To Kill a Mockingbird Characte free essay sample

In 2003, the American Film Institute chose Atticus Finch, a respectful, dignity attorney from To Kill a Mockingbird, as the greatest hero in 100 years of film history. Harper Lee published To Kill a Mockingbird in the 1960s and it immediately received huge acclaims from readers throughout the world. In the novel, Lee created Atticus Finch, the ideal parent of Jem and Scout, who gains much respect from his children and Maycomb inhabitants through series of events the family encounters in the novel. Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus exemplifies the best qualities of a role model for good parenting. To be a good parent, one needs first to acquire respect from others, especially one’s children, and Atticus accomplishes the task flawlessly. When he finds Jem and his company, Scout and Dill, try to leave a note for Boo Radley by a side window, he strongly advises them to â€Å"stop tormenting that man† (page 49). We will write a custom essay sample on To Kill a Mockingbird Characte or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Atticus believes that human beings should not judge others by looking at their physical appearance or behaviors. People always have reasons for what they do, yet sometimes their actions might be peculiar to the majority of the society. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Boo never reveals himself to the outside world; therefore, he suffers from rumors spreading among Maycomb citizens. Even Jem and Scout, whom he incessantly protects and cares for, misbelieve that he is a loathsome monster. Nevertheless, because Atticus possesses the ability to see beyond the obvious, he understands Boo and he wants Jem to understand and respect Boo as well. As a keen parent, Atticus Finch really knows how to borrow surrounding occasions to teach lessons about respect to his children. Once, Jem and Scout invite Walter Cunningham to have lunch at their home. When Walter pours molasses all over his food and â€Å"[ducks] his head† to eat instead of using knife and fork, Scout exclaims that his behavior is weird. Immediately, Atticus â€Å"[shakes] his head at [her]† disapprovingly and lets Calpurnia lecture her (page 24). By letting Calpurnia admonish Scout, Atticus tells Scout to respect and obey  not only him, but also every other family member, even though she might not like them equally. Atticus shows true respect to Calpurnia because she cooks food for his family, protects his children while he is at work, and cares for them as if they are her own children. Through events in Maycomb, Atticus teaches Jem and Scout to show respect to everyone, regardless of their appearances or odd behaviors. Besides respect, Atticus accentuates courage as a fundamental element to grow up in his parenting career. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus was invited to Mrs. Dubose’s house only to acknowledge that she has passed away, free from morphine addiction â€Å"as the mountain air† (page 111). He comes home, bringing the gift of Mrs. Dubose for Jem and a message of him. As Jem opens the gift, Atticus enlightens him with the new definition of courage: â€Å"courage is [not] a man with a gun in his hand†¦ and you see it through no matter what† (page 112). Mrs. Dubose’s present, a white, perfect camellia embodies hope and bravery. When Jem loses his head and beheads every single blossom in Mrs. Dubose’s garden, the camellias still strive powerfully to grow and produce such heavenly creature, just like Mrs. Dubose trying and hoping to cleanse her addiction. Even though Mrs. Dubose and Atticus oppose their ideas and beliefs, they all represent real courage: Mrs. Dubose by fencing off her addiction triumphantly, and Atticus by defending Tom Robinson. Later in the novel, Jem and Scout themselves perceive courage in Atticus when he is trying to acquit Tom Robinson. He takes the case whatsoever; albeit the minimal to zero chance he will win. By being a great epitome of a courageous man for his children, Atticus further proves his value of good parent. In a nutshell, parent plays a significant part in forming his children. Children might be influenced from outer world, but parent is ultimately responsible for explaining and leading them to his beliefs. A good parent not only needs to love the children dearly, but also has to create a disciplined environment for the children, for it is freedom and success. After all, Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird truly deserves the gold medal for being the greatest hero as well as the best parent in American history.