Atticus Finch character analysis

Authors Avatar

Written Handout

Biopoem

Atticus

Unbiased, humble, understanding, a wise gentleman who exemplifies whatever he teaches

Father of Jem and Scout, brother of Alexandra Finch, descendant of Simon Finch

Lover of equality, justice, and quiet reading time

Who feels everyone is equal, everyone deserves a fair trial, and that true courage does not refer to marksmanship alone

Who needs to care for his health, his children’s help, and more confidence in himself

Who fears that he is a terrible father, that the racism of society will grow, and that the defenseless will be abused and exploited

Who gives moral advice, needed moral support, and protection to Maycomb

Who would like to see less of his sister’s prejudiced opinions, an unbiased society, and reason and truth reigning over blind ignorance and prejudiced mindsets

Resident of Maycomb, Alabama

Finch

Personality traits and relationship with others

Atticus is one of the most prominent citizens in Maycomb, and is relatively well off in a time of widespread poverty. His penetrating intelligence, calm wisdom, courage, humility, lack of prejudice, and strong sense of justice, causes him to be respected by everyone, including the very poor.

        Atticus’ intelligence is portrayed during the trail, when he is able to deduce that Tom Robinson is guilty, from the facts that Bob Ewell did not call a doctor, Tom Robinson’s left hand is useless, Bob Ewell is left handed, and the bruises were mainly concentrated on the right side of Mayella’s face.

        Atticus’ calm wisdom is demonstrated during the mad dog incident, as he does not panic, but instead focuses on hitting is mark: Tim Johnson. When he faces a lynch mob, he remains calm, and does not become very agitated. Although Bob Ewell disgraces him by spitting on him, he does not retaliate, but instead “took out his handkerchief and wiped his face”, and “let Mr Ewell call him names”.

Atticus exemplifies his strong moral courage and sense of justice when he does not refuse to take up Tom Robinson’s case although it costs him his reputation. Although he is certain he will lose the case, he feels that just because he was “licked a hundred years before we (he) started is no reason for us (him) not to try to win”. His strong sense of justice provokes him to try his best to defend Tom Robinson and to prove Bob and Mayella Ewell guilty, regardless of what the townspeople, or even his own family, may think or feel.

Join now!

        Throughout the novel, Atticus seems to demonstrate his lack of prejudice, be it racial or social. In contrast to what other people think, he feels that “you’ll(Jem and Scout) see white men cheating black men everyday of your life...no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that white man is trash”, and that “there’s nothing more sickening than a low-grade white man who’ll take advantage of a Negro’s ignorance.” He shows his lack of social prejudice when he, unlike Aunt Alexandra, permits Scout and Jem to play with Walter Cunningham.

...

This is a preview of the whole essay