How is the character of Atticus the nucleus of 'To Kill a Mockingbird'

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How is the character of Atticus the nucleus of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’?

In order to assess the extent to which the character of Atticus Finch could be described as the nucleus of the novel ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, it is necessary to examine several factors.  One of the most important of these is the manner  in which the character of Atticus embodies many themes throughout the novel and the way Atticus is key to many of the events within the story.  Another way in which Atticus could be said to be the nucleus of the novel is the way his characters has an impact on the actions of other characters throughout Harper Lee’s work.

Within the story of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, Atticus Finch displays many of the novel’s key themes.  One of the most important themes in the book is the idea of fatherhood and growing up.  Atticus has been described as the ideal literary father due to the manner in which he teaches Jem and Scout important lessons of morality through their own experiences and consequently the reader is able to see the way that these lessons affect their behaviour.  An example is the way that one of the earliest lessons the children learn, “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.” Pg33. This is important as it changes the way Jem and Scout perceive events later on in the novel.  

The character of Atticus is also used to contrast the way in which other fathers treat their children.  This idea is displayed by how Dill feels more comfortable living with the Finches than with his own family: “Mr Finch, don’t tell Aunt Rachel, don’t make me go back, please sir!” Pg155.  This is due to the fact that Atticus ensures that the Finches are a family unit, something other fathers cannot always achieve and something that Dill desires.

Other major themes in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ are racism, prejudice and segregation.  The book is set in the 1930s when there were many prejudices towards the black community who the whites still considered to be their inferiors.  Atticus represents a contrast to these views, he does not hold any prejudices, something which is shown during the trial in the book.  Atticus is one of the only members of the white community who does not automatically assume that Tom Robinson is guilty because of the colour of his skin.  Another theme that is similar to this in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is sexism.  Atticus again does not believe that women should have different treatment from men.  This is displayed in the conflict of ideas that he has with the character of Aunt Alexandra.  Aunt Alexandra disagrees with the way that Atticus allows Scout to dress, “…could not possibly hope to be a lady if I wore breeches…” Pg90.  However Atticus holds the view that a lady is not defined by the clothes that she wears.

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A further theme that the character of Atticus embodies in the novel is the idea of individuality opposing group rule and social consciousness.  The fact that the character of Atticus does not hold the same prejudices as other residents of Maycomb shows that his opinions will not be swayed by group rule.  Atticus does not only show his individuality by his mentality but also by the physical actions that he takes during the novel.  An example of this is the scene outside the jailhouse where Atticus stands up to the group who have come to harm Tom.  An allegorical ...

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