Characterization of Atticus Finch
Atticus Finch is among the most important characters in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, as he is the father of the two main characters Jean Louise Scout Finch and Jeremy Atticus Jem Finch, and a chief lawyer in his town, Maycomb. Despite the Great Depression which took place in the US at the time of the book, the Finch family is relatively well of by existing standards, mainly due to his prominent role as the lawyer of the town and involvement in State legislature. Atticus is well educated, highly intelligent, and possesses high ethical standards, causing nearly everyone in the community to respect and admire his exemplary behaviour. Atticus is mainly characterized through presentations by the author, Scout, in form of a describing introductory block in the first chapter in addition to several sections characterizing him throughout the book. Atticus attributes are also being portrayed through his actions and language during the events of the book. Atticus Finchs three main values are his belief in racial equality, his tolerance, and his nurture for his children, which are evident not only in the authors descriptions of him and his actions, but also in his verbal expressions.
His first virtue is his sincere conviction that all men should be treated equally, not only in matters of racial discrimination but in general. Atticus being a highly educated man in contrast to the rest of the town, signifies that he is ahead of his time in matters of being more sympathetic and less prejudging. This attitude is also true for the other informed men in the story such as Jack Finch and Judge Taylor. One of the most noteworthy quotes in regard to this complete equality is when Atticus replies to Scouts question on whether he is a nigger-lover saying - I certainly am. I do my best to love everybody its never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name. It just shows you how poor that person is.(120). This indicates that he is elevated above using nigger-lover as a swearword, as the concept of love is actually a beautiful thing. It is interesting how he manages to turn something that is commonly seen as negative a 190 decrees around, and make it positive. He also implies that he not only accepts, but actually loves everybody, which is very noble of a person who is practically in conflict with the whole town. He additionally recognized that he is still human and not perfect by inserting try to, rather than stating that he loves everyone unconditionally, which would be very doubtful even for a character such as Atticus Finch. Furthermore he is aware of the reality that African Americans are treated unfair despite his attempt to establish equality, which is how he knows that he would not win the rape case, and also why he assures Jem As you grow older, you'll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don't you forget it-whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that white man is trash.(243). This reflects his belief that it is worse to cheat a colored man because he is less fortunate, as African Americans at the time had inferior educations as well as occupations resulting unequal chances and possibilities for the black.
These virtues of equality are strongly tied together with his complete tolerance for diverse people and their personal opinions. This is most clearly expressed when Scout tells Atticus how most folks think he has taken the wrong choice by defending Tom Robinson, to which Atticus replies They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions... but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience.(116). He implies that one must tolerate other for the opinions they hold, without having to sacrifice ones own individual principles. One should consider others differences in values, without blindly accepting the common belief. Another aspect of this sympathetic standpoint is that Atticus reason that under certain circumstances people must be tolerated for acting they way they do, which is expressed in the sentence - 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.(33) This conveys that a person only acts in a given manner due to his specific background, which is what has made him to what he is. Some are in less fortunate areas such as upbringing, education, or social status which will in effect determine their behavior.
Atticus Finchs last personality traits are his outstanding parenting skills, which are notable throughout the story. His entire relationship to his children is rather distinctive, as the children are spoken to as adults and treated as equals, though with a subtle notice of Atticus being the father. Although Scout and Jem do not entitle Atticus as father, he is a clear role model and guide for them. Atticus is aware that the first person his children go to when in doubt of something is himself, which is why he takes it very serious when he has to answer them. He always uses a very sophisticated and precise vocabulary when explaining an issue for them, as well as he makes sure never to lie or bend the truth, which is illustrated when he says to his brother When a child asks you something, answer him, for goodness' sake. But don't make a production of it. Children are children, but they can spot an evasion quicker than adults, and evasion simply muddles 'em.(97).
The key themes of the story To Kill a Mockingbird, as racial discrimination, prejudice, and upbringing are clearly reflected in Atticus Finchs three main virtues. Atticus functions as the supreme protagonist of the book due to his high moral values and his incomparable rightfulness. His beliefs and actions in regard to equality and tolerance are seen as ideal, and his parenting is presented as flawless and ultimate. This has not only turned the character of Atticus Finch into a cult figure of literature, but to a role model for a range of people seeking to improve their own personal values, and his quotes have become small guiders of life for many parents.
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