to defend Tom Robinson, Atticus tells Scout, you might hear some ugly talk about it at school but…you just hold your head high and keep those fists down.”...
The definition of a good father is as individual as the individuals involved themselves. A good father is able to support his children’s strengths, along with being able to help them overcome their weaknesses. He is able to do this without appearing to be a know-it-all. The ability to show by example how to live life, while not being afraid to make mistakes and not to be perfect all the time are also very important characteristic.
Although Atticus is not like every other parent, he shows his love to his kids in his own ways. He does not need to be kissing them, hugging them or buying them things to show his affection for them. His ways are unique ways that show that Atticus is a positive parental figure. Another good piece of evidence that shows that Atticus is a positive parental figure is that he sets a good example for the children. He sets a good example by being honest and telling them why he has to defend Tom Robinson even if that decision jeopardizes his reputation and the family. When Atticus was talking to Scout about defending Tom he said, “The main one is, if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this county in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again” (100). These words show that Atticus values equality and justice and it is setting an excellent example for the kids to follow at such a young age. Atticus defends Tom Robinson, an African American man, because he believes in equality for all. Atticus also mentioned that before he tells the children to do something or follow values he, Atticus, must display them first, and he
We also see him trying to teach them other things in the story besides the court case. One example is when they had the dangerous dog incident and Atticus had to decide whether to kill the dog or keep the dog alive and then put them in more danger. Atticus decides to kill the dog which is not what the kids want but it is the best thing for them. During the scene Atticus tells Jem, “Don’t go near that dog, you understand? Don’t go near him, he’s just as dangerous dead as alive(111).” This shows that Atticus truly cares about Jem and Scout and wants what is best for them. If he didn’t want what is best for his own kids, then why would Atticus go through all the hard work to help Tom Robinson when it’s making Atticus look bad. This scene shows that he is a very good and fair person all around and wants to always do what’s right in any
What does it mean to be a good parent? The most common definition of a good parent is one who makes their children feel valued and loved, by teaching them the difference between right and wrong. At the end of the day, the most essential thing is to create a nurturing environment where your children feel like they can mature into confident, independent, and caring adults. Harper Lee’s novel To Kill A Mockingbird defines what a true parent really is thought hardships and struggles throughout the book. The story is set in the Depression era of a little town in southern Alabama that is struggling with thick prejudice on a colored rape case. The story is told through a character
Instead of talking more, he prefers to show.(EVIDENCE, ELABORATE) Also, Atticus is not a type of father who would love his children dearly all the time. At times, he will be firm and teach them harsh lessons about life when necessary. This is evident when he took Jem along with him to tell Helen Robinson about Tom Robinson’s death. This way, Atticus allows Jem to learn lessons about prejudice and other principles in life. Also, throughout the novel, Atticus works to develop his children’s respective consciences and character, through teaching vital lessons with objectives, such as though humanity has a great capability of evil and wrong doings, it also has a great capacity for good. Also, the evil can be looked upon as good, if one approaches things with an outlook of compassion and understanding, instead of hatred, thus his objective is to teach them to be more compassionate and gracious towards others in life.
Atticus Finch as a parent teaches Scout and Jem moral values and tries his hardest to pass on to his children his way of thinking. Atticus worries that his children sees to much racism and injustice, and tries to show his children that all people are equal no matter the color of their skin. He teaches them to go against the norm in Maycomb which is prejudice and unjust in their actions.
you consider things from his point of view—until you climb into his skin and walk around in it' "(Lee 30). In the story To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus was one of the few people in Maycomb County who understood this concept. Not only did he take this into consideration, but applied it to his life. Atticus risked his life to defend Tom Robinson, a colored man, in court for a rape case. Atticus felt that Tom was being segregated, but Atticus knew he was innocent. Unfortunately, Atticus's children, Jem and Scout, didn't inherit his trait of equality. Just like the rest of the town, Jem and Scout mistaken Boo Radley. Many believe he was
True role models are those who possess the qualities that we would want to have in the near future and those who interest us in a way that make us want to be a better person. They teach us more about ourselves and encourage us to make better choices. A role model is not just someone who is successful, but someone who has had similar experiences that we have had. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee demonstrates that Atticus Finch is a true role model. Over the course of the novel, Atticus stands up for his beliefs, respects everyone despite who they are and behaves as a true father. Atticus is truly the ideal role model.
The middle section of the book shows many different sides to the relationship between Atticus and Jem. Atticus does not like to tell his children how to behave. This quote shows how Alexandra is making him tell Jem and Scout how to behave. The tension is shown easily. "Before bedtime, I was in Jem's room trying to borrow a book, when Atticus knocked and entered. He sat on the side of the bed, looked at us soberly, then he grinned. `Er-h'rm,' he said. He was beginning to preface some things he said with a throaty noise, and I thought he must at last be getting old, but he looked the same. ` I don't exactly know how to say this,' he began. `Well just say it,' said Jem. `Have we done something?' Our father was actually fidgeting. `No I just want to explain to you that-your Aunt Alexandra asked me... son, you that you're a Finch, don't you?' `That's what I've been told.' Jem looked out of the corners of his eyes.
The kids were both bullied in school, the townsfolk that was against him defending a black man weren’t shy about sharing their feelings towards the Finches and most of all, Mr. Ewell attacked the kids. “He was out of his mind” (Lee 360). Atticus thought that Mr. Ewell cooled down after he spit in his face, but was clearly wrong when he went after Jem and Scout. The kids had a hard time in school and in town. Many people called them “nigger-lovers”, either behind their backs or in their faces. “ ‘Not only a Finch waiting on tables but one in the courthouse lawing for niggers’ " (Lee 135). This was hard on Scout, who fought a lot, because she couldn’t fight back. Atticus may have put his family in danger but he did what was right and earned a high level of
Atticus is a great leader of his family, teaching his children morals and life lessons. He makes them better people by showing them how to deal with the trial and people making fun of them. Atticus teaches Scout how to respect other people. First, Scout learns to respect Atticus, then to respect "Boo" Radley, and finally to respect a whole race of people, negroes. He makes it a common practice to live his life as he would like his children to live theirs, and thus displays the attributes of an honest, respectable, and kind man. Throughout the trial process, Atticus shows Jem and Scout that true courage is standing up for what you believe in and that all human beings, despite their race, deserve respect. "You never really understand a person until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." This quote shows that Atticus wants his children to get along with people, and so other people will respect them for whom they are.
Atticus Finch is a single parent, and faces most of the troubles and challenges a single parent today must deal with. Unlike other parents though, Atticus is more allowing and open to letting his kids, Jem and Scout, do as they please. His personality may contribute a lot to this. Atticus is kind, easygoing, and shows respect for all human beings. He treats everyone with equal respect, as well as his kids. Atticus allows his daughter Scout to be herself. Scout is the youngest out of the siblings, and fits more into the ‘tomboy’ personality. Aunt Alexandra, Atticus’s sister, believes
One major lesson Atticus teaches Jem and Scout, is to respect others. Atticus thought them not to be rude with family members; despite what they say. Scout beat up Francis because he called Atticus a "Niger-lover!"(p.110) and Atticus gets her in trouble. When Scout got in trouble by Atticus it showed Scout that it was not right to beat him up even though he said what he said. Atticus taught the kids to mind there own business. When Atticus tells the kids to leave Boo Radley alone and not to believe it the rumors they are hearing. When Atticus told them to leave Boo Radley alone and not to believe ...