Atticus Finch as a Great Example of The Golden Rule

In To Kill A Mockingbird, The Golden Rule quoted from the Bible “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This quote is a central tenet of many cultures and world religions throughout history. In the story To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch best describes the Golden Rule by his character and integrity because he teaches his kids the right thing, treating people the same, no matter what race, and he helps his community.

Throughout chapters 1-10 Atticus Finch teaches his kids to fight with their heads appreciate the use of integrity and to appreciate true courage to show that it is doing the right thing. In chapter 3, Atticus told Scout “ 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? ”(Lee, 1960). He teaches the children to treat everyone fairly and to respect them as individuals and not to judge them. Atticus was teaching Scout that she should realize that Ms.Caroline made on honest mistake with Walter Cunningham’s fortune. Atticus also teaches

Jem to be a gentleman to Ms.Dubose, because she is old and sick, but one day she tells the children that Atticus is not any better than the “niggers and trash he works for,” and Jem didn’t take that very well.

Atticus treats everybody the same no matter what race. In the 2nd paragraph when Atticus was teaching Scout not to judge people, is the same way as treating people the same way because Atticus cares about the rights of individuals regardless of race.

He wants his kids to feel the same way. Atticus also helps Calpurnia, their black housekeeper, he treats her like a family member and gives her rights. He also allows her to be a father figure to Jem and Scout. After Scout's first day of school, Calpurnia sees how upset the little girl is, so she bakes crackling bread. In Chapter 8-9, everybody at school was calling Scouts father “niggerlover” because Atticus defended Tom Robinson, but Scout made a promise that she wouldn’t punch anyone. Atticus told Scout 'hold your head high, and keep those fists down…Try fighting with your head for a change' and made her promise it. One of the most important lessons Atticus gives Scout is to protect and mirror the mockingbird. When Scout asks Miss Maudie for clarification, she tells Scout that this is because the mockingbird causes no harm, but only creates beautiful music. This is why it is a sin. This is the greatest example Atticus provides of how one should live life. Hurting no others, and only creating beauty.

Atticus treats his community so well. If he sees you in trouble or something he will help. Atticus does not get too worked up about stressful situations. He is not affected by what other people say or think. He is consistent and rooted in his beliefs. Atticus is a type of person that thinks that no matter what color you are you should have the same rights as any other person. No matter what anybody says he will always be the same person and will teach his kids the same. Most white people don't care about blacks like Atticus does and that shows a lot of character in him.

Atticus gives a great example of the Golden Rule. The Golden Rule states that a person should treat others in the way that they would want to be treated. Atticus always teaches his children to live their lives. He stands up for what he believes in. He doesn’t care about any negativity and always gives people chances even if nobody else believes you. He is the perfect role model for Jem and Scout. He teaches them the importance of doing the right thing no matter who thinks otherwise.

References

1. Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2000.