“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.” –Jim Valvano. This quote by Jim Valvano helps display how parents should always believe in their children. Everyone in the world can be against what a child believes in, but a good parent always puts faith into their children. The characteristic Atticus Finch is an exemplary case where a parent has faith in his children, especially in his son, Jem Finch. In times of hardship, Atticus never lost faith in Jem becoming a true and Atticus always tells Jem things as they are. Although Atticus has a unique yet controversial parenting style during the time period of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus is still able to significantly shape Jem into an …show more content…
One of the first acts of kindness Atticus made Jem carry out is reading to Mrs. Dubose everyday to distract her from the morphine withdrawal. Without Jem even aware what is really happening, it helps Jem develop into a true gentleman, not unlike Atticus. “…‘Most of the time you were reading to her I doubt if she heard a word you said. Her whole mind and body were concentrated on that alarm clock. If you hadn’t fallen into her hands, I’d have made you go read to her anyway’” (Lee 148). This example illustrates how Atticus is able to teach Jem how to be more chivalrous without even knowing it. This taught Jem not to judge people so harshly because people may be dealing with their own problems. Another moment where Atticus is able to teach Jem a valuable lesson is when Atticus told Jem that shooting a gun is more of an act of cowardice than courage and is not something to be proud and bragging about. “‘I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what’” (Lee 149). This evidence proves that Atticus is able to shape Jem into a gentleman by letting Jem know that bragging about a good shot does not make him into anymore of a man. Atticus is an exceptional role model for Jem to base
Atticus is guarding the jailhouse to make sure no one hurts Tom Robinson before his trial, when he is approached by Walter Cunningham and his fellow goons. Atticus shows his bravery by standing his ground for what he believes is right in front of his son. When Scout lashes out to her father’s side, Jem holds onto her and tries to stop her from interfering. Then Jem refuses to go home and stands up for his father’s side although the odds were against them, while trying to protect his sister from harm. In page 152, chapter 15, Scout says, “... but from the way he stood, Jem was not thinking of budging.” This shows us that Jem has matured from the boy who would do anything if dared, to a young man who can barricade his emotions and proceed with reason in difficult situations.
Atticus Finch is widely regarded as one of the most influential characters in modern literature. His pivotal role in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee exemplifies this influence and demonstrates his positive effect on his children, Jem and Scout. Throughout the novel, Atticus leads by example and provides lessons and teachings for his children to follow. His wisdom proves to be an instrumental part in the maturation and development of his children, and helps them to grow, learn, and adapt to the changing world around them. Atticus Finch teaches his children important lessons by forcing Jem read to Mrs. Dubose, remaining pacifistic, and defending Tom Robinson; therefore, he is a beneficial father and role model for his children.
Atticus Finch’s teaching shows that he is a good father to Jem and Scout because he explains things that the children don’t understand. For example, when Atticus and Scout agree that they will go on reading every night, Atticus says, “I’m afraid our activities would be received with considerable disapprobation by the more learned authorities.” Scout says, “Huh,
Atticus can’t do anything, according to Jem Finch. In Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus is feeble, nearly blind, and too old to play tackle football. Atticus differs from most fathers in Maycomb, he never plays poker or goes fishing, doesn’t drink or smoke, and likes to read alone. Although Atticus might seem quite boring compared to other fathers in Maycomb, he is considered one of the most extraordinary father and human being in modern day literature. In a time where racism and unjust biased plagued the United States and the minds of it’s citizens, Atticus sees through society 's opinions, and listens to his core values. It is this reason that Atticus is role model not only for society but his children as well. Atticus Finch 's wisdom and insightful mindset about empathy,courage and race has left a truly positive impact on Jem and Scout.
Atticus is a wise father and helps his children accept people no matter how they look or act. This is evident when he says “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.” (Lee 33). Throughout the novel, Jem and Scout mature at different paces. Atticus guides his children as they begin to grow and mature. “It ain’t right, Atticus,” said Jem.” “No son, It’s not right.” (Lee 243). When Atticus lost the case, Jem expressed how he felt. He had tears on his face. Here was a turning point for Jem because he was old enough to understand the case. Atticus comforted him and agreed it was not right. Atticus shows affection towards his children when they saved him from trouble with “the mob”. “As they passed under a streetlight, Atticus reached out and massaged Jem’s hair, his one gesture of affection.” (Lee 176). At first, Atticus may have been frustrated with his children being at the office. Then, their innocence saved him. Atticus has many characteristics and is a loving father. Atticus displays a valuable lesson about equality and fairness for his children.
The Finch family is hopeful. Atticus has brought his children up by his values. The children, Jem and Scout, are taught to hope, by their father, Atticus. Both are impacted form the work Atticus has done, he has defended an African American. Jem learns from Atticus to never lose hope, and he does not lose hope throughout the novel. The children also show that there is hope in the future for people to be nonjudgmental. They did not understand how a jury could convict a man whom they knew was innocent and this was astonishing for them. Atticus explains to Jem that it has happened before and will happen again, sadly he also told them,"... when they do it - it seems that only the children weep...” (Lee, pg 232). Atticus is the wise one; he explains the problem to the children. He tells them that injustice will always happen. Atticus tells the children that bad things happen in the world, but only children find it hard to understand. The message of hope carries on in the book, is that despite her debut into the adult world, she avoids absorbing the prejudices of the community around her. Scout becomes our hope for a more tolerant future. However all hope is not lost in the end. As Scout realises that Boo is no one to dread and the two become friends, so too do we realise that the town can likewise learn to shed its bigotry and embrace its subject of unfound malice. Jem and Scout learnt that hope is always there, from there father, Atticus in the novel, To
In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, the main characters Scout and Jem, embark upon a three year journey of moral development in which they gain wisdom and understanding, allowing them to mature. In the book, they are taught by their father, Atticus, to be good, moral people. Atticus does this because he does not want his children to be instilled with the racist beliefs of Maycomb. Scout and Jem deal with the townspeople’s backlash against their father, who defends an african-american, Tom Robinson, in court, and they confront Mr. Arthur ”Boo” Radley, who they believe to be a monster. Even though Scout and Jem experience many of the same pivotal moments, the ways they deal with, cope, and understand their maturation differs greatly.
Atticus constantly reinforces the idea of humility by telling Scout and Jem to act like a lady/gentleman. The lesson of humility is present after Atticus tells his kids not to brag when he shoots the rabid dog Tim Johnson almost directly on the forehead in one shot after thirty years of not shooting a gun. He acknowledges his skill however he chooses not to actively tell people about it presenting himself in a humble manner. His example causes the kids to want to be like Atticus and follow his example. The children aspire to be like him. Another example of Atticus teaching humility is when Atticus tells Scout to “hold [her] high and keep [her] fists down. No matter what anybody says to [them he doesn’t want them] to let ‘em get [her] goat. [Scout to] Try fighting’ with [her] head for a change.” (Lee 101). He wants her to learn to stop using force to solve her problems. He feels that she must learn humility in order to stop violence against others. Once again Atticus’ parenting methods prove effective and Scout does not fight the kids who taunt her. As a parent Atticus “[assumes] strength, not fragility and as a result [his kids] behave very differently” (Chua). Amy Chua explains in detail why assuming strength in children and giving them tasks that may be challenging but are attainable is apart or being an effective parent that produces high achieving children. Atticus’ parenting style is
He then holds them responsible for what they do and say. Although his ways are different than the societal standards, Atticus’s involvement with his children is effective for discipline. He does not always discipline them in the same manner, but does so in ways fitting to the circumstances. Atticus chooses particular words to express exactly what his children need to hear in order to mend their ways. Often, he simply expresses his disappointment. Sometimes, he uses firm reprimanding. Once, we see Atticus use his keen intellect, employing what Scout calls “the oldest lawyer’s trick on record” (50) so that Jem admits to “putting [Mr. Radley’s] life’s history on display for the edification of the neighborhood” (49), as Atticus describes it. Scout’s father teaches by example countless times when he reminds her that “it ain’t time to worry yet” (70), even when a fire threatens to sweep away all of their belongings. In addition to his honest discussions with Scout and Jem, Atticus gives them many profound lessons through his intentional interactions with others.
Lastly, Atticus emphasizes how vital inner peace and making the moral decision in a given situation is to maturation. For instance, in a conversation with his children, Atticus comments, “Before I can live with other folks I got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn’t abide by a majority rule is a man’s conscience.” (Lee 105) By emphasizing the importance of having personal integrity and doing the ethical thing in any circumstance, Atticus provides his children with wisdom that will carry them through life. Therefore, through unremittingly reiterating the importance of moral decisions, proving the need for pacifism and establishing the importance of multiple perspectives, Atticus verifies himself as a major contributor in Jem and Scout’s development into adolescence.
Dubose who struggles to beat her morphine addiction before she died. He wanted to show his son what true courage was, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. ?It?s when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.? (Page 112) In addition, Atticus is a perfect role model. He demonstrates a strong sense of bravery by refusing to carry a gun to protect Tom Robinson from angry farmers. ? ?After all, though,? I said, ?he was the deadest shot in the county one time. He could?? ?You know he wouldn?t carry a gun, Scout. He ain?t even got one?? said Jem. ?You know he didn?t even have one down at the jail that night. He told me havin? a gun around?s an invitation to somebody to shoot you.? ? (Page 217) As a result, Jem stood up and refused to leave his father during the showdown with the farmers at the jailhouse.
“To Kill a Mockingbird”, an acclaimed novel by Harper Lee, is recognized throughout the world. The novel follows a lawyer and his children prior to and during a legal case to defend a black male. That lawyers name is Atticus Finch. Atticus Finch is not just an ordinary father. He teaches his children things no parent of the 1930s, or even the modern time period, would think of doing. His style parenting, compared to modern day parenting and parenting in the 1930s, is unique and is not traditionally the way a parent wants to raise their child.
Jem undergoes significant moral development in To Kill A Mockingbird by growing and learning through experience, proving Harper Lee’s argument that the most important element in influencing a person’s moral growth is experience. Experience first influences Jem’s moral development as he figures out right versus wrong, coming from exposure to situations that end up serving as a learning experience. This first pivotal moment comes after Jem and Scout, (Jem’s sister) learn something new about their father, Atticus Finch. Scout and Jem think Atticus is feeble, as he doesn’t do anything that the younger fathers in the town of Maycomb do.
What defines a good parent? Who defines a good parenting style? Society, through parenting books and magazines, has discussed this at length, and there are obviously varied opinions. There are certain attributes that are generally used consistently to define a good parenting style. It is not discipline or respect, but the characteristics that stand out for a good parent are trust, love, listening and understanding. Love gives confidence and makes people what they want to be. In Harper Lee’s book “To Kill a Mockingbird”, these key attributes are used to define the parenting style of Atticus, the father of the 2 children, Jem and Scout. I believe that the author has defined a good parent as someone who loves his/her children unconditionally, communicates openly with them, someone who is there for them, some one who teaches good morals and values, and someone who shows them right from wrong. Harper Lee has intelligently demonstrated these characteristics by contrasting the parenting styles of Atticus (the good parent) vs. Bob Ewell, who plays the role of the antagonist in the book, and is portrayed as a bad parent. Both of these men are single parents, and the book therefore does not have much opportunity to view the role of the mother in the upbringing of the children. To illustrate this, the author has cleverly used the examples of 2 women, Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra, to share her thoughts on the importance of a woman’s role in a child’s life. Though these women
Parenting, lauded as one of the most difficult jobs in the world, means constantly being under the scrutiny of others, including your children’s friends. This is no different for the parenting styles of Atticus Finch, Bob Ewell, and Walter Cunningham, three parents from Harper Lee’s critically acclaimed novel To Kill A Mockingbird. Three different parentings styles led to three different types of children: the curious minded, the rascals, and the respectable, showing that how a parent treats their child and others in their lives does matter.