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Atticus Parenting Style

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In Harper Lee’s 1930’s based novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus demonstrates a rare style of parenting. Throughout the novel, Atticus requests various times that his children are told the direct truth, rather than a sugar-coated lie. Also, Atticus challenges his children to nurture their independence. Finally, Atticus shows Jem and Scout how to be courageous, and he teaches them the value of equality. Ultimately, the novel reinforces the message that a unique style of parenting, such as Atticus’, will raise children to become very respectful and successful. When the holiday season arrives, the Finch family gathers at Finches Landing. The evening is going well, until Francis begins to aggrivate Scout, which eventually lead into a fight. As the crying Francis finally grasps the attention of his Grandmother, he exclaims, “Grandma, she called me a whore-lady and jumped on me!” (Lee 112). As a blank-faced Jean Louise stares into Francis’ eyes, she constantly gets questioned for her provocative language. Later that night, Uncle Jack returns with the Finch family to their home in Maycomb. “Uncle Jack?” asks Jean, …show more content…

When she obeys Atticus, and refrains from fighting the other children even when they call her a coward, she is being courageous. After giving his lecture on courage to Scout, he encounters a troubling situation. The menacing Bob Ewell runs into Atticus in the street, while Atticus is with his children. The pig-nosed man challenges Atticus to a fight, and when Atticus declines, Bob says, “Too proud to fight you nigger-loving bastard?” (Lee 291). Struggling to hold back, Atticus keeps his cool, and shuts Bob Ewell down by saying, “No, too old,” (291). Atticus then puts his hands in his pockets, and walks away. The fact that Atticus demonstrates intrepedation, even when he is being insulted, proves he is courageous and influences it towards his

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