Top-Rated Free Essay
Preview

To Kill a Mockingbird

Good Essays
873 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
To Kill a Mockingbird
BookRags Student Essay

Atticus Finch Was a Role Model Ahead of His Time

For the online version of Atticus Finch Was a Role Model Ahead of His Time Essay, including complete copyright information, please visit:

Atticus Finch Was a Role Model Ahead of His Time Essay

Atticus Finch a citizen of Maycomb during the 1930's was a role model ahead of his time. He had some advanced beliefs on life with the following downfall; the people of Maycomb simply did not understand these futuristic thoughts he possessed. Atticus should have been the most outstanding role model as he was not racially prejudice, also not socially prejudice, then he was the perfect parent with polished parenting techniques and finally he was the flawless citizen with good values, morals and principles.

Atticus Finch was a firm believer in equilibrium. During the novel, he was faced with the toughest challenge; defending Tom Robinson, who was an innocent Negro, charged with the raping of a white girl. "Every lawyer gets one case in his lifetime that affects him personally. This is mine." Atticus put his heart and soul into this case, desperately trying to make people give him a fair trial, "in our courts all men are created equal." Even though Tom was charged with rape, Atticus has presented the strongest possible case possible and at least the jury would have gone home thinking `did I really make the right decision?' Atticus also knew that in his lifetime that people wouldn't get rid of their racist beliefs, "In our courts, when it's a white man's word against a black man's, the white man always mins. They're ugly, ut those are the facts of life." If it wasn't for people like Atticus, people who didn't judge you on your appearance

Another reason to why Atticus was somebody that should have been looked up to by the Maycombe citizen was because he simply wasn't socially prejudice. This quality was something that his sister Alexandra did not possess. When Scout asked Aunt Alexandra if she could invite Walter Cunningham, a nice but poor boy to dinner, she made some nasty comments something Atticus would never do. "They're not our kind of folk... The thing is, you can scrub Walter Cunningham till he shines you can put him in shoes and a new suit, but he'll never be like Jem. Finch women aren't interested in that sort of people... He is trash, that's why you can't play with him." There is a distinct difference in the views that Atticus and Alexandra have on the Cunningham family. Atticus was always kind and gave people respect. He believed that the Cunningham family were people you should respect highly, he didn't judge them on their social status, he judged them on who they were as people, this being another predominate reason why people should of looked up to him more.

Atticus was a fine example of the perfect parent. He was the single parent of his two kids; Jem and hot-tempered Scout. Atticus was patient, understanding, never talked down to his children, explained the truth in all occasions and was always somebody Scout and Gem could look up to. "When a child asks you something, answer him, for goodness sake. But don't make a production of it." This was a short piece Atticus gave to his younger brother. Atticus was also clever in the way he choose to parent his children. An example of this was shown when Scout went through a stage of despising school and refused to go. Atticus could have done a numerous things in this situation but he did something very clever, he made a compromise with her. "If you'll concede the necessity of going to school, we'll go on reading every night just as we always have. Is it a bargain?" It certainly was! Atticus was also the person Gem and Scout could look up to, and aspire to be like. "Atticus is a gentlemen just like me!" His children were under-way to understanding the greatness of Atticus, but they were not fully there yet, as Atticus simply was a role model ahead of his time.

Atticus was just made up perfect attributes. He was the flawless citizen, with the best possible morals, values and principles. At the beginning of the novel his children thought he was too old, boring and didn't have an exciting job like a garbage truck man. But after a grim experience with a dog with rabies his children thought different. One-Shot-Atticus was revealed, "Atticus Finch was the deadest shot in Maycomb County in his time... If your father's anything, he's civilised in his heart. Shooting is different from playing the pion or he like. I think maybe he put his gun down when he realised that God had given him an unfair advantage over most living things. I guess he decided he wouldn't shoot till he had to, and he had to today." These were the wise words of Miss Maudie, who was equivalent to the female version of Atticus, and perhaps was the only person who completely understood his advanced beliefs on life.

In conclusion the verdict remains that Atticus was a role model ahead of his time.

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Better Essays

    No matter which conditions they grow up in, almost all children and adolescents have someone that they want to be like. They have someone that inspires them and pushes them to do their best all the time so that one day; those children can achieve their dreams about becoming like their role model. In Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch is an ideal role model to his children, Jem and Scout Finch. He is someone who shows them how to stand up for what you believe in, someone who teaches valuable lessons, and someone who treats everyone equally.…

    • 1493 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is a book based on family and good relations. Most of the book is founded off of position, physical and mental traits, and racism.One of the main characters of the book was a man named Atticus Finch and he was well known in Maycomb. Atticus was a very influential person in To Kill A Mockingbird and his role and relationships in Maycomb were key points in the story.One of his most important relationships Atticus had would be the relationship he had with his community. The roles of Atticus in To Kill A Mockingbird affected everyone and this is why he was such an influential person in the story.…

    • 643 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Atticus Finch is a single father with two young children. Since he is an only parent, he has to be an inspiring role model, which he is. He also has the ability to understand and emphasize for others. An example of…

    • 1086 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    To Kill a Mockingbird

    • 862 Words
    • 4 Pages

    The life of an author can greatly influence and inspire their work. In the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, Scout 's life, the protagonist, parallels Lee 's life in many ways, such as from the similar mischievous personality, rape case, and the familiar setting of where the character was born, which gives background information. It is clear from these many similarities how Lee 's own life is influential and reflected in her work.…

    • 862 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Atticus Finch

    • 403 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Everyone needs a role model in life, someone to teach them morals and lessons. In To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch just happens to be the perfect role model for not only his own children but the entire Maycomb County. He sets examples not only as lawyer, but as a father and teaches his children the necessary morals to function as model citizens in society.…

    • 403 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Why is Atticus a hero?

    • 451 Words
    • 2 Pages

    In the Novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Atticus Finch is portrayed as a truly unique individual. Atticus is a morally bound intelligent lawyer who believes in true justice for all. As a father, he puts a lot of emphasis on being an excellent role model for his children. The acts of heroism displayed by Atticus are firmly entwined with his beliefs about right and wrong. Even if it means discomfort for him, he prefers to follow his conscience and do the right thing.…

    • 451 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Atticus Finch is one of the most prominent and respected people in the town who has strong views on courage. His role in the story serves as a moral backbone and fatherly figure to his children.…

    • 912 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    To Kill a Mockingbird

    • 1195 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Courageous people are the individuals that are influential and our role models. These people are known to be brave, confident and gallant. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, Jem and Scout understand the true nature of courage by observing many characters in the novel who clearly demonstrate this theme. Courage is shown through the actions of Mrs. Dubose, Arthur (Boo) Radley and most importantly Atticus.…

    • 1195 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Atticus Finch is a selfless man. Within the story we read the scene where Atticus is willing to stick up for an innocent black man. In that time period, the 1930s, that was a very uncommon thing, even if he was innocent. He sits in front of a prison in the middle of the night when he knew that people were coming to kill Tom Robinson. “Atticus stepped back and looked up. ‘They’ve gone,’ he said. ‘Get some sleep,Tom. They won’t bother you any more”(206). This quote tells you…

    • 403 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    He is always kind and courageous. He stands up for what he believes in. He would never hurt anyone and he stands up for people who cannot help themselves. The kindness and selflessness that the character shows in the book demonstrates how Maycomb sees him as a person. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird she introduces the character of Atticus Finch and his Maycomb neighbors; his interactions with these others reveal common truths about respect, standing up for what is right, and integrity.…

    • 383 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Atticus Finch is one of the most respected and well known men in Maycomb, Alabama. In Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill A Mockingbird” the character Atticus Finch is criticized openly throughout the story, but still well respected. He was courageous, kind, and generous.…

    • 577 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Atticus Finch Bravery

    • 774 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Atticus Finch portrays self-control, bravery, and difference in Harper Lee’s, To Kill A Mockingbird. Atticus is a very amazing character in the book. He teaches his children life lessons in an unique way, compared to the rest of Maycomb. There is a lot to learn about him, ranging from understanding the shortcomings of people to courage. Atticus is one of the few characters in To Kill A Mockingbird that is even-handed about African Americans throughout the entire story. Atticus stands up for what he believes in and does not let the other people of Maycomb affect his decisions. He is a true role model for Maycomb as a whole.…

    • 774 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Most people have somebody that they have faith and courage in. Someone who they can rely on in about every situation. In Harper Lee’s book To Kill a Mockingbird, Miss Maudie says, “Whether Maycomb knows it or not, we’re paying the highest tribute we can pay a man. We trust him to do right. It’s that simple” (316). When the citizens are in need of somebody to help, the town of Maycomb always searches for Atticus Finch because they know he is the perfect man for any task that he is called upon to endeavor. The best way to honor the sacrifice of Atticus Finch is for readers to believe in him as well. Atticus is a man who risks his reputation in order to prove a man’s innocence. Throughout the book, Atticus is perceived as a role model because…

    • 1844 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Many people have thought this to be the greatest book. Throughout Harper’s Lee How to kill a mockingbird, Atticus a main character and a single father raising two children diligently every day. He has many notable standards, which he has never been led astray by worldly thoughts, but steadfast in the laws which he believes strongly in. He shares many different ideas than the small community of Maycomb where he resides in. Always striving teach his children a code for living and keeping his family safe from the dangers that lurk around. Atticus as single father of two, he demonstrates abundantly the characteristics of being Noble, brave, and wise. Holding these characteristic close to his heart, he lives day to day shining God’s light.…

    • 625 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Whether it be a fictional character or an everyday good samaritan, everyone has encountered a heroic figure in their life. Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird, weaves this concept into her writing. She gives the novel’s protagonist, Atticus, strong morals and values to highlight his subtle heroism throughout multiple tribulations. In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch’s heroism is shown by Lee characterizing him as selfless, hardworking, and committed.…

    • 761 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays