Atticus's Character in To Kill a Mockingbird Essay

To Kill a Mockingbird

In the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee the protagonist Atticus Finch preaches to his daughter; First of all, if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, youll get along better with all kinds of folks 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 This statement is a pinnacle in To Kill a Mockingbird so much is learnt and expressed through it and so many decisions and actions can be related to it. There is an obvious distinction between the characters in this novel who do have the unique ability to use this skill, and use it wisely, and those who do not possess this skill, those who hold no compassion or empathy.

One character who certainly does possess this skill is Atticus himself, the father figure filled with courage and compassion within the novel. The above statement is something that Atticus preaches to his daughter, Scout. He believes that you cannot truly understand why a person does what they do, or feels a certain way, unless you put yourself in their position... and ask yourself... What would you do? ... the answer will most likely be exactly the same.

In the beginning, Scout is confused and sometimes puzzled by the many actions of other people, she cannot understand why they are making a certain decision, or taking a certain path. This is when Atticus steps in and explains to Scout, that not everything is as it seems, you do not know what people are truly thinking or feeling within their minds, what battles they themselves could be facing in life.

A great example of this is Mrs Dubose, it is only after her death that Scout and Jem find out why she acted in such a harsh way towards them, it was not because of a disliking to anyone, or any bitter hate, it was simply because of a promise to herself that she would not be a morphine addict before she died. A woman judged as harsh and bitter, truly only acting with great bravery and courage.

This is also a great example of how Atticus possesses the ability to put himself in someone elses shoes, as he has great compassion for Mrs Dubose, he was able to understand her situation and understand how she was feeling. Atticus knew she was not acting out of hate, but acting in that way because of the horrible withdrawal symptoms she was experiencing.

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Atticus and Scout both use this skill of putting themselves in others shoes throughout the novel. Scout gradually develops the skill and slowly learns to understand, and take into consideration, the other persons thoughts and feelings.

A good example of this is when Scout finally comes to the conclusion that Mayella is just as mistreated and lonely as some like Boo Radley. Scout is able to put herself in Mayellas shoes and understand that she is discriminated against by all members of the Maycomb society because of her familys reputation and financial situation. Mayella has no more friends or admirers as someone who has been shut away from society for years.

In conclusion, Atticus is a man of unique assets such as; empathy and compassion; he has a natural gift of consideration for all people, no matter what their financial situation, their social status or the colour of their skin. These unique assets are also the gifts he shares with his children, especially Scout. By the end of the novel both Atticus and Scout are able to step into someone elses shoes, and understand exactly how the other person is feeling, enabling them to give empathy and compassion to those from all walks of life.

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