Atticus is an example to Jem and Scout, he doesn’t physically punish them instead he punishes them in other ways for example sending Jem to read to Mrs.Dubose. This is a good way to punish him because not only is Jem not being hurt, but he is learning from Atticus that there’s more than one way to punish people, and that a smack doesn’t always solve the problem. But this is actually one of Atticus’ downfalls, as he left his two small children in the hands of a frightening, foul-mouthed old woman, and this clearly scared Jem and Scout! Atticus tries his best to teach Jem and Scout the difference between right and wrong, and makes it clear to Jem on page 49 that it is wrong to keep bothering the radleys.
Atticus is very close to Scout and often sits with her on his lap when she is upset. Atticus teaches Scout in page 30 that ‘you can never understand a person until you consider their point of view- until you climb into their shoes and walk around in them.’ Scout it seems learns more from Atticus than she does anywhere else, including school. Scout listens carefully to Atticus, which shows she has respect for him and values his advice. Later on in the book we find that Scout uses Atticus’ advice by climbing into Jem’s shoes and walking around in them, this proves the effect her father’s words have on her. Jem also looks up to Atticus and almost uses him as a role model – ‘Atticus is a gentleman, just like me!’ this shows us that Atticus really doe set them both an example.
Atticus, as I mentioned earlier, does not earn a great deal of money, and being the only one that brings money into the house, he has to provide everything for Jem and Scout, which can’t be easy. He provides them with food, clothes and even guns, so he clearly spends most of his money on them. Like I said Atticus brought Jem and Scout air rifles for Christmas, which most people nowadays wouldn’t even dream of buying for children age 6 and 12. This also could be another downfall, but Atticus clearly trusts his children and he tells them that they can shoot all the blue jays they want but ‘it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.’ Some people may think that he must be out of his mind to buy children air rifles and I agree but Jem and Scout must be very sensible for their father to have brought them for them and like I said he must trust them a lot.
He treats Jem and Scout equally – ‘When Jem an’ I fuss Atticus doesn’t ever just listen to Jems side of it, he hears mine too.’ This shows us that Atticus doesn’t love or like one of them more than the other, he loves and listens to them both and hears what both of them have to say! Atticus never brags about what he can do, he does not tell Jem and Scout that he used to shoot and he doesn’t intend too, but Jem and Scout are soon shocked when Miss. Maudie informs them that their father used to be the ‘deadest shot in Maycomb County.’ Scout is confused about why he didn’t tell them himself but Jem soon works out that Atticus would have told them if he wanted too! Atticus as I said treats everyone as an equal and he shows this by defending Tom Robinson (a black man) in court. Scout asks why he’s defending him if he shouldn’t be, and Atticus tells her ‘If I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this country in legislature, I couldn’t even tell you and Jem not to do something again.’ Scout understands what her father is saying; this shows that she really does listen to him. Lastly, I think that Atticus should have realised what Bob Ewell was up to and he shouldn’t of just ignored all of his threats because by doing this he nearly lost his children and his children mean everything to him.
I think Atticus is a brilliant father to Jem and Scout and sets a good example to them. But Atticus does have a few downfalls and really that puts a little dark cloud over Atticus, as a father as I think he should have realised that what he thought was right may not have been for his children! All in all though I think Atticus is a good father and I think I have proved that he is and that he loves his children and does his best to keep them happy.