A Discussion of Whether Atticus is a Good Father in to Kill a Mockingbird

Throughout the story, Atticus shows he is a great role model for Scout and Jem. He stands up and fights for what he believes in. For example, even though most of the white neighbors disapproved in Atticus’ support for Tom Robinson, an African American, Atticus knew Tom Robinson was innocent and stood up for him in and out of the courtroom. Mr. Link Dias says, “-don’t see why you touched it in the first place...you’ve got everything to lose from this Atticus. I mean everything.” to which Atticus responds by saying “Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he’s not going till the truth’s told...and you know what the truth is.” Atticus knew the truth and continued to stand up for it even though he was frowned upon for accepting a case in favor of a negro. Secondly, Atticus shows he is a great role model by acting the same to everybody. Miss Maudie tells Scout, “Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets.” Atticus treats everyone with the same amount of respect, even behind closed doors. This is an important trait Atticus has, especially for influencing Scout and Jem. It teaches them that they should treat everyone equally.

Another reason Atticus is a good father is because he loves his children and makes sure they are safe. A good illustration of this is when Scout, Jem, and Dill find Atticus at the jail, being harassed by Mr. Cunningham’s mob. Atticus knew that it was too dangerous for the kids to be there, so he tried his best to keep them safe. “Go home, Jem...take Scout and Dill home.” When Jem refused to leave, Atticus walked home with the three children. Atticus shows he loves his children by taking the time to work with them. When Scout told Atticus that she no longer wanted to go to school because she got in trouble for being literate, he tells her, “If you’ll concede the necessity of going to school, we’ll go on reading every night just as we always have. Is it a bargain?”.  Even though Scout’s teacher told her that Atticus did not know how to teach, and Scout must stop learning at home, Atticus knew what he was doing and taught Scout that it is okay to do what she loves, and it is okay to read every night. He did it because he loves her and knows what’s best for her.

Atticus is a good parent because he teaches Scout and Jem many lessons throughout the story. An example of one of the lessons he teaches was that you should never judge a book by its cover. He said, “If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from their point of view, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” This was an important lesson that Atticus demonstrates all throughout the story, especially since he supported Tom Robinson in his trial. Another lesson Atticus teaches Scout is not to be conceited. “Atticus had said it was the polite thing to talk to people about what they were interested in, not about what you were interested in.” (Lee 205). This is an important lesson to teach children, so they will grow up being the best person they can be. www.healthyplace.com states that it is important for parents to “Explain how empathy is the ability to sense the feelings and perspectives of others, and to use that sense as a guide in relationships.” Atticus taught Scout a very important life lesson in the story.

In conclusion, though Atticus may make some mistakes as a parent, overall, he is a good father. He shows he is a good father by being a great role model for Scout and Jem, loving his children and by making sure they are safe, and lastly, by teaching them many important lessons throughout the book. Even though people may disagree with the way Atticus parents his children, he is a great father and loves his children very much.