The role and influence of Atticus Finch in Harper Lee's novel TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

In Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch is a significant character as he is a white man who stands up for a black man in a time of racial prejudice and a strong hatred for negroes. He influences the views of the people of Maycomb, and his children's development in the story. Atticus made an impression on me, as throughout the story he stands firm in his beliefs, and ultimately wins back the respect of society and his children.

Before the trial of Tom Robinson, a black man convicted of raping a white girl, Atticus was one of the most prominent citizens in Maycomb. The story is set in the 1930's during the Great Depression. In a time of widespread poverty, Atticus is relatively well off, however because of his calmness, wisdom and behaviour, he is respected by everyone, even the very poor. He functions as the moral backbone of Maycomb, and is a person to whom others turn to in times of need. "He knew people, they knew him" But it is the conscience that makes him so respected that drives the people of Maycomb to reject Atticus so cruelly. Unable to live with the systematic racial prejudice, he agrees to defend a Tom Robinson in court. This leaves Atticus as a victim of Maycomb's inability to cope with the idea of a black man deserving a fair trial and he is "spat on" by society and called names such as "nigger lover". Despite the cruelty and malice directed at him, Atticus never holds a grudge against the people of Maycomb. When he says to his daughter Scout "you never really know a man until you crawl into his skin and walk around in it" I realised that it is this ability to see things from another person's point of view, which enables Atticus to always see the good things in people.

It is ironic, however, that although in the novel Atticus is a heroic figure, and is a respected man in Maycomb, neither Jem or Scout appreciate their father at the beginning of the novel. Both are embarrassed by him because he is older than most fathers, and do not recognise his courage and wisdom as they cannot see past the fact that he does not hunt or fish. However, Atticus' wise parenting leaves his two children with some valuable lessons and morals to guide them. He teaches them, through the example of Mrs Dubose, an old lady who is overcoming a drug addiction despite the fact that she is dying, that real courage is not a man with a gun in his hand, but it is when there is no hope of a victory and you carry on anyway. Through this lesson the children are able to realise that Atticus too is courageous, as he takes the consequences for his decision to defend Tom Robinson without complaint, and although he knows he doesn't have a hope of winning the case, he tries anyway. By the end of the story, both his children are fiercely devoted to Atticus, and it is clear that he knew what they required in order to appreciate him. "Before Jem looks at anyone else he looks at me, and I've tried to live so I can look squarely back at him".

While the opinions of his children and the people of Maycomb change frequently throughout the story Atticus remains consistent in his believes, morals and actions. He does not develop in the novel but retains his qualities in equal measure. Atticus understands that although he does not have a hope of winning the trial, it has an influence on society and it is a contribution to the changing views. "We're making a step, it's just a baby step, but it's a step". He stands out from the other characters in the story because of this, and he had an impact on me as he makes clear the message that prejudice is wrong, but with tolerance and understanding it can be overcome.