Journal #3
I am reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and I am on page 117. This book is about Scout, Dill, and Jem who get into some trouble while messing with the Radley’s. Their neighbor, Miss Maudie’s house burns down, and in the process they learn some things about their neighbors. The town is upset about Atticus defending Tom Robinson, a Negro, and the family dynamics at Christmas dinner end with lots of yelling and chaos. In this journal, I will be evaluating and connecting.
G- I am evaluating Atticus’ parenting style Y- Atticus is very attentive and and protective R- Constantly checking on them - Watches them play from the porch - Watches from the
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Also, at night if Atticus wakes up, he will more than likely get up and check on Jem and Scout. An example of Atticus is very protective is that Atticus always does his best to make sure his kids are happy and safe. One way to show that is when it was very cold outside; Atticus put more coal in the fire and put blankets on Jem and Scout to warm them up. Atticus also asks multiple questions before or after Jem and Scout do something like where they were, or what they were doing to make sure they are staying out of trouble. Lastly, Atticus always keeps a very close eye on his kids, especially Scout because they are really all he has,and Atticus would like to always keep them safe. Another asset of Atticus’ parenting skill is that he disciplines Jem and Scout in a way that if very effective, and helpful. The reason why his parenting is effective is that he uses his words, never violence. Jem said that he has never gotten spanked, so Atticus probably does not like using violence on Jem and Scout. Also, Atticus yells at his kids if they are doing anything bad to get them to realize what they are doing wrong. Lastly, when Atticus gets mad, he is strict enough to get Jem and Scout to listen to him, but not too strict that it is mean. Atticus is also a very wise man, so whenever he has the opportunity to share something with Jem and Scout, he does, and it is usually when they get in trouble and it
1) Discuss Atticus’s parenting style. What is his relationship to his children like? How does he seek to instill conscience in them?
A potential flaw Atticus had as a parent was that he over trusted devious people and was perhaps a little careless and under cautious. The best example of this was when he allowed Jem and Scout to go to the Halloween party alone. Even though Atticus thought Bob Ewell was not a threat, he still should have attended the party with the children just to be safe or even send them with Aunt Alexandria. Even if Bob Ewell was not going to harm the children, there would still be a chance that Bob Ewell would show up and verbally harass the children, so it was rather careless on Atticus’ part to let the children go alone. After Bob Ewell attacked Jem and Scout, Atticus admitted to Heck Tate that he thought Bob Ewell’s threats were empty
Although deemed by most to be a good parent, Atticus’ lack of supervision affects his children Scout and Jem and even exposes them to danger. Atticus is not a perfect father. He has a full time job that restricts him from being around his kids for most of the day and also puts them in a dangerous position. When Atticus agreed to take on the ‘Tom Robinson case’ he knew full well that he was going to have a lot of tension with people, and even though he did the the right thing by defending an innocent man despite his colour, some may argue that he puts his beliefs before the welfare of his children. This puts the kids in danger because Atticus while losing the case still makes Bob Ewell embarrassed by being shown up like the way he was. This causes a hatred that provokes Bob to hurt Atticus in the deepest possible way, by attacking his children. It was Atticus’ call to decide that he would send Jem to the pageant instead of himself, and that was what ultimately gave Mr. Ewell his chance to get back at Atticus. This shows that Atticus is not the perfect father, if there is such a thing, but proves that even Atticus has flaws or faults to foresee
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,
I am reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and I am on page 36. This book is about the Finch family, which consists of the main character Scout, her older brother, Jem, and their father, Atticus. Every summer, their friend Dill visits Jem and Scout. The family’s cook, Calpurnia, spends time watching the children. The story takes place during the Great Depression, in a small town in Maycomb, Alabama. So far, the children are fascinated with their recluse neighbor, Boo Radley. They are trying to make him come out of his house. In this journal, I am predicting and evaluating.
However, the kids are not quick to accepting people most of the time. Without Atticus being there to guide them along the path of righteousness, Jem and Scout would be just like any other kid in Maycomb. When the kids are confused as to why Atticus was trying to do the ethical thing and defend Tom, Miss Maudie has to explain to them that he was making "baby steps in the right direction" (183). When Jem is still absent minded about the ordeal, Miss Maudie says, "I simply want to tell you that there are some men in this world who were born to do our unpleasant jobs for us. Your father's one of them.' 'Oh,' said Jem. 'Well.' 'Don't you oh well me, sir,' Miss Maudie replied, recognizing Jem's fatalistic noises, 'you are not old enough to appreciate what I said'" (183). The kids are impetuous to judge people, like Boo Radley, and Atticus has to stand up for him against the children. Even if Scout and Jem do a good deed of exemplifying equality, they are following by Atticus' admirable example since he is their father and they live under his influence.
Atticus is a wise father and helps his children accept people no matter how they look or act. This is evident when he says “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.” (Lee 33). Throughout the novel, Jem and Scout mature at different paces. Atticus guides his children as they begin to grow and mature. “It ain’t right, Atticus,” said Jem.” “No son, It’s not right.” (Lee 243). When Atticus lost the case, Jem expressed how he felt. He had tears on his face. Here was a turning point for Jem because he was old enough to understand the case. Atticus comforted him and agreed it was not right. Atticus shows affection towards his children when they saved him from trouble with “the mob”. “As they passed under a streetlight, Atticus reached out and massaged Jem’s hair, his one gesture of affection.” (Lee 176). At first, Atticus may have been frustrated with his children being at the office. Then, their innocence saved him. Atticus has many characteristics and is a loving father. Atticus displays a valuable lesson about equality and fairness for his children.
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
“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”. Discuss this quote from Atticus in relation to 3 characters from the novel.
classes or the races in the town and hates to judge people. He is a
The relationship between Atticus and his children is of an unusual sort for the 1930s because he not only engages with them, which was unusual alone, but he shows love and affection, too. He does the parental duties that you would more expect from the twenty-first century rather than the 1930s which was a time when black maids would bring up your children. Fathers rarely interacted with their children as their role was only to provide for the family. However, Scout says that he “played” with them and “read” to them. He comforted her when she was distressed as she “crawled into his lap,” and he “rocked” her gently. They are fond of each other and seem to enjoy each other’s company. He also treats them with “courteous detachment,” which tells the reader that Atticus respects his children and that he has a balance of work/home life. He is also interested in his
He then holds them responsible for what they do and say. Although his ways are different than the societal standards, Atticus’s involvement with his children is effective for discipline. He does not always discipline them in the same manner, but does so in ways fitting to the circumstances. Atticus chooses particular words to express exactly what his children need to hear in order to mend their ways. Often, he simply expresses his disappointment. Sometimes, he uses firm reprimanding. Once, we see Atticus use his keen intellect, employing what Scout calls “the oldest lawyer’s trick on record” (50) so that Jem admits to “putting [Mr. Radley’s] life’s history on display for the edification of the neighborhood” (49), as Atticus describes it. Scout’s father teaches by example countless times when he reminds her that “it ain’t time to worry yet” (70), even when a fire threatens to sweep away all of their belongings. In addition to his honest discussions with Scout and Jem, Atticus gives them many profound lessons through his intentional interactions with others.
“To Kill a Mockingbird”, an acclaimed novel by Harper Lee, is recognized throughout the world. The novel follows a lawyer and his children prior to and during a legal case to defend a black male. That lawyers name is Atticus Finch. Atticus Finch is not just an ordinary father. He teaches his children things no parent of the 1930s, or even the modern time period, would think of doing. His style parenting, compared to modern day parenting and parenting in the 1930s, is unique and is not traditionally the way a parent wants to raise their child.
What defines a good parent? Who defines a good parenting style? Society, through parenting books and magazines, has discussed this at length, and there are obviously varied opinions. There are certain attributes that are generally used consistently to define a good parenting style. It is not discipline or respect, but the characteristics that stand out for a good parent are trust, love, listening and understanding. Love gives confidence and makes people what they want to be. In Harper Lee’s book “To Kill a Mockingbird”, these key attributes are used to define the parenting style of Atticus, the father of the 2 children, Jem and Scout. I believe that the author has defined a good parent as someone who loves his/her children unconditionally, communicates openly with them, someone who is there for them, some one who teaches good morals and values, and someone who shows them right from wrong. Harper Lee has intelligently demonstrated these characteristics by contrasting the parenting styles of Atticus (the good parent) vs. Bob Ewell, who plays the role of the antagonist in the book, and is portrayed as a bad parent. Both of these men are single parents, and the book therefore does not have much opportunity to view the role of the mother in the upbringing of the children. To illustrate this, the author has cleverly used the examples of 2 women, Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra, to share her thoughts on the importance of a woman’s role in a child’s life. Though these women
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.