The Charater of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird :: Kill Mockingbird essays

The Charater of genus genus Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird     During the frontmost one-half of To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee constructs a angelical and affectionate portrait of rowing up in the world of low-toned town Alabama. Harper Lee, however, continues on to dig underneath the portrayal of wee town courtesy in the second half of the book. None of the characters in the book ar perfect. This catchs to show through in the second half of the book when the facade is removed to reveal the ugliness of Maycomb and the people aliveness there. Through these tough times though, one character manages to keep his cool. Atticus Finch, through each the struggles and pressure, stands strong as a really compulsive father figure, making sure to instill in his children three very specific values instruction, bravery, and acceptance.     At the beginning of the book it becomes clear why Atticus thinks education is so important, as he and Scout acquire before bed each night. During his closing argu workforcets in Tom Robinsons faux pas Atticus clearly acknowledges the ignorance blinding peoples minds and hearts the witnesses for the state...have presented themselves to you gentlemen...in the cynical confidence that their affidavit would not be doubted, confident that you gentlemen would go along with them on the...evil assumption...that all Negroes are basically immoral beings, that all Negro men are not to be trusted around our women, and assumption one associates with minds of their calibre (217). Education is the key to unlocking the ignorance that causes such prejudice. Because of Atticus example Jem begins to this lesson toward the end of the book, when he wonders if family education could be based more on education than on bloodiness.     Jem also learns important lessons from his father regarding bravery. Early in the book we learn that Atticus does not approve of guns. He believes that guns do not make men brave and that childrens fascination with guns is questionable. To prove his point, he sends Jem to read for Mrs. Dubose who struggles to beat her morphine addiction before she dies. He wants to show is son that one shows straight bravery when you know youre licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what (121).