Atticus Finch

Who is a father? What should he be in the eyes of his children?

Kind and understanding, strict but fair, Atticus Finch the fictional father of Scout and Jem in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird embodies everything that a father should be. A man of great strength and courage, he is a hero to his children; he is the presence that keeps them in shape and their only connection to the world of grownups. He is their teacher, their protector, and their friend. He takes on these responsibilities without hesitation, and cares for Scout and Jem the only way he knows how. The reader can clearly see to that Atticus's episodes with his children are what make him an extraordinary father. As a father, Atticus shows his children respect, lessons, and how to treat others through his own actions.

Atticus's unique relationship with Scout and Jem is built on equality and respect, and helps to create his wonderful father character. The simple act of calling him Atticus and not father brings Scout and Jem to the same level as Atticus. They are people, not children. "Jem protested, then pleaded, and Atticus said, `All right, you can come with us if you stay in the car'"(239). By allowing Jem and Dill to accompany him and Calpurnia when he tells Mrs. Robinson about Tom's death, Atticus demonstrates his respect for Jem and Dill, and his faith in their maturity.

Part of Atticus' role as a father is teacher. Most of Scout and Jem's knowledge comes from Atticus. He teaches them the important life lessons that they can't learn from books or blackboards. " `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'"(30). This conversation between Atticus and Scout comes toward the beginning of the book, and helps the reader to appreciate the special bond between him and his children. They look up to him an value every word he says. In addition to sharing his thoughts and wisdom with Scout and Jem, Atticus teaches through examples.

His lessons