In To Kill a Mockingbird, how is Atticus Finch a good father?

In To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch is a good father. He is a perfect example of a father who is an honest man, a father who is determined to teach his children the value of respecting all people, no matter the differences in mankind. Atticus Finch chooses to represent a black man who is accused of a crime he didn’t do.

 In the 1960s, in the deep South of Alabama, racism was widespread. The Civil Rights movement was forming during this time. Harper Lee introduces Atticus Finch to the world of literature, and today he still “…reigns as the most noble parent ever brought to life….” Truly, Atticus put himself into a dangerous situation. He chose to do the right thing in the face of a hostile community. As Atticus represents a black man accused of raping a white girl, many in the community assumed the black man was guilty solely because he was black. Atticus knew this mentality was wrong. Atticus proved that the black man was innocent, even though he knew that the jury would probably find the black man guilty, simply based on his skin color.

Throughout the trial, Scout and Jem observe their father and notice that he is in a dangerous situation. Atticus displays courage and integrity throughout the trial. His children learn about their father’s good character and his honorable qualities. Atticus chooses to represent an innocent black man even though he knows he will probably lose the trial. Nevertheless, he knows he has to try and change the way society views black people based only on skin color. Atticus is an exceptional parent and role model. He chooses to put himself at risk along side of his children. He knows this is the right thing to do. He teaches his children that life involves making difficult decisions. He does not cower in the face of trouble. He holds his head high in the community because he knows he is doing the right thing. This lesson becomes evident in front of his children. They learn courage. They learn to respect all people. They learn that doing the right thing is not easy but it has to be done.

Surely, Atticus is an exemplary father. He realizes that he must choose to do the right thing so that his children will learn that having integrity is not always easy, but it is more important than hiding behind closed doors while innocent people suffer. Atticus makes a stand, and his children follow in his footsteps. They become children who see the value in all people regardless skin color or social class status. The lesson that Atticus’ children learn will go with them through life. Jem and Scout will learn the importance of esteeming others as worthy regardless of differences.

Atticus has a difficult task as a father. He chooses to represent an innocent black man while knowing he is putting himself and his own children at risk. Atticus hates no one, not even the cruel Bob Ewell. He realizes that Ewell is product of his environment; however, Atticus chooses to do the right thing by shredding Ewell’s credibility at the trial. When Ewell spits in Atticus face and threatens his very life, Atticus chooses to walk away rather than fight. Again his children learn bravery through their father’s self control. Atticus teaches real-life lessons that his children need to learn—lessons that his children will never forget--valuable, scrupulous teachings from a truly wise and loving father.