7/29/2019 To Kill A Mockingbird - Atticus Finch Characterization

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Joel Sweeting

September 8th, 2012

Grade 11 English Language

Summer Reading Assignment

Character Trait Assessment

In the novel, To Kill A Mockingbirdby Harper Lee, there are many characters,

all with unique personalities. My favorite character in the novel is Atticus Finch by a

long shot. Atticus was a white southerner who lived in Maycomb, an old town in

Alabama. Atticus had many admirable character traits. He is a great father figure for

his children. He is also very wise. In addition to this, he is courageous.

From my perspective, Atticus Finch is a great father figure for his children,

Jem and Jean Finch. I feel this way, firstly because he knew his children looked up to

him, so he tried to live a life that would be a good example for his children to follow.

In Chapter 30 of the novel, Atticus says, Before Jem looks at anyone else he looks at

me, and Ive tried to live so I can look squarely back at him. This tells us that Atticus

felt obligated to be a good example for his children and that he wants to live life

without the guilt of being a bad father. Secondly, I feel that Atticus Finch is a great

father figure for his children, because he takes the time out to teach his children

valuable life lessons. For example, Atticus teaches his children to be accepting of

others no matter how they act or look. In Chapter 3 of the novel, he said, You never

really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. Here,

Atticus is telling his children to always try to see things from the perspective of

others instead of only their one. He knows this is the only way to truly understand

other people.

In my opinion, Atticus Finch is very wise. I feel this way, firstly because healways knows exactly how to respond to the situations that he faces. For example, in

Chapter 23 when Bob Ewell spat in his face, Atticus did not act rashly or respond to

Bobs threats and curses, but simply wiped his face with a handkerchief. He later on

said, if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra

beating, that's something I'll gladly take. He had to take it out on somebody and I'd

7/29/2019 To Kill A Mockingbird - Atticus Finch Characterization

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rather it be me than that houseful of children out there." He was wise enough to

think about the consequences of his actions before acting. By doing so, he avoided

any conflict and diffused the situation. Secondly, I feel this way, because Atticus

always imparts sage-like advice to his children. For example, in Chapter 11, after

hearing Mrs. Dubose call Atticus a nigger-lover, Jean (Scout) asked him if he was

one. Atticus responded by saying, I do my best to love everybodyIts never aninsult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name. It just shows you how poor

that person is, it doesnt hurt you. By responding this way, he shows his daughter

that she does not have to retort angrily, but instead that she has a choice whether or

not to let the opinions of others affect her.

From my viewpoint, Atticus Finch is courageous. I feel this way, because he is

not afraid to stand up for what he believes in even if the outcome isnt favorable. In

Chapter 11 of the novel, Atticus said, I wanted you to see what real courage isit's

when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it

through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do. Atticus shows real

courage by representing the Negro Tom Robinson when he knew people would look

down on him because of this. Also, he knew he would be unable to win the case

because of the circumstances, but still represented Tom Robinson, even though he

was licked from the start. Evenwhen people called him names like Nigger-lover

and threatened his life, he still held his ground. Secondly, I feel this way, because in

Chapter 15 Atticus went to the jailhouse to protect Tom from a lynch mob without

thinking of his own well being. He rushed to Tom's aid. He was determined to shield

Tom from anything that could harm him, even though he knew he would be

outnumbered and could be badly beaten.

In Conclusion, Atticus Finch is my favorite character in Harper Lees To Kill A

Mockingbirdby a long shot. He is a great father figure for his children. He is also verywise. In addition to this, he is courageous. In addition to this, I believe that even

though he is a fictional character, Atticus is a good role model for males everywhere.

He was not afraid to do the work others didnt want. He was a great father and his

parenting methods, though unconventional were quite effective. I feel thatAtticus

character is one that I would emulate.