Atticus Finch Quotes In To Kill A Mockingbird

Models With Morals: Atticus’ Positive Influence on Scout Childhood innocence is fleeting—when the world is no longer simply teddy bears and rainbows, the mind of a child seeks guidance. In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, a young girl by the name of Scout grows up in the narrow minded town of Maycomb, Alabama. While the Great Depression wreaks havoc on southern farmers, racism runs rampant as the poor white man attempts to assert his non-existent superiority over the black community. With her father defending a black man accused of rape in an upcoming trial, Scout becomes surrounded by more negativity and hate than ever before. Lost and confused, Scout finds herself looking up to the only parent she has—Atticus Finch. Through the admirable
Cunningham, Tom Robinson, and Jem. When Atticus helps Mr. Cunningham with his entailment, he is fully aware of Mr. Cunningham’s inability to pay him back by conventional means. Mr. Cunningham proclaims that he “[doesn’t] know when [he’ll] ever be able to pay [Atticus],” but Atticus is confident that “before the year’s out, [he]’ll have been paid” (27). Knowing that Mr. Cunningham can’t pay him, Atticus has no reason to offer his help. However, he does it anyway out of the kindness of his heart, without any expectation of reward. He helps the Cunninghams simply because it is the right thing to do. Similarly, when Tom Robinson is accused of rape, Atticus takes the case without complaint, even if doing so damages his reputation. He explains that “before [he] can live with other folks, [he’s] got to live with [him]self” (140). His principles are more important to him than his reputation, and he doesn’t let other people pressure him into violating them. At Scout’s age, many of her peers will try to pressure her into doing things she shouldn’t do. Learning that what others think of her is not critical to her well-being is an invaluable lesson that will benefit her later in life. Finally, Atticus believes firmly in abiding by the law, even when it comes to his son. Near the end of the book, Atticus thinks that Jem killed Bob Ewell and insists that it “[go]
When Ms. Caroline’s failures as a teacher start to discourage Scout, Atticus persuades her to continue going to school with a bargain. He suggests that if she’ll continue going to school, then “[they’ll] go on reading every night, just as [they] always have” (41). He makes reading seem like a privilege—a reward for going to school—and convinces her to continue her education. Also, his use of the phrase “every night” suggests that it will be a long-term commitment. Furthermore, Atticus makes it clear to Scout that school is not optional. When Scout proclaims that she will not be going to school anymore because she doesn’t feel well, Atticus responds with a “dose of magnesia for you tonight and school tomorrow” (39). Atticus shows that he can see through her act, he is also making a point; school is not something Scout escape easily. Whereas “not feeling well” may persuade Atticus to allow Scout stay home from family gatherings and other casual occasions, school is essential to Scout’s education. Lastly, Atticus uses the Ewells as an example for why Scout must go to school if she wants to learn. The Ewells never show “the faintest sign of wanting an education,” which is why they don’t go to school and are content to “live like animals” and be the “disgrace of Maycomb county” (40). The Ewells don’t go to school simply because they don’t want to, but Scout asks