Atticus Finch Character Analysis
Harper Lee’s historical fiction novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, depicts the ideas of social justice and visions of a society deprived of prejudice. Important to note, Lee uses the main character, Atticus Finch, to reinforce her themes of discrimination and social justice. Finch is an impeccable intelligent, and wise young lawyer with insightful political views. As a respected person in society, Atticus remains willful and moral to the people of Maycomb and others in times of hardship. Above all, Atticus is a skillful father who raises his children, Jeremy (Jem) and Jean Louise (Scout) with discipline, broad sets of morals, and serves as a role model.
The protagonist is a skillful father and a teacher that emphasizes assisting his children in accepting people regardless of their looks or actions. In the text, he says, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view” (p. 33). Again, Atticus guides his children as they mature and grow. Jem says, “It ain’t right, Atticus.” He then responds, “No, son, it’s not right” (Lee, 243). These statements depict the wisdom and extensive skills Atticus applies to his children. He is wise and firm deeds and opinions that have influenced the behavior of his children. Miss Maudie says, “Atticus Finch is the same in his house and as he is on the public streets.” (XXX). Atticus also understands that Scout and Jem are still children and are bound to make mistakes. When Atticus lost a case, his son Jem expressed his feelings of sorrow and hade tears. However, Atticus comforts him and agrees that he is not right. Atticus also shows affection to his children after they saved him from trouble with “the mob.” Overall, Atticus has the qualities of a loving and skillful father as he treats his children with fairness and equality.
In chapter two, Scout’s teacher, Miss Caroline, is not delighted with the idea that he can read well despite being young. The teachers are strict on her remarks relating to education that creates a negative environment in the class. Through her comments, Miss Caroline claims that Atticus does not know how to teach. The statement expresses the prejudice held by Miss Caroline against Scout. She behaves jealously of people inferior to her. Contrary to this, Atticus recognizes the significance of having excellent reading and verbal skills and teaches Scout to read at a tender age. Also, when Mrs. Dubose dies, he teaches his Scout and Jem a vital lesson about strength and courage, and tells them, “I wanted you to see what real courage is…it’s when you know you’re licked before you start anyway and you see it through, no matter what” (Lee 116). Atticus is an excellent teacher who encourages his children to read books and feel the joy of reading. Attics also teaches his children to know the disparity between wrong and right since he loves them and wants them to grow up as smart adults with the ability to make the right decisions. He uses strict, but good tactics as their father and teacher. Overall, Atticus is a caring father to his children and instructs them to think in a way that promotes morality and ideals of society.