Character Traits Of Atticus

Improved Essays
“Fruit is always the miraculous, the created; it is never the result of willing, but always a growth. The fruit of the Spirit is a gift of God, and only He can produce it. They who bear it know as little about it as the tree knows of its fruit. They know only the power of Him on whom their life depends” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer). Atticus Finch is an attorney in the county of Maycomb and the father of the protagonist, Scout, and her Brother Jem. He is a utilitarian who believes one should always live honestly and that living an honest life is important. Throughout the novel, he demonstrates how he is a godlike figure in many ways by dealing with each situation he encounters gracefully. He clearly manifests all nine Fruits of the Spirit and proves …show more content…
"I wish Bob Ewell wouldn 't chew tobacco.” (Lee 220). This was Atticus’s response to Bob Ewell spitting in his face after Tom Robinson’s trial. Bob Ewell was enraged that Atticus had made a fool of him so he went down to his office to confront him. In this scene Atticus shows patience and self control because instead of fighting back Atticus maintains his composure. He knows that it’s better for Bob to take his aggression out on himself with an empty threat, rather than using his children to channel his anger. Atticus also demonstrates these qualities when it comes to raising his children, Jem and Scout. It if very difficult to raise children on your own, however, Atticus does an unbelievable job as a single parent. Atticus is very patient with his children, especially Scout. Scout likes to pick fights with the boys at her school and Atticus displays patience and self control when dealing with her. Instead of yelling at her he talks to her calmly and explains why the boys say the things they say or do the things they do. In chapter 10, Atticus is faced with having to shoot down Tim Johnson and in this situation he exhibits a great deal of self control and patience. Atticus knew that it was only a matter of time before people would start coming out and that meant that the dog could potentially hurt someone. “With movements so swift they seemed simultaneous, Atticus’s hand yanked a …show more content…
At the end of Tom’s case, Atticus says "In the name of God, do your duty.” (Lee 208). He believes that by saying this it will appeal to the Christian side of the jury and that God will answer his prayer. Atticus is aware that God loves everyone including himself which is why he has found joy. Atticus tell Scout that God loves you the way you love yourself which shows that Atticus has learned to love and forgive himself the way God has. Atticus is considered the peacemaker in the county of Maycomb. He brings peace to others by solving conflicts throughout the community. Atticus brings peace to the black member of his community by fighting for Tom Robinson. He has brought them peace by showing them that there are people who do care about them. “All around us and in the balcony on the opposite wall, the Negroes were getting to their feet.” (Lee 214). By doing this, the people are showing their respect for Atticus and that his actions have brought them

Related Documents

  • Decent Essays

    And for all of his treatment of Jem and Scout, he recognizes that they are still children and will act like children. He has Scout and her brother call him Atticus instead of Father to make it seem like they are peers. Atticus believes in what is right, even if it is not what is popular. He is faced with a very stressful case in which he has to defend an African-American man accused of raping a white girl. He knows this man is innocent and defends him because of it, not because he's black.…

    • 243 Words
    • 1 Pages
    Decent Essays
  • Improved Essays

    He agrees to defend Tom Robertson a black man in a case against him. After a long fight for Tom, he looses and Tom Robertson is sent to Jail even though he is most likely innocent because of all the evidence that defends him. Atticus is well respected by the black people in his town for doing his best to defend Tom even though he didn't save him. Atticus never holds a grudge to the people of Maycomb and preaches to Scout and Jem. He knows that people have good and bad qualities and he is determined to appreciate the good in…

    • 418 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Bob Ewell spit in his face, called him names, and cursed at him. Bob was looking for a fight to try and get back at him for defending Tom. Atticus just says that “I wish Bob Ewell didn’t chew tobacco” pg. 217 after Mr. Ewell spits in his face. He just walks away.…

    • 398 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Atticus Research Paper

    • 637 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Cyprian Toczek Atticus Essay Ms.Eisemann Atticus Essay Atticus always tries to see the best in people but oftentimes demonstrates blind faith and elements of naivety, that prove detrimental. Atticus’ belief in the good of humanity is problematic to him and his family. His beliefs create adversities seen in the courtroom and in the confines of his own home. There are copious amounts of evidence that proves that Atticus is a great man lawyer, and a great father, however, he does how some faults.…

    • 637 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Atticus's Courage

    • 554 Words
    • 3 Pages

    In To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus is full of courage for shooting Tim Johnson, which allows Jem to gain respect for him. Before the shooting of Tim Johnson, Jem thinks that his “father didn’t do anything. He worked in an office, not in a drugstore. Atticus did not drive a dumptruck for the county, he was not the sheriff, he did not farm, work in a garage, or do anything that could possibly arouse the admiration of anyone” (118). Jem views Atticus as a below average parent, due to the fact that he is not admirable or athletic in his eyes.…

    • 554 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    A Search For Justice In To Kill a Mockingbird “Justice consists not in being neutral between right and wrong, but in finding out the right and upholding it, whenever found, against the wrong’’ - Teddy Roosevelt. This highlights the actions that Atticus and Mrs. Dubose take throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Atticus always does what he thinks is right and does not follow what the other citizens of Maycomb, Alabama do. Atticus, the father of Jem and Scout, who live in Maycomb, teaches his kids to do what they believe is right.…

    • 895 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Atticus was unable to surmise whether or not he would win the case. Nevertheless, he took the case bravely. This case shows that Atticus was not a follower of mainstream beliefs and that his choices had separated him from the rest of the town. “Tom Robinson’s case, is something that goes to the essence of a man’s conscience—Scout, I couldn’t go to church and worship God if I didn’t try to help that man” (p.108). The quote proves that Atticus stands up for righteousness and justice even though the majority are standing against the black…

    • 1040 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Atticus has courageously raised his children to not judge others until you know their story and what they are going through. The texts also states, “I’m simply defending a ‘Negro’- his names Tom Robinson,” (Page 75). This is the most extreme example of courage in this novel because Atticus is defending an African-American during the time of racial segregation. Taking this case is potentially dangerous for Atticus considering the whites in Maycomb want Tom to be found guilty of rape. The town of Maycomb is upset with Atticus for defending him during the trial, nut Atticus still continues to do everything in his power to guarantee that Tom receives a fair trial.…

    • 845 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Atticus is a brave character because he stayed overnight at the jail house with Tom Robinson to make sure he was safe and protected. In the meantime, two car loads of angry men show up to the jail planning to kill Tom. In the story, it states a man who approached Atticus swiftly saying,…

    • 935 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, explores the role of heroes in unjust societies. The community of Maycomb, Alabama, the novel’s setting, is unjust, with inherent prejudice against many in the society. However, the character of Atticus Finch shows great heroism and fights the injustice that is prevalent throughout Maycomb, chiefly by electing to defend Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. Atticus Finch deserves distinction as the greatest moral hero of all time. He demonstrates heroism by his willingness to oppose tradition and institutionalized racism.…

    • 1318 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Decent Essays

    The Model Parent Atticus Finch is the father of the protagonist Scout and her brother Jem in the classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It is definitely evident that he is a good parent to his two children. Atticus is an exemplary father due to his sense of fairness and his good morals. First and foremost, Atticus Finch is a very fair man to his children because he always takes their opinions into account.…

    • 306 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Decent Essays
  • Great Essays

    This would encourage discrimination against individuals. Maycomb County’s beliefs are provoked by the social structure in which they live. Highlighted throughout the novel is how the blacks are immediately discarded as below the rest of the general public. This is demonstrated when Aunt Alexandra, who has the typical views of a white middle class person, refuses Scout to go to Calpurnia’s house purely because she is black. Later, Alexandra refuses Scout to…

    • 1726 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Bob Ewell comes up to Atticus after the trial, spits in his face and says “‘Too proud to fight, you n___-lovin’ bastard?’... ‘No, too old’” (Lee 217). Atticus knows that he did the right thing by providing Tom Robinson with a good defense, so he does not care about what Bob Ewell has to…

    • 837 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Atticus represents a protective shield between society and those that are defenseless because he abides by this belief by standing up for what is right, even though he is alone, and he gives the Negro citizens hope for equality. His accepting and fair attitude also contributes to his confidence and perseverance to continue to defend Tom Robinson. When Scout tells Atticus she doesn’t want to go to school because of Miss Caroline’s behavior, he tells Scout that to truly understand a person, you have to step in their shoes and put yourself in their position. (30) This virtue of acceptance and working to understand others allows Atticus to be patient and calm when dealing with people and guides him to do the right thing when taking action to deal with the social injustices. Atticus follows this principle to understand people, such as Boo Radley and Mrs. Dubose, and avoid being prejudiced towards them like most Maycomb citizens; he…

    • 1576 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Atticus always tries to provide his kids with the correct answer and alway give them a wise answer for anything they need. Atticus does what right even when he knows the wrong is going to happen in the end. That 's why he takes Tom case and fights for his equal rights all the way to the end of his life. He thinks that each and every person should be seen equally that why when someone calls you a nigger lover, in his mind that person it just misguided. It does not hurt him he really just feels sorry for these kinds of people because that can 't realize the simple act of being equal and kind.…

    • 1941 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Improved Essays