Atticus Finch is the pillar of strength that holds the novel together. He is not only the source of strength for the novel itself, but also for his children and the community of Maycomb.

an innocent black man, but instead of being respected and lauded, he is ostracized by society “…”. The bad treatment he receives spills over to his children as well. His own children, Jem and Scout were even once embarrassed of him because he was older than the other fathers, that he does not hunt or fish, and they felt that he never achieved anything of significance. Atticus is a humble and modest man who preferred not to show off his talents. “pg 98” Atticus is shown to be a righteous man who opposes violence, and he teaches his children the same principles that he himself believes in. He does so in a gentle manner, without using any force, choosing to let his children learn through experience. For example, on one occasion, Scout refuses to attend a\school because she felt that she was being mistreated by her teacher and that it was no use going to school as she was not learning anything. Instead of forcing Scout to attend school, Atticus reasoned with her by negotiating a deal, in which if Scout agreed to go to school, he will spend time reading with her nightly from then on. “page 31” This demonstrates his fairness and patience. As he continues to be shunned by the people of Maycomb, Atticus maintained his dignity and did allow himself to be swayed by the townsfolk’s’ prejudice. Atticus believed in the virtues of understanding and sympathy and he teaches his children not to bear any grudges against the very people who have treated them unfairly. By depicting Atticus as such a good man with such an exemplary character, the author evokes a feeling of sympathy in the reader every time Atticus is treated badly by the townsfolk and shown the lack of respect that he deserves. On the one occasion where Atticus chooses not to fight back, and instead accepts the insults “pg216-217“calmly and with dignity, the feeling of sympathy is stirred up. Atticus Finch is therefore a man of virtue and it is his principles and faith in mankind that leads him to try to protect an innocent black man, so as to not “kill a mockingbird”.