Character analysis of Atticus Finch Essay

Charachter Analysis of Atticus Finch

Harper Lees novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, from 1960, addresses themes such as racism, prejudice, and bravery. One of the main characters in the novel is Attics Finch. The name Atticus is of Greek origin and means ethical, which suits him perfectly. Atticus Finch is a man of strong ethics, and a contrast to the morally ambivalent society. He tries to teach his children, Jem and Scout, to use their own heads instead of going with the popular opinion. He also never takes a side in an argument.

Despite the fact that Atticus can seem old-fashioned, his ways are very revolutionary, something that is pointed out in his way of raising his children. He allows Scout to wear overalls, event though it violates the community code for little girls. He also does not mind that Calpurnia brought Jem and Scout to the colored church, and he accepts Calpurnia as a part of the family. He teaches his children not to discriminate blacks, and that all people are equal.

Atticus sister Alexandra does not share the same opinion. What concerns Alexandra the most, is other peoples opinion about her and her family. Alexandra represents the outdated point of view, and the double set of moral. She is a Christian, she talks about values and sin, but at the same time she is judging everyone:

The thing is, you can scrub Walter Cunningham till he shines, you can put him in shoes and a new suit, but he'll never be like Jem. Besides, there's a drinking streak in that family a mile wide. Finch women aren't interested in that sort of people."

Atticus never talks about or moral. He does not feel the need of hiding himself behind empty words, and to preach about values. The only time he ever said anything about sin, was on page 99: Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird. This is the famous line that is also used in the title of the book. We can see how Atticus is trying to guide his children through life, by saying things that can be useful for them. He teaches them not to judge others, and to be aware of their actions.

On page 84 Atticus says that ... every lawyer gets at least one case in his lifetime that affects him personally. This one's mine, I guess. Atticus knew that the Tom Robinson case was a great risk, and that it even could end his carrier. However, he chose to defend him.The Tom Robinson case did define Atticus in many ways. What Atticus did, was to disturb the peace and tell the ugly truth. Seen this way, Atticus can be seen as a critique on the society. Later in the book, when Boo Radley kills Bob Ewell, Mr. Heck Tate says: Im not a good man, sir, but I am sheriff of Maycomb county. Lived in this town all my life, an goin on forty-three years old. [...] Theres a black boy dead for no reason, and the man responsible for it is dead. Let the dead bury the dead this time, Mr. Finch. Mr. Heck Tate is public man, he is the sheriff, and the face of law. Mr. Heck Tate should know the difference between right and wrong. However, he knows that he has power, the power to keep everything calm and to pretend like nothing bad has happened. This is the difference between him and Atticus, who always chooses to tell the truth, and who is one of the few that can handle the truth. He is also and lawyer, and therefore Atticus represents justice.

Atticus is one of the strongest characters in the book. After reading the book, we see how great effect Atticus has for the development of Scout and Jem. Atticus also plays a great role for the rest of Maycomb county. He balances the whole town by being correct, and not fake or corrupt. He is a inspiration, and is like the sunrise in a town that has been sleeping for so long.