The novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee has many impressive characters however, the one that stood out for me as a reader was Atticus. Atticus Finch is one of the prominent citizens in Maycomb during the Great depression. As a result of his penetrating intelligence, calm wisdom and exemplary behaviour, Atticus is a highly respected lawyer. He functions as the moral backbone of Maycomb, a person to whom others turn to in times of doubt and trouble. It was to be his powerful conscience, which makes him so admirable, that would ultimately cause his falling out with the people of Maycomb.
Atticus is a widower with two young children, Jem and Scout, whom he treats with courteous detachment. As Scout, the narrator is recounting memories from her childhood, we get a real sense of Atticus as a father. He encourages his children to call him Atticus so that they can interact on terms as equal as possible. Atticus listens to criticism from family and neighbours who think his children are lacking discipline and proper guidance. This however is not the case for, Atticus treats Jem and scout as young adults, addressing them in a clear, matter-of-fact way. He practises the ethic of sympathy and understanding which he preaches to his children, because Atticus never holds a grudge against the people of Maycomb. Although seemingly a mellow and old fashioned man, Atticus supports many revolutionary ideas. When he senses that Jem and Scout need a mother figure, he employs Calpurnia, the Finchs black cook. He allows her to truly be a member of his family. This is highlighted as Calpurnia is always shown full respect and fair treatment by Atticus.
Throughout the novel, Atticus works to develop Jems and Scouts respective consciences. He tells Scout, You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of viewuntil you climb into his skin and walk around in it. Understanding this makes Atticus a very fair man, who always listens to both sides of the story. He recognises that people have both good and bad qualities and he is able to admire the good, while understanding and forgiving the bad. This moral virtue is present in the case of Ms Dubose.
Ironically, although Atticus is a heroic figure in the novel, Jem and Scout are both embarrassed by him and call him feeble. Neither consciously idolise him at the beginning of the novel. However, by the conclusion, they are both fiercely devoted to Atticus, for the physical and more importantly moral courage he has shown in a town steeped in racial prejudice. Atticuss wise parenting, which he sums up in chapter thirty, before Jem looks at anyone else he looks at me, and I have tried to live so I can look squarely back at him, ensures that he gains his childrens respect.
Atticuss idea of courage is when you know youre licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what. he is unable to abide by the towns comfortable ingrained racial prejudice, so he agrees to defend Tom Robinson, a Blackman. Tom is an innocent cripple, who was charged with the rape of a young white girl called Mayella Ewell. Atticus knows Tom will be found guilty but his self respect and pride demand that this does not happen until the truth is told. By taking up the case, Atticus risks losing his life and his family tolerate scrutiny from the community of Maycomb. Nigger-lover is a phrase frequently used by the inhabitants of the town to abuse Atticus, who accepts their callous behaviour in a calm, dignified manner. He is simply too impressive a figure to be scorned for long. After the trial he seems to be destined to be held in the same high regard as before.
As the voice of reason in the town of the town of Maycomb and in the novel, Atticus dispels the wisdom and logic that is core to the plot. He is man that goes beyond the word tolerance, for tolerance is merely to put up with something. Atticus looks for an insight into everyones character as he tries to understand them. This is evident when he says in a thought provoking statement, Youll see white men cheat black men everyday of your lifewhenever 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. Atticus believes the colour of your skin does not determine your place in society. This anti-racist stance that Atticus holds presents him as the epitome of moral character.
At the end of the novel Atticuss integrity is powerfully portrayed. He believes it was Jem who killed Bob Ewell and tries to talk Heck Tate, the sheriff, out of calling the death an accident. Atticus is so committed to justice, he did not want to give his son unfair protection from the law. He is convinced the best way to clear the air is to have it all out in the open. At this pivotal point in the novel, Atticus almost seems to be a caricature of goodness. However, in Harper Lees capable hands, Atticus seems believable and true.
Atticus is a wise man and an excellent judge of character but even he is not free from errors in judgement. It may be that he is too trusting towards people, the weakness of an idealist. He trusts the Old Sacrum mob not to try lynch Tom Robinson in the jail house. He prevents this by outwardly displaying physical bravery. Scout also unintentionally separated the angry mob into solitary, cowardly men. Another unaccustomed error, again caused by being to trusting, was Atticus not realising Bob Ewell would attack his children to get to him.
Atticus is characterised throughout the novel his absolute consistency. He stands rigidly committed to justice and us thoughtfully wiling to view matters from the perspective of others. Miss Maudie comments in this, Atticus Finch is the same in his house as on the public streets. His conduct is always gentlemanly despite provocation. When Bob Ewell provokes him, by spitting in his face, Atticus displays his honourable manner by responding with, I wish Bob Ewell wouldnt chew tobacco. he does not develop in the novel but retains his great qualities in equal measure, making him the novels moral guide and voice of conscience.
Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird Atticus Finch promotes integrity, diplomacy and moral courage. He maintains these virtues in all situations no matter what the consequences may be. He teaches his children moral lessons and does not try to protect them from the towns prejudice. Atticus is not an example of perfection as an error in judgement left his children in peril. However, Atticus Finch stands for one of literatures strongest and most positive father figures.
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