Discuss how good Atticus is as a father.

International Baccalaureate World Literature

Discuss how good Atticus is as a father

Atticus Finch, the father of the protagonist Scout Finch in the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”, is a respected wise man and devoted father, valued in his community for his firm notion of justice and equality. Though his parenting style could was regarded by some as rather unusual and somewhat liberal within the context of their society, it is his devotion to his children which moves him to develop their consciences, transmitting his ideals of sympathy and understanding. The results are two children with an unbreakable firmness in ethics who can acknowledge the evil in the world while still believing in the goodness of people.

Atticus educates his children with patience understanding and honesty. This moves him to treat them as equals, and thus, as adults, answering their questions accordingly. This is possibly the reason why he insists on having them call him Atticus. This way, he takes advantage of every opportunity to pass on valuable lessons, without actually imposing rules. This is exemplified when Scout refuses to go to school. He teaches her that “(she) must obey the law”, unlike the Ewells who only attended the first day, because “they had been the disgrace of Maycomb for three generations. None of then had done an honest day’s work in his recollection”. Though stating clearly that Mr. Ewell “will never change his ways”, his children can return to school at any time; “when they show the faintest symptom of wanting an education”. Atticus shoes Scout the Ewell children are not a lost cause, but at the same time explains her she must not underestimate them, regardless of their impoverished situation. Furthermore, through this example, Atticus gives a solid case of why she must attend school though being unfairly restricted from reading, so he cleverly agrees to keep reading to her every night. This shows Atticus’ ability to put himself in his children’s shoes and treat them as individuals instead of underestimating their learning capacity and reasoning as other parents would when limiting themselves to commanding their children. This gives an opportunity to Atticus to teach Scout how to behave accordingly but still aware of the reasons why she should. Atticus is raising two children which will be thus able to separate what they have been told is right and what they believe is right in their minds and their hearts and follow the latter with fervour, as he shoes to do when accepting to defend Tom Robinson later in the plot. However, he is also explaining, especially to Scout, that some of the rules in their society are there for a good reason, like attending school. They must also respect other’s opinions and sometimes, even honourably tolerate them and accept them as when Scout’s teacher prohibits her from reading. Atticus aims to educate his children cleverly: he does not enforce rules, but rather teaches them why these rules exist, so they too can become valuable, rational and sensible human beings.

At the same time, he acknowledges that Jem and Scout are still children who can make childish assumptions and mistakes. Most importantly, he understands that it is part of their childish nature to be stubborn and selfish. Atticus demonstrates insightful understanding of child psychology and behaviour when he tells Scout to ignore Jem when he does not want to leave the tree house, letting go of his obstinate conduct as he later goes down on his own. Atticus lets Jem be stubborn but ignores him until he understands it is an unfit way to behave. This gives him enough freedom to develop his individuality and ideology if they choose not to follow his. Atticus treats Jem and Scout with care and love, but still remains a solid authority without seeming too strict. Hence, his children are not intimidated by him and trust him, keeping a close relationship.

On the other hand, though granting Scout and Jem proper independence had a favourable outcome, the experiences Atticus exposed his children to precocious and potentially traumatizing situations his children. He taught them without shame or prudery; a decision he defended proudly, as we can see when he reproaches his brother Jack when he did not tell Scout what a whore-lady was: “When a child asks you something, answer him, for Goodness’ sake. But don’t make a production of it. Children are children, but they can spot evasion quicker than adults, and evasion simply muddles ‘em.” (Page 93) A clear illustration of this point is shown in Jem’s reactions to the trial and Tom Robinson’s death, as he was deeply conflicted with not only the outcome of the trial but other’s self-denial of Tom’s clear innocence due to his skin colour. As a result, he momentarily loses his faith not only in the legal system but for people in general, exposed to the dark world of hypocrisy and prejudice underneath what he believed was a civilized, well-mannered society. Jem became very violent and susceptible towards the subject to the point where he attacks Scout for even bringing it up. He was clearly not ready to learn and come to terms with his community’s inconsistency and double standards; a society where there is no remorse in ruining an innocent black man’s life but enough sense of indignation to reproach Hitler’s actions during the Holocaust (to which the teacher refers to during class). Even Atticus acknowledges “Jem was trying hard to forget something, but what he was really doing was storing it away for a while, until enough time passed. Then he would be able to think about it and sort things out.”(p.253) Though Atticus’ techniques were not entirely ideal; it has in the long run formed two children who are wise and mature beyond their years, being the ultimate proof of this when Scout understands she should recognize Bob Ewell fell on his knife to avoid Boo Radley’s exposure to public scrutiny.

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Atticus shows his children that in order to behave and become respectable members of his community they must remain sympathetic and understanding of others’ behaviours and reactions, whether they act for or against them, without further judgment. In the beginning of the novel, when explaining Miss Caroline’s reading prohibition, he tells Scout: "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." (Page 35) This shows Atticus wants to inculcate in his children a set of which will enable them to see each person as an individual with complex feelings instead of one-sided characters. In turn, they will be empathetic to those around them and less likely to be critical or resentful. A situation which elucidates this idea is when Scout acknowledges Atticus’ dangerous question is “Do you really think so?” because it leads people to see a situation from a different perspective and therefore move them to reason with their minds instead of getting carried away by their impulses. Atticus embodies this doctrine himself of empathising with those who harm him like we can appreciate when Mr. Ewell threatens him and spits him in the face. He takes no action, even after being verbally provoked by Mr.Ewell (“Too proud to fight, you nigger-lovin bastard?”). He later encouraged Jem to view it from his perspective: he took away Ewell’s little credibility away at the trial and he needed to get revenge; consequence which Atticus gladly put up with if it meant he would spare Ewell’s children from a beating. Atticus motivates his children to be compassionate and aware, so that they can live with a clean conscience without becoming cynical. Learning from others with humility whilst deploring their defects, is the deterrent example which fundamentally evidences Atticus’ love for his children, on the grounds that it would lead them to live happy lives.

Moreover, Atticus teaches Jem and Scout that people cannot be categorized as simply good or bad since they hold both in different amounts. This is most prominently shown when the children face Mrs Dubose. She was rude to them, intimidated them and criticized their father (as when she called him a “nigger lover”), without any provocation. For her stubborn words she upset Jem and caused unprecedented outburst of anger from his side. His punishment was to read to her for a month; time during which he never really overcame his resentment towards her, but further deepened it when witnessing her nasty fits. After she passes away, the children are surprised to hear Atticus praise her for the courage she showed when battling her morphine addiction, especially considering the pain she underwent to regain her lucidity before passing away. It is particularly instructional for them to hear his father call her “the bravest person I ever knew”, (page 118), revealing he did not take her attacks against him seriously, but rather focused on her qualities. As Jem touches the petals of one of the camellia’s Mrs. Dubose left for him, we are exposed to his gradual process of empathy and forgiveness, as he acknowledges the suffering behind her scolds. Atticus teaches his children to understand and forgive Mrs. Dubose’s flaws while still admiring and following her courage. Atticus is able to pass this valuable moral principle on Scout and, after some difficulty, to Jem as well.

One, if not the most important attribute of Atticus’ personality, are his consistent morals. For his exemplary behaviour and insightful wisdom, he is considered a vital unit in Maycomb. It is for this reason he is repeatedly sought after for advice and help, as pointed out when he helps Mr. Cunningham with legal work, though aware his financial situation will not allow him to pay his fees. In addition to all his qualities, he is also the only white man in the novel with a strong opposition to racism, following his ideals of equality for all. This concept can be elucidated by his equal treatment to all, regardless of their race; a position born not in ignorance, but compassion. His ideas are particularly manifested not through his words, but rather by his actions: he trusts Calpurnia’s judgment and skills to help him raise his children and defends his position after being heavily criticized by Aunt Alexandra: “(Calpurnia) tried to bring (the children) up according to her lights and Cal’s lights are pretty good” (page 143). Similarly, Atticus sees no problem in his children attending Calpurnia’s church as he understands it will be a trip from which the children would be exposed to the other side of the coin: a black community with different manners, language (which Scout is surprised to hear Calpurnia adopt) and attitudes towards them; all to comply with the goal of understanding the repercussions of racial prejudice. In another point of the plot, when Tom dies, Atticus personally goes to his wife’s home to tell her the news, which was situated in a black community area where others would not have entered. Atticus is able to value people not for the colour of their skin, but for the value of their hearts and has, for that reason, exposed Jem and Scout to black people without restrains from a very early age, showing them they deserve as much respect as any other person in Maycomb.

Atticus is constantly defending the unfairness he sees in the world as we see when he agrees to become Tom Robinson’s lawyer, even though this would signify a severe clash with the deep racial prejudice held by his community which causes subsequent mockery and disdain towards him. This is an opportunity for Atticus to impart in his children the valuable value of remaining firm to one’s ideals and ignoring people’s comments and remarks. Atticus wisely point out that “nigger lover” is just a phrase born in the ignorance of others to insult. He then, further teaches them that words like that should be in the same way be ignored so that the intentions and meaning behind it are lost. Most importantly, Atticus tells them to “hold (their) heads up high and keep (their) fists down”, both after Scout fights Cecil Jacobs and Francis as well as when Jem is scorned by Mrs. Dubose. This is constructive principle for their character, as it guides them to be tolerant and to separate what others say and what they believe, being always true to what is really important: their opinion of themselves. Atticus also applies this lesson in his own life, as we appreciate when Scout asks him why he decided to defend Tom Robinson. He answers that if he hadn’t he wouldn’t be able to “hold up his head in town or “tell her or Jem not to do something again”. Atticus he needs to follow his own ethics and values to maintain his dignity. Moreover, he does not judge his neighbour for her racist remarks and attitude but rather decides to forgive them and ignore them. He retains these qualities which influences positively Scout and Jem’s upbringing.

Throughout this novel we can appreciate how these life lessons not only influence the way Scout and Jem treat others but also affect how they regard their father. At the very beginning of the novel Scout commented “Jem and I found our father satisfactory: he played with us, read to us and treated us with courteous detachment.” (p 11) This denotes a good relationship which would however, deepen as the novel advances. By chapter 10, their father’s skills are discussed. He is described as feeble as he is nearly fifty. He doesn’t practice masculine sports, because he is always tired. He does not demonstrate particularly interesting abilities like driving a truck, working in a garage or playing football. He wears glasses and he does not smoke or drink or play poker. In a nutshell, he, compared their other classmate’s fathers, is not outstanding. The children are not disappointed or ashamed of Atticus, but they lack reasons to brag about him. However,this situation is reversed in this chapter. Atticus shoots Tim Johnson, a dog with rabies, from afar, revealing his special skills of shooting at a great distance. Jem and Scout become firstly amazed and mesmerized that their father could shoot so well but at the same time confused about the fact that their father had not told them of this special skill. Scout wants to tell everyone about Atticus’ shooting abilities but Jem tells her not to. Jem understands this is a skill Atticus is not especially proud of having, because he had to realize it was within him the power to kill and he chose to not use it unless completely necessary, displaying Atticus’ profound respect and compassion for every living form. Jem understands how, as Miss Maudie says: “People in their right mind never take pride in their talents.” It is Atticus’ humbleness, which makes Jem proud of what a gentleman he is makes him realize that, even if he couldn’t do anything, he would admire him. Jem learns that this is the true meaning of who a gentleman is and is proud to be like him. Atticus hence, portrays another one of his qualities, which he hopes to pass onto his children: he is honourable and sensible, understanding his outstanding abilities and still restraining them because he follows peaceful principles, but courageous when necessary, righteous and to his beliefs.

Jem follows closely Atticus’ opinions and ideas, product of the profound admiration and respect for his father. He wants to become a lawyer when he grows up and is thus careful to follow Atticus instructions attentively, to the point where he tries to bend these rules when he knows he is doing something Atticus would not approve of. This can be shown when Jem wants to represent scenes from the Radley’s lives, even though he knows it will be frowned upon: “Atticus hadn’t said we couldn’t, therefore we could; and if Atticus ever said we couldn’t, Jem had thought of a way around it: he would simply change the names of the characters and then we couldn’t be accused of playing anything.” (Page 47)This clearly exemplifies how Atticus has passed his sense of righteousness to Jem, solid to the extent where he does not need to be told when he is behaving incorrectly has rather developed his own, though still limited to the impulses proper of a child his age.

On the other hand, Atticus is repeatedly criticized by others for not bringing up his children in a way which was considered traditional and proper of their position in society. The most explicit criticism we see may have been defectively dismissed by us as it comes from a character who Scout dislikes: Aunt Alexandra. She deeply disapproved Scout’s behaviour and attire since to her “(Scout’s) deportment involved playing with small stoves, tea sets and wearing the Add-A-Pearl necklace she gave me when I was born.” Though her words may seem biased, they do hold some truth to them. Aunt Alexandra wants the children to adapt in their society and in order to give Scout some “feminine influence”, she moves in with her. Aunt Alexandra finds it imperative that Scout and Jem learn how to behave properly, which is why she joined her Aunt’s Tea Society. Even though Atticus differs from some of Alexandra’s changes such as letting Calpurnia go, he is ultimately influenced by Alexandra: Atticus tells his children they are “gentle breeding” who should “live up to their name”. When he sees his children disappointed and confused, because these words amount to the idea of impressing others instead of being true to themselves (idea which he has insistently been repelling them from), he ultimately does what he thinks is correct. He takes back what he said and tells them not to worry. Atticus will educate them according to his beliefs and not society’s: his strong conscience does not allow him to do otherwise. Scout would later in life acknowledge that, though his reasons were good, “Atticus was only a man. It takes a woman to do that kind of work.” He fulfils his parenting role so efficiently that Scout never misses her mom or feels the need for a mother figure. Still, we must remember Atticus is only helped by Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra (to some extent) in the children’s upbringing. Although Atticus is raising Scout and Jem trying to fill both parenting roles, there is still a breach he cannot quite cover. Though his parenting style may not be regarded as appropriate, Atticus is a caring father who imparts a very high set of values with love, regardless of the fact he does not do so according to society’s expectations like the white community’s attitude towards Negros.

Seemingly, it is this set of values deeply rooted in Jem’s conscience, which causes him to be momentarily crossed and confused when Jem learns the result of the trial and sees the utter injustice rooted in racial prejudice. However, Atticus’ guidance will help Jem come to terms with the implacable racism seen in the book whilst still knowing it is wrong. As Atticus states: “As you grow older, you’ll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something, and don’t you forget it- whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that white man is trash.”(Page 227)Atticus’ wise words teach Jem that even though he may, as he grows older, witness unfairness and inconsistency between people’s words and actions in the world, he must remain true to himself and his conscience. He admirably upholds his commitment to equality and compassion for all, which Atticus has instilled in him, maintaining his deep conviction that there is goodness in the world. This is further proven when Boo Radley protects them from Mr. Ewell. Atticus’ belief in exposing the truth and following its consequences takes him to the extent of being able to put Jem through a court trial (when he believes he was he one who has murdered Bob Ewell), since: “If they don’t trust (him) they won’t trust anybody... (Atticus) can’t live one way in town and another in (his) home.” (Page 280) This exemplifies how Atticus is careful to live his life without secrets, like an open book. Atticus’ strong presence in Jem’s life proves to be the constant in his ever changing world and which will ensure, he becomes the compassionate gentleman Atticus brought him up to be. This is shown when, on page 244, he does not allow Scout to squash a roly-poly insect as it had not harmed her, protecting the fragile and harmless. For being Jem’s unconditional guide and support, Atticus is Jem’s ultimate role model.

Scout, on the other hand, is able to remain innocent and good-hearted, even after discovering deep evil and selfishness. She is also able, though still judging from an innocent point of view, to understand other feelings so that she remains empathetic and caring due to Atticus’ way of raising her. He did not prioritize appearances and as he raises her daughter the same way, we find Scout wearing overalls instead of dresses, with a feeble notion of proper manners to the extent where she feels insulted when she is called a girl. She is unaware and uninterested in social etiquette as she realizes when she attends her Aunt’s Tea Party. Furthermore, she feels quite disoriented with her teacher’s hypocrisy (from which she has been protected under Atticus’ care) and, as such, she does not understand her teacher’s doubles standards between Negros and the Jews. However, Scout has a strong personality that has lead her to become a well meaning, open person. The result is a girl who is confident enough to fight with boys; smart enough to understand she is sometimes being lied to (as when Uncle Jack refuses to tell her what a whore lady is); comprehensive and caring so as to pay attention to other’s problems (as she does at Tom Robinson’s trial); all whilst still maintaining her tomboy manners. Throughout the play, we can see a gradual development in her own character, product of learning Atticus’ valuable lessons. We learn she has properly acquired Atticus’ values as she applies them towards the end of the book. In such a way, she is able to comprehend Boo Radley is a human being and further appreciates him saving Jem’s life andd agrees on covering his murder. This is the ultimate proof that as Scout grows; she will too become like her father, seeing the world from other point of view without conflicting her conscience and innocence.

Atticus represents the novel’s moral guide and conscience, but this is shown to the extent where he seems rather unrealistic. He serves his purpose in the novel as the epitome of morality and voice of wisdom, as his values and ethics are not limited to others’ remarks or opinions, but his children’s as well. He is strong and strict in his ways, and as such acts against acts of injustice, unlike those who, even though do not support them, just plainly ignore them. Even Harper Lee described Atticus as "a man of absolute integrity with as much good will and good humour as he is just and humane." All these values are not found in such degree commonly, especially by a man who has undergone the tragedy of losing his wife. His only flaw may be that he is too civilized to believe someone like Mr. Ewell may actually want to do harm consciously, and thus he remains innocent to other’s dark intentions. Nevertheless, Atticus is a father whose unconditional care and pure love ensures not only the characters, but the reader, that any obstacles in their future will be overcomed. We end up feeling that all the dangers, compared to his unmeasured love, are minimized. We know he will do anything to protect his children and we have the certainty they will be safe, ending the novel with a steady sense of peace and safety.

Marielle Alvino M.