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 quote in the novel that displays this idea is, “Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” Pg99. In this quote the bluejays could be seen as the group majority, however the mockingbirds are different and go against what is normal.
Another way in which Atticus could be seen as the nucleus of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is the way in which his character is integral to the plot. Most key events in the story feature the character of Atticus, however even when he is not in a certain scene his character will still influence the actions that others take. This can be displayed by how the character of Atticus and the lessons he has taught Jem and Scout can change the way in which his children behave even when he is not with them. Jem and Scout make choices throughout the novel which are based on the teachings from Atticus. An example of the influence Atticus has over his children is when Jem returns to the Radley house to collect his trousers. Jem feels that if he does not return he would disappoint Atticus and lose his respect.
The character of Atticus is also integral to the plot, due to the fact that without him the story would not be able to continue moving. As ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is told from the point of view of Scout, who is still young, Atticus is required to explain to Jem and Scout the prejudices in their community. Towards the beginning of the novel the story is based upon a series of lessons that Jem and Scout learn from their childhood experiences. The way Atticus teaches them about morality prepares them for the trial later on in the book. If Atticus was not there to bring the characters and reader through these problems, then the trial would not have the same impact that it does.
Atticus could also be described as the nucleus of the novel because of his ability to change other character’s views, and his ability to influence people’s actions. This is illustrated by how Atticus influences the jury in the court case. Although the eventual verdict of the jury is guilty, Atticus may have helped to dispel some of the original prejudices against Tom Robinson because he was black, therefore slowing the jury in their conviction of Tom. This occurred due to the fact that Atticus managed to prove that the Ewells, who are members of the white community, may not be telling the truth. Therefore the jury began to see that they possibly could not simply judge someone by their appearance. The quote “…he’s the only man in these parts who can keep a jury out so long in a case like that.” Pg 238, shows how Atticus can influence the views of those around him.
Another character that Atticus has an impact on is Bob Ewell. Atticus and Bob Ewell could be described as foil characters due to their entirely different opinions during the trial essentially on their views of the treatment of the black community. For example each has a different way of addressing Tom Robinson during the trial. Atticus will simply call him ‘Tom’ whilst Bob Ewell is more likely to refer to him as ‘that nigger’. Outside of the trial, the two characters appear to have a conflict of opinion on the theme of fatherhood. Through evidence presented at the trial, the reader becomes aware that Bob Ewell may beat his children. In contrast Atticus is seen to be gentle with his children, “Atticus ain’t ever whipped me since I can remember.” Pg 62. At points during the novel, the action of one character can influence what the other does next. Also one character may be used by the author to further emphasise their differences.
Harper Lee, delivers the moral message of the novel through the character of Atticus. This is therefore another reason that his character could be perceived as the nucleus of the ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. One of the main messages of the book is that all people should be treated fairly. The character of Atticus has very different views from others when considering the setting of the novel and his character could even be seen as one the fore-runners of the civil rights movement. Throughout the plot we witness Atticus teaching his children not to prejudge anyone and that just because their views are different from yours, it does not mean that they are wrong. This lesson is taught repeatedly during the events before the trial such as the confrontation outside the prison, “Mr Cunningham’s basically a good man…he just has his blind spots along with the rest of us.” Pg173.
Another way that Atticus is used by the author to deliver the message about racism and equality, is the relationship he has with the character of Calpurnia. The reader only becomes aware of how unusual the relationship between Calpurnia, a member of the black community and Atticus, a respected white lawyer, is after the visit to the church. Other members of Maycomb’s black community disapprove of the work that Calupurnia does at the Finch household. Although the readers know differently, the characters in the black community see the cleaning work that Calpurnia does as a form of slave labour. However the reader understands that Atticus does not simply employ Calpurnia to do the work because she is black, he values her as a human being and wants Jem and Scout to respect Calpurnia as a member of the family, “Let’s get this clear; you do as Calpurnia tells you…” Pg 150. In the same scene another quote shows how Atticus values Calpurnia and the work that she does for him, “Alexandra, Calpurnia’s not leaving this house until she wants you. You may think otherwise, but I couldn’t have got along without her all these years.” Pg 150.
A different message that ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ delivers is stated in the title and one of the novel’s most famous quotes, “Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird…Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. ” Pg99-100. The message that this quote delivers to the reader is that you should convict someone because they are different from the crowd and you should not sentence someone who is innocent. The way that Atticus behaves with the ‘mockingbirds’ in this story enforces the message that Harper Lee is trying to get across. The character of Atticus spends much of his time in the novel protecting Tom Robinson, one the story’s ‘mockingbirds’. Another ‘mockingbird’ in the plot is Boo Radley and Atticus reacts angrily when he discovers that Jem and Scout have been playing a game that ridicules Boo. Atticus believes that it would be kinder for people to just leave Boo Radley alone.
In conclusion there are many reasons why the character of Atticus Finch may be perceived as the nucleus of the novel ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. The character embodies many of the key themes from the plot including the theme of fatherhood and the contrast he shows against other individuals concerning the theme of racism. The character of Atticus is integral to the plot of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ because his character can influence those around him, either by changing their way of thinking or due to the fact he is a foil character to Bob Ewell. Atticus could be seen as the novel’s nucleus because of how he is often used by the author to contribute to the many messages the book delivers such as not convicting those who are innocent and the message of equality. In conclusion without the many facets of the character of Atticus Finch the story of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ could not be told as effectively as it has been done.
Luke Atkins
English
10BACL