Atticus Influence On To Kill A Mockingbird

The Influence of a Parent

Many parents have a strong hold on the way their child lives their life. In the story, to Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee, Atticus the father of two children live in the town of Maycomb, Alabama. Tom Robinson a black man, is charged with the heinous crime of raping a white woman. Atticus makes sure he does his best to win the case and defend Mr. Robinson. Despite the insults and hate shown toward his family Atticus continues and teaches his children the difference between right and wrong. Atticus Finches influences on his daughter Scout is made clear through the importance he places on education, the admiral ways he practices law, and through his effective interactions with Maycomb residents. Atticus …show more content…
Atticus shows that if he did not defend Mr. Robinson with everything, he would lose all respect for himself and not have the authority to even tell his children what is right and wrong. When Scout inquires why he would defend a black man Atticus replies, “If I didn’t I couldn’t hold my head up in town, I couldn’t represent this county in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem to not do something”(100). Atticus says this to show that cheating a person out of his rights despite his or her skin color is an appalling thing to do, so he chooses to do the right thing and defend Mr. Robinson. This allows him no matter the verdict, to say he tried his best to defend his client despite his race. This influences Scout because it shows her the gravity of the case and future effects it can have on a person. Another Atticus teaches his daughter is that no matter what giving up is not an option. Even when an ordeal is tough Atticus wants Scout to push forward. When Scout asks her father why he would choose to take a case he knew he would lose he replied, “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win”(101). Atticus says this because he knows Scout will encounter a lot of challenges and trials in life. Though it is easier to give up she should not because that is the worst possible choice to make. Scout will be …show more content…
Atticus showed Mrs Dubose who disrespects him to his kids face, respect. “Good evening Mrs. Dubose you look like a picture this evening… and would say he hoped with all his heart she’d have a good day tomorrow”(134). Atticus does this to show that even when people say hateful things about others they should still be treated with kindness. He does this because he knows Scout will be teased for the case he is taking on and she needs to be prepared. Scout will be influenced by not engaging in fights and refraining from arguments. Atticus influences Scout when Walter came over to eat dinner and poured syrup all over his food, yet he did not mention it. Scout learned from this as she did call him out on it and she notices, “Atticus shook his head at me again”(32). Atticus does not say anything about it because he understands the Cunninghams are not as well off as they are. This was to be set as an example for her to understand that others do not have the same benefits as her and should be treated with courtesy. Atticus shows Scout to forgive people who treat you wrong and do not engage creating a bigger conflict. Also be considerate of others. When Mr. Ewell spat in his face, “ Atticus did not bat an eye, just took out his handkerchief and wiped his face and stood there”(291). Instead of becoming angry and retaliating, Atticus avoided a bigger issue that could have