Analysis of Atticus’ Parenting Style Through His Influence on Scout

The way a parent influences their child is crucial because that is how the child will learn. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee is about a white lawyer named Atticus Finch who tries his best to defend an African American named Tom Robinson. Atticus teaches his children(Scout and Jem) how to overcome challenges that they faced during the time he was defending Tom in a racist community. Atticus Finch’s influence on his daughter Scout is made clear through the importance he places on education, the admirable ways he practices law, and through his effective interactions with Maycomb residents.

Scout is influenced through the importance Atticus places on her education. Scout wanted to quit school like Burris Ewell, but Atticus refused and made a compromise with her to stay in school. In the book it states, “If you’ll concede the necessity of going to school, we’ll go on reading every night just as we always have” demonstrates Atticus commitment towards Scout’s education by going out of his way for her not to quit school. Through his compromise, Atticus emphasizes to Scout that education should be her number one priority. This teaches Scout to always put education first and never last. Scout was gloomy when Miss Caroline told her to stopped reading at home with Atticus. For example, “Your father does not know how to teach. You can have a seat now. I mumbled that I was sorry and retired meditating upon my crime.” demonstrates Scout’s sadness towards Miss Caroline after she tells her Atticus cannot teach her anymore. Atticus teaching Scout affected her to love reading. Scout made reading a daily hobbie in her life, and is sad if anyone tries to stop her from doing it. Atticus clarifies any information Scout is confused about, so she will get a better understanding of it. For example, “and we were at all times free to interrupt Atticus for a translation” demonstrates how Atticus was not concerned if Scout interrupted him but was concerned if she knew the meaning of unfamiliar words. Atticus helps Scout acquire more knowledge by teaching her information beyond her understanding. Also, he encourages Scout to be interested in learning new information. 

Furthermore, Atticus influences Scout by making education a top priority in her life.Atticus influences Scout by the admirable ways he practices law. Atticus was courageous enough that he took Tom Robinson’s case despite his chances of winning being low. For instance, “I’m simply defending a Negro-his name’s Tom Robinson” indicates how Atticus did not care if Tom was African American, he was going to defend him as his client. Through Atticus taking Tom’s case, Scout learns how to treat people equally. Scout now knows that race does not matter, everyone should be treated fairly. Atticus showed respect to the witnesses in Tom’s trial although they were against him. He respects Mayella by calling her ma’am during the trial, “So you did , so you did , ma’am. You’ll have to bear with me , Miss Mayella.” (243) Atticus positive manners towards Mayella in the trial, influences Scout to show respect to everyone regardless of their opposition against you. Moreover, Scout is taught to appreciate everyone, not disregard them. Atticus understood that Mr. Cunningham did not have money to pay him, so he allowed him to pay for legal help with crops and other items. For example, “before Mr. Cunningham left he said, Mr. Finch, I don’t know when I’ll ever be able to pay you. Let that be the least of your worries, Walter, Atticus said “demonstrates how Atticus recognized the terrible money situation Mr. Cunningham was in, and did not put any pressure on him to pay back his legal help. Atticus understanding Mr. Cunningham’s money situation, teaches Scout to be generous with everyone and comprehend with their conditions. Now, Scout understands not to be inconsiderate with people and their situations instead she will be kindhearted to them. 

Additionally, Atticus teaches Scout different life lessons, through the admirable ways he practices law.Atticus influences Scout through his effective interactions with Maycomb residents. Atticus showing respect to Mrs. Dubose even though she disregards him and his children. For instance, “Countless evenings Atticus would find Jem furious at something Mrs. Dubose had said when we went by. Easy does it, son, Atticus would say. She’s an old lady and she’s ill” displays Atticus kindful reaction to Mrs. Dubose, even though she insulted his children. Atticus reaction to Mrs. Dubose, influences Scout to show kindness to everyone including the ones that despise you. Also, Scout will try to show peace to the people that disdain her. Scout was able to looked back at past situations in Arthur Radley’s perspective. For example, “Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them” reveals that Scout learned how to put herself in other people’s perspective as a result of Atticus teaching. Atticus influence helps Scout understand situations with different viewpoints. Further, Scout can now overlook arguments by understanding other people’s perspective. Atticus protecting Mayella by letting Bob Ewell release his anger on him. Atticus explains to his children how he felt about Bob Ewell spitting in his face, “So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that’s something I’ll gladly take.” Atticus protecting Mayella from Bob Ewell, influences Scout to overlook the actions of other people. This helps Scout to look ahead of people’s actions and understand their reasons of doing so. Furthermore, Scout learns how to overcome difficult life situations, through Atticus interactions with other Maycomb residents.

In To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch influences Scout through the importance he puts on her education, the proper ways he practices law, and his influential interactions with other Maycomb residents. Through the importance he places on her education, Scout is taught to make education her number one priority. The proper ways he practices law teaches Scout to treat everyone equally no matter their racial background. His influential interaction with other Maycomb residents influenced Scout to look at situations with other viewpoints. Parental influence on a child is vital because that is how the child will learn.