All the characters in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee have their own interesting characteristics, but Atticus is the most intriguing. Atticus is a generous, judgmental, and wise man. He is the foundation for Jem and Scout.
Lee has a bright way of showing that Atticus is a generous man. He is respected by his kids and by mostly everyone in Maycomb County. “When Jem an‘ I fuss Atticus doesn’t ever just listen to Jem’s side of it, he hears mine too” (88). These kids learn a lot from Atticus. Monkey see, Monkey do. They see Atticus and they want to be like him. His generosity changes their lives. When he leaves the earth one day they’re going to remember their fathers’ generosity. Most parents in Maycomb are young and able to play with their kids, but not Atticus. He isn’t the youngest parent, but he teaches his kids things other parents can’t.
Not only is Atticus generous, but he’s also judgment. He doesn’t expect Jem and Scout to respect him. He gives them a reason to respect him. “We were accustomed to prompt, if not always cheerful acquiescence to Atticus’s instructions, but from the way he stood Jem was not thinking of budging” (154). He isn’t a bad parent, he just knows what’s best for Jem and Scout. This proves he’s judgmental because he isn’t a hypocrite: he means what he says, and lives how he thinks. Most people can’t say that.
On top of all those he is also wise. He is constantly banging life lessons into Jem and Scout. “He turned out the light and went into Jem’s room. He would be there all night, and he would be there when Jem waked up in the morning” (285). This proves how wise he is because he is teaching the kids how to live life not worrying what tomorrow brings. Being able to live with Atticus makes you wiser and able to see the wrongs of people. He is just an amazing person. He shows that you can’t always win (like the Tom Robinson case), but you can still fight.
Atticus Finch may not be the youngest dad for Jem and Scout, but he has a slight advantage over the other parents for he is wise, judgmental, and generous. He will leave something for that the other parents could give them which is experience to the real world.
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