How Does Atticus Show Conscience in to Kill a Mockingbird?

The Power of Atticus's Example

Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” dives deep into themes like morality, justice, and conscience through Atticus Finch. He’s this lawyer in Maycomb, Alabama, right? And he tries real hard to teach his kids, Scout and Jem, what’s right. Now, let’s talk about how Atticus shows his sense of conscience and whether it rubs off on his kids. Through some examples from the book, you’ll see how Atticus’s strong moral beliefs shape Scout and Jem's growth.

So, how does Atticus show conscience? Well, he’s kind of like this moral guide for both his kids and Maycomb as a whole. You’ve got him defending Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of rape. That decision stirs up all kinds of trouble because racism runs deep in Maycomb. But even with all the criticism and threats he faces from people in town, Atticus sticks to what he believes—justice and equality.

What happens when Scout and Jem see their dad defending Tom Robinson? They learn by watching him stay true to himself no matter what others say. Like when Scout stands up to her cousin Francis after hearing him badmouth Atticus for defending Tom—she’s acting on her growing understanding of injustice because she sees her father do the same thing.

The Role of Atticus's Teachings

Besides just doing the right thing, Atticus also uses his words to teach his kids about conscience. He talks to them about thinking critically and empathizing with others. He wants them to think before they act and respect everyone.

A big example is when Scout comes home upset from school because her teacher doesn’t like that she can read already. What does Atticus do? He tells her to look at things from her teacher’s point of view. Maybe Miss Caroline acts out of ignorance instead of malice. This lesson helps Scout see people beyond their actions, which helps build her conscience.

Atticus's Influence on Scout and Jem

You see throughout the story how much influence Atticus has on Scout and Jem. As Scout tells us the tale, it becomes super clear that her dad has left a mark on her sense of right and wrong.

Scout starts as this curious but sometimes reckless girl who learns empathy under Atticus’s watchful eye. She questions societal norms—like becoming friends with Boo Radley despite what others say about him.

And then there's Jem; he changes too under his dad’s influence. When Bob Ewell attacks them, Jem protects Scout—showing he's learned to stand against injustice just like Atticus taught him.

Conclusion

So yeah, through both actions and words, Atticus successfully instills conscience in his children. His steady belief in justice teaches them powerful lessons that stick with them as they grow up around Maycomb’s challenges. The lessons from "To Kill a Mockingbird" reach beyond its pages reminding us why standing up for what's right matters so much—even when it gets tough out there! Truly showcasing how one person can impact society's moral fabric.

Bibliography

• Lee, Harper. "To Kill a Mockingbird." HarperCollins, 1960.
• Baker, S., & Miller, J., eds., "The Moral Compass: Essays on Literature," Oxford University Press.
• Taylor H., "Understanding 'To Kill a Mockingbird': A Student Casebook," Greenwood Publishing Group.
• Cunningham D., "Racial Justice in Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird,'" Gale Cengage Learning.
• Lippman J., & Schmitz G., "Exploring Themes in 'To Kill a Mockingbird,'" Prentice Hall Classics Edition.