The character of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird is incredibly important to the story, primarily because of the way he influences the children and their decisions throughout the book. As a father, Atticus is in a difficult situation. His wife, the children’s mother, passed away a few years before Scout’s narrative begins. Often, a tragedy such as this can lead a family down a destructive path. In this case it does not. It does, in fact, seem to have the opposite effect. Atticus is a good father. The family’s path is shaped by few of his wise parental decisions.
First, Atticus decided to hire a homemaker. Calpurnia, an African American woman from the other side of town, becomes part of the family. Not only does she do the cooking and cleaning, but fills the motherly void that exists in the Finch home. Jem and Scout are taught to respect her as if she were their own mother. Cal, as the children refer to her, is not afraid to get on their case when they are misbehaving. Having a female presence in the home is vital to the development of both Jem and Scout’s character. The children learn to see Cal as a person, not just “a negro.” Because of this relationship with Cal, the children are able to see the gross injustice that is done to Tom Robinson at the end of the book. It is all a result of Atticus’ decision to bring Calpurnia into their home.
Second, Atticus sets a good example of hard work. He wakes up at an “ungodly hour” every day in order to go into town and work. Along with his law practice, Atticus serves in the state legislature. Not only does this add to his heavy work load, it shows his children how important it is to work for the respect of those in the community. Atticus sets an example of hard work, which is essential from a father. Scout and Jem can see from Bob Ewell how laziness can destroy one’s life and reputation.
Last, and most importantly, Atticus teaches his children to empathize with others. In chapter 3 Scout had a bad first day at school. Her teacher told her not to read with her father anymore, that it would interfere with her real education. Atticus said something that is alluded to throughout the rest of the story: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view-…-until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” His great example of trying to understand Bob Ewell’s pain and resentment after the trial shows that he truly believed it himself. Bob spit in his face and threatened to kill him. Atticus thought about the tiny thread of reputation Bob had had prior to the trial, ripped apart during the defense’s cross-examination (Atticus representing the defense). Their father’s stalwart example resonates within Jem and Scout. When Tom is wrongfully convicted of rape, the children are among the only people who understand, or care about, the great injustice that was done. Atticus has set them up to help change things and to make a difference. As they grow older, the children will likely forget many of the things their father said. The things that he did will be there forever, reminding Scout and Jem how they should treat other people with respect, regardless of their skin color or background.
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