What defines a family? To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, shows that the family unit doesn't fit under one definition. A part of the novel shows the progression of a different meaning to family, as seen by the relationships between Atticus Finch and his children and between Arthur Radley and his brother Nathan. These characters and many people from modern society show that a family is made up of the people who love and care for you and can be described in many ways.
While many may view a family as a mother and a father raising a few children, Atticus Finch proves that a family doesn’t have to fit the mold to flourish. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus raises his two children, Jem and Scout, after his wife passed away. Just because Atticus isn’t married, doesn't mean he isn’t able to provide for his children physically, emotionally, and mentally. Miss Maudie comments on his parenting by saying, “Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets” (Lee 61). Atticus is a good parent for his children because he is able to set an example without remarrying. Scout and Jem learn to be honest, kind, and respectful to everyone from Atticus. Scout, the novel’s narrator, doesn’t feel any sense of emptiness by not having a mother to raise her. The Finch’s may not be a traditional family, but Atticus’s parenting shows that they are able to be successful and happy.
Harper Lee proves her progressive stance on family again with the relationship she creates
Atticus Finch is widely regarded as one of the most influential characters in modern literature. His pivotal role in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee exemplifies this influence and demonstrates his positive effect on his children, Jem and Scout. Throughout the novel, Atticus leads by example and provides lessons and teachings for his children to follow. His wisdom proves to be an instrumental part in the maturation and development of his children, and helps them to grow, learn, and adapt to the changing world around them. Atticus Finch teaches his children important lessons by forcing Jem read to Mrs. Dubose, remaining pacifistic, and defending Tom Robinson; therefore, he is a beneficial father and role model for his children.
Atticus Finch’s teaching shows that he is a good father to Jem and Scout because he explains things that the children don’t understand. For example, when Atticus and Scout agree that they will go on reading every night, Atticus says, “I’m afraid our activities would be received with considerable disapprobation by the more learned authorities.” Scout says, “Huh,
Atticus Finch is the only parents of ,Jeremy Finch, who is Jem Finch, and Jean Louise Finch, who also is Scout Finch. As Atticus raised his kids, he taught them by trying to show them good things such as justice and equality. Atticus have a very kind and loving relationship with his kids. One of the way that Harper Lee shows that Atticus is a good father is that how he tries teaching his kid respect, equality and justice. "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of
As a single father, he faced more problems compared with other normal families. However, because of his faith in Christ, he did not feel tired or frustrated when household affairs came before him. Atticus Finch as an icon for a great father, his parenting style should be admired and followed by all parents. He does not restrict his children from doing or joining any activities, however, he does teach his children to become mature and should put Christ as their examples. Atticus Finch used himself to become an example for his children to follow. According to the Bible, Atticus Finch is a qualified parent in God’s eye. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs
Atticus Finch displayed a notably unusual parenting style throughout the book. Atticus speaks to his children in a completely open manner, not sugarcoating anything, essentially conversing with them as honestly as he would with a fellow adult. Atticus' behavior towards his kids demonstrates the respect he feels towards them. He seems to think that they are mature enough to handle topics most people don't think are suitable for children. Not only is he open and honest with Jem and Scout, he even makes compromises and promises between them and himself, whereas other parents would have a mentality consisting more of "I have the final say in the
Atticus can’t do anything, according to Jem Finch. In Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus is feeble, nearly blind, and too old to play tackle football. Atticus differs from most fathers in Maycomb, he never plays poker or goes fishing, doesn’t drink or smoke, and likes to read alone. Although Atticus might seem quite boring compared to other fathers in Maycomb, he is considered one of the most extraordinary father and human being in modern day literature. In a time where racism and unjust biased plagued the United States and the minds of it’s citizens, Atticus sees through society 's opinions, and listens to his core values. It is this reason that Atticus is role model not only for society but his children as well. Atticus Finch 's wisdom and insightful mindset about empathy,courage and race has left a truly positive impact on Jem and Scout.
In To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee chooses to narrate the book from the perspective of Scout, who is a child. One of the themes of the book is growing up, and questioning the ways of the people in Maycomb. Scout always thought that the people in Maycomb were the best until she started to realize that a lot of them were very racist when the trial gets closer. Because she is a kid, her opinions can change more easily than those of an adult. Because she hasn’t known the people in Maycomb for as long as the adults, she can more easily accept that they have bad views, while people who have known them for a while would deny that because they’ve always thought they were a good person.
One thing that stood out was that Atticus was always encouraging Scout and Jem to become the best person they could be. Scout stated, “ I could not remember when the lines above Atticus’s moving finger separated into moving words, but I had stared at them all the evenings in my memory.” (18) This supports Atticus in the fact that he always was making sure to make time to not only teach his kids to read, but also it encouraged father and son/daughter time with his children which created an incredible bond between the family. Atticus also supported his children through their actions. Specifically, with Scout he always encouraged her to be the lady that she is and not to conform to society. Some examples would be dressing how she wants to dress and not becoming racist no matter what people say to her. With Jem, Atticus is proven to be an outstanding father because on page (272) it stated, “You heard what Scout said, there’s no doubt about it.” Shown in this quote, Atticus as a father is supportive and trusts his sons word over anyone else’s and this proves the bond and relationship between the two is stronger than anyone’s
Atticus Finch is a model father created by Harper Lee in the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird. He is an important figure in the Maycomb, Alabama Community. He raises his children, Jean Louise Finch (Scout) and Jeremy Atticus Finch (Jem) with wide sets of morals, disciplines them, and is a true role model. Atticus allows his children to be individuals and does not try to change who they are. He teaches them fairness and equality among many different types of people in Maycomb. He is always teaching his children about how their actions may affect others, then, as a result, devices punishments to teach Scout and Jem valued life lessons. In many situations, Atticus can chastise his children, but he allows them mature and notice their own mistakes
Mrs. Alexandra, from my understanding, a good parent is one who creates a safe nurturing environment for a child to grow up in, displays characteristics of a positive role model, and is an active part of a child’s life. (Atticus, look at Scout and Jem affectionately ) Good parents provide moral guidance, sets limitations, and implements consequences for a child’s behavior. (Atticus, use a ruler and slap it in your hand looking at Scout and Jem symbolizing a Spanking as punishment) Atticus is a very effective parent to Scout and Jem. I know he is constantly working; but rest assured, his children are his primary concern and he loves them very much. (Atticus, hug Scout and Jem or do something showing your love <3) Atticus finds time for his
classes or the races in the town and hates to judge people. He is a
In the past century, there have been many great novels written. One of which is Harper Lee's, 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. In the novel it introduces a prominent character who not only was a good father but also a well respected, and compassionate man. This person is Atticus Finch. Through all the struggles and pressures, he stands strong as a very positive father figure, making sure to educate his children with important values including equality, bravery, and knowledge.
What is it that shapes a person’s outlook on life as a human being? There are many aspects in peoples life that can influence the way a person looks at the world around them. For example, some huge factors that play into the way a person looks at the people and things around them are their family, their peers, and their environment. One of the many messages in To Kill a Mockingbird that the author, Harper Lee, is trying to teach the reader is that they shouldn’t judge someone until they walk around in his or hers skin.
Parenting, lauded as one of the most difficult jobs in the world, means constantly being under the scrutiny of others, including your children’s friends. This is no different for the parenting styles of Atticus Finch, Bob Ewell, and Walter Cunningham, three parents from Harper Lee’s critically acclaimed novel To Kill A Mockingbird. Three different parentings styles led to three different types of children: the curious minded, the rascals, and the respectable, showing that how a parent treats their child and others in their lives does matter.
Atticus is a great parent. He does many things that make him a great parent such as, being respectful, giving great advice, and he is very caring. To begin with, Atticus does not expect the respect of his children but earns it, this is shown many times, but the best example is when he tells Scout “We’ll go on reading as we always have.” (pg.41) he is showing he respects Scout because he believes she is smart enough to read and agrees more with Scout than her teacher. Secondly, he gives them great advice, when Scout is upset about her teacher telling her not to read, Atticus tells her that she will get along with people better if she can climb into their skin and walk around in it. He makes her understand what is happening in her life and resolves her issue. Lastly, Atticus is very caring.