Similarities Between To Kill A Mockingbird And Today

Whatever happened to family values? Good old fashioned honesty, respect, caring and commitment? Today, nearly half of the families in Australia have been shattered by divorce, children are home alone while single parents work, crime is commonplace and truth is relative. Has today’s society allowed us to dictate our values and standards in our own home? In To Kill a Mockingbird, family is destiny. To Kill a Mockingbird tells the story of lawyer Atticus Finch, who defends a black man accused of raping and beating a white woman but even through this hard time still has the ability to see past the ill in people and teaches his children the same qualities. The novel explores the moral nature of human beings and demonstrates how families have a strong
It seems Atticus Finch had a different parenting style than those of this era. Atticus is certainly the most exemplary father. As a widower in the 1930s, he could have sent his children off to a distant relative, but instead was absolutely devoted to them. Atticus is a great role model to his children as he acts of his own words. They look up to him not only as a father, but a teacher and friend. He is kind, protective and incredibly patient with Jem and Scout. Atticus was firm but fair and always looking for an opportunity to expand his children’s empathy, to impart a bit of wisdom and help them become good people – which he did undoubtedly. Atticus is affectionate with his children; available to spend time reading and there ready for a hug when they need comfort; something many parents in today’s society don’t have time for or can’t be bothered
This kind of home life no longer exists today, when both parents believe they need to work 12hr shifts every day in order to provide everyone with the necessities of life. The children are left to fend for themselves or spend more time day-care centres than with their own parents. This family disconnection only leaves society and the media accountable for raising the children.
In the 1930s, family dinners were an occasion to sit down with family members, enjoy a home-cooked meal and discuss life. Children were expected to be at the dinner at a certain time and to eat what was in front of them. It was a time of the day when the rest of the world stopped and the focus was entirely on the family. Good morals and values relevant to the happenings of the day were discussed and taught to children at this time. But dining at the table with family lost its priority as dinner in front of the television became