Although Harper Lee conveys Atticus’s character as a wonderful father that is morally just, she also creates his character to be an honorable man despite the social expectations of Maycomb. Atticus’s respect and honor highlights the good left in Maycomb County by his teachings of viewing the world from someone else’s perspective. Atticus’ most famous quote is, “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 39). This simple quote speaks volumes that assists in understanding Atticus as a man. A quote of this measure not only shows honor, but also teaches a valuable lesson of empathy to the reader. Stated in a scholarly article, “Atticus treats
…show more content…
Atticus explains to Scout, “This time we aren’t fighting the Yankees, we’re fighting our friends. But remember this, no matter how bitter things get, they’re still our friends and this is still our home” (Lee 98). In this statement, Atticus is explaining to Scout that he is not against strangers, and they are obligated to treat them fairly. He encourages her to realize that this is a sensitive matter and his friends were raised to degrade African Americans. Scout does not comprehend why because Atticus is the opposite of the citizens in Maycomb. She expects everyone to be as honest and fair as Atticus. She fails to see that Atticus is a rare man. One source states, “He manages at once to be of and not of Maycomb; he has defined an individual self not in opposition to others” (Phelps). Atticus recognizes the complexity of this situation and does not desire to add fuel to the fire. Since his friends are custom to racial separation, they are only acting according to their teachings. Instead of Atticus insulting his friends and mistreating them because of their racial preference, he symmpathizes and encourages them to be truthful, which truly displays his
Atticus explains to Scout, “This time we aren’t fighting the Yankees, we’re fighting our friends. But remember this, no matter how bitter things get, they’re still our friends and this is still our home” (Lee 98). In this statement, Atticus is explaining to Scout that he is not against strangers, and they are obligated to treat them fairly. He encourages her to realize that this is a sensitive matter and his friends were raised to degrade African Americans. Scout does not comprehend why because Atticus is the opposite of the citizens in Maycomb. She expects everyone to be as honest and fair as Atticus. She fails to see that Atticus is a rare man. One source states, “He manages at once to be of and not of Maycomb; he has defined an individual self not in opposition to others” (Phelps). Atticus recognizes the complexity of this situation and does not desire to add fuel to the fire. Since his friends are custom to racial separation, they are only acting according to their teachings. Instead of Atticus insulting his friends and mistreating them because of their racial preference, he symmpathizes and encourages them to be truthful, which truly displays his