For example, in court when Atticus is questioning Mayella Ewell, he calls her “Miss” and “Ma’am”. At first Mayella thinks that Atticus is “makin’ fun o’” her when he is so polite. However, this is not the case at all. Atticus is simply acting in his usual manner and Mayella is not used to being treated in this kind way, and so therefore takes it as an insult. Judge Taylor is the one to clarify this situation and, being a personal friend of Atticus’s, knows his conduct very well. Also, at the end of the novel, where Arthur “Boo” Radley saves his children, Atticus is well mannered even though he does not know him very well. It is this courteous nature and considerate attitude that people respect.
But this trait stretches to smaller things as well, which shows how decent Atticus is. When Jem and Scout are playing in the snow, they manage to eventually construct a snowman. Very proud of their efforts, the children rush to tell Atticus of their achievement, only to be told that they have “committed a near libel in the front yard”, because the snowman resembled a neighbour, Mr. Avery. Not wanting to hurt his feelings, Atticus suggests that they should disguise him in some way, to avoid Mr. Avery jumping to conclusions. Atticus once again shows his caring side.
Atticus's unique relationship with Scout and Jem is built on equality and respect, and helps to create his ‘ideal father’ character. The simple act of calling him “Atticus” and not “Dad” brings Scout and Jem to the same level as Atticus, showing that they are people, not children.
“Jem protested, then pleaded, and Atticus said,
‘All right, you can come with us if you stay in the car’”.
By allowing Jem and Dill to accompany him and Calpurnia to tell Mrs. Robinson about Tom's death, Atticus demonstrates his respect for Jem and Dill, and his faith in their maturity. This is also reflected in his treatment of the Black people in the town. Maycomb is a prejudiced town, where Black’s are considered the lowest of the low and this is reflected in the jobs that they do, such as slaving for the White people.
Another of Atticus’s assets is his gentleman-like attitude. He is always very polite and respectful of everyone – no matter what their social class, status, age, gender or race. The first example of this is when Walter Cunningham comes to dinner one night. The Cunningham family are not very well off and therefore young Walter is not used to eating a formal meal, let alone eating at all. When Walter tips Molasses all over his dinner, Atticus does not bat an eyelid because he knows full well the situation of the Cunningham’s. Although Scout does too, she does not understand that it was not to be made a fuss over and was promptly taken out to the kitchen to be given a good talking to!
Another neighbour of the family is Mrs. Dubose, a Morphine addict. Atticus is always courteous to her, as he understands her problem, whereas the children do not. He always greets her with “Good evening Mrs. Dubose!” and compliments her saying; “You look like a picture tonight”. Scout and Jem do not understand his friendly attitude towards their “vicious” neighbour, but soon learn that all is not what it seems in the Dubose household and have much respect for Atticus when the truth is discovered.
“‘Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father’s passin’’”
This is said by Reverend Sykes at the end of the trial, when Atticus is walking out of the courthouse. His equal treatment of Black people is very much respected by the Black community of the town and they admire him for even trying to defend Tom Robinson. Atticus always knew that Tom was innocent but die to the prejudice of the town, realised that he didn’t have a chance of winning the case.
All in all, Atticus' role in the book is one of the most important. His children are at a very crucial point in their lives, with a lot going on around them. He is the one who acts as his children's consciences, helping them to develop their own. Though his actions are very low-key, many of his thoughts and ideas are very revolutionary for his time. Though times are hard and there is a lot of pressure to just give up, Atticus does not give up on his children and he makes sure to impose on them his standards for living. He makes sure his children will plant in their hearts the seeds of education, bravery, and acceptance
