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Atticus Wise Man Analysis

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The Wise Man of To Kill a Mockingbird “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…..until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it”(33). This quote is one of many wise sayings by Atticus Finch, a character in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Finch is a lawyer for Maycomb County, Alabama, and the father of Jeremy (Jem) and Jean Louise (Scout) Finch. The story presents Atticus guiding Jem and Scout through the struggles of life, while he was defending Tom Robinson in Robinson’s rape case. Throughout the novel, Atticus demonstrates many positive character traits, including being honorable, fearless, and knowledgeable. Atticus is an honorable man, kind and chivalrous to everyone he encounters. He is even polite to the people who call him a “nigger lover” and who spit at him. Mrs. Dubose calls Atticus a “nigger lover” and terrorizes his children, but he is still respectful to her. He even calls her a model and compliments her rose bushes. On a walk home from work Atticus says, “Good evening Mrs. Dubose! You look like a picture this evening”(115). Bob Ewell spat at Atticus on the post office corner, but Atticus does not retaliate. He keeps his head high and treats Ewell as an equal. Ewell threatens Atticus and his children, but Atticus is respectful to Bob Ewell. At a time where many people are prejudice against blacks, Atticus is caring to Calpurnia. He treats her as a member of the household, instead of an inferior.

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