To Kill A Mockingbird: Atticus Finch is a Role Model Essay Example

sense of justice is impeccable. He thinks all human beings, irrespective of race, age, or gender should be equal. He is a lawyer who uses his mind instead of his fists, who stands in the gap and always does the things other people are unwilling and afraid to do.

Although Atticus’s decision of defending Tom Robinson, a black being accused of raping a white woman, brings threats to his family, he still tries his best to help Tom and believes Tom is innocent. Atticus tells Scout they should do whatever to win the trial even the chances is low, “simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us no to try to win” (101). His integrity and love for others drives him to do his best contributing to the society. When Scout asks Atticus why others are calling him a nigger-lover, he says, “nigger-lover is just one of those terms that don’t mean anything…I certainly am.

I do my best to love everybody”(109). But most importantly, he practices what he preaches; he follows his own moral code. “The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience” (105), states Atticus will make honorable decisions even when others don’t accept these decisions. Atticus stands for equality, and he always does his best to ensure it. Living in quiet dignity, Atticus Finch keeps his conscience clear regardless of what other people say. Townspeople once called Atticus the “One-Shot Finch”, but he refuses to take unfair advantages over other living things, and decides not to shoot until he has to.

Ms. Maudie comments, “people in

their right minds never take pride in their talents” (112). After the trial, when Atticus visits Tom Robinson’s family, Bob Ewell spits on him; in response, Atticus simply takes out a handkerchief to wipe his face and walks away. His peaceful response is one of the examples of his quiet dignity. Atticus is the hero in the novel, he stands up for what is just, respects others and displays reason, patience and humility. Despite the fact Bob Ewell wins the case against Tom Robinson, he once asks Atticus, “too proud to fight, you nigger-lovin’ bastard” (217), Atticus replies, “no, too old” (217).

Again, he shows the readers a way to live by one’s own moral standards, even being challenged by others. Unlike other arrogant folks, Atticus Finch’s dignity appeared in his authentic humility. Atticus Finch is a symbol of justice, who doesn’t have to prove himself with anything as his personality says all. With his convictions, wisdom, and probity, Atticus functions as the novel’s moral backbone. He is a role model for the society; the way he carries himself, teaches his children, and makes his choices inspire us to rise above the current level and make a difference.