How Does Harper Lee Portray Atticus Finch as a Good Parent Essay Example
The character Mufasa in Disney's The Lion King serves as a prime example of various admirable qualities. Whenever Simba requires solace, Mufasa knows how to provide it, effectively comforting him. Similarly, Mufasa possesses the ability to discern when Simba's behavior warrants discipline and when he is simply displaying his playful nature. Mufasa exhibits strength, bravery, wisdom, patience, and above all, exemplifies what it means to be a respectable parent. Similarly, Atticus Finch shares many desirable attributes including patience, empathy, and courage.
Harper Lee uses the character of Atticus Finch in TKaM to depict good parenting qualities. Atticus demonstrates patience and refrains from losing his temper with Jem and Scout, unlike Bob Ewell who is suspected of abusing his daughter, Mayella. Miss Maudie Atkinson affirms that Atticus does not treat his ch
...ildren in the same manner as Bob Ewell.
Miss Maudie tells Scout that people often have different personalities at home and in public. Scout interrupts her and says, “Atticus treats us the same way at home as he does outside” (46). Scout defends Atticus because she frequently gets into trouble, but even then, Atticus never raises a hand against her or Jem. Atticus not only rarely gets angry with Jem and Scout, but he also remains calm and patient with them. Like most children, Scout always wants her opinions acknowledged until she gets an explanation or gets what she wants.
On Scout's first day of school, she becomes frustrated with her teacher constantly reprimanding her. When she tells Atticus about it, she mentions that her teacher doesn't want Atticus to read with her at home. Rather than losing his temper, Atticus patientl
listens to Scout's complaints and suggests a compromise. He calmly proposes, "If you’ll concede the necessity of going to school, we’ll go on reading every night just as we always have. Is it a bargain?" (31). Atticus appeals to her interests and shows his commitment to making his children happy. This portrayal of Atticus as a good parent highlights his ability to differentiate between when he needs to be angry and when he needs to show compassion. He wants Jem and Scout to develop good morals, and one way he achieves this is by teaching them the importance of bravery.
Atticus challenges the beliefs of the townspeople by taking on Tom Robinson's case, which leads to negative remarks towards his family. Atticus' children have to endure this criticism. Jem becomes furious after Mrs. Dubose insults them, causing him to damage her Camilla bushes. Consequently, he is ordered to read to her for a month as punishment. Mrs. Dubose, who is old and addicted to morphine, wants to conquer her dependency before her death. Unfortunately, she passes away shortly after Jem finishes his penalty. To provide an explanation for why he made Jem read to Mrs.
In his discussion with Jem about Mrs. Dubose, Atticus states that he wanted Jem to witness what true courage entails, rather than associating it solely with a person holding a firearm. He admires Mrs. Dubose for her exceptional bravery, declaring her to be the most courageous individual he has ever known (112). Atticus, being a respectable parent, aims to teach his children that genuine bravery involves confronting life's challenges head-on and resolving them in the most effective manner
possible. Similarly, Atticus demonstrates the concept of bravery to his children by choosing not to retaliate against Bob Ewell. Despite Bob Ewell winning the case, Atticus seeks to express his disdain.
Bob Ewell spits in Atticus’ face and declares that he will continue to pursue him, even if it takes him the rest of his life. The incident is relayed to the children by Miss Stephanie, leaving them worried about Atticus’ safety. When they inquire about it, Atticus reassures them by stating, “We don’t have anything to fear from Bob Ewell, he expelled all his anger that morning” (218). The knowledge that Atticus, their role model and parent, can show bravery in such circumstances encourages Scout and Jem to release their concerns and not let the tension in town affect them.
Through the characters of Mrs. Dubose and Bob Ewell, Atticus teaches his children about true bravery, showcasing his good parenting qualities. In Harper Lee's TKaM, Atticus Finch exemplifies the characteristics of a good parent. For instance, Scout reassures Miss Maudie that Atticus would never treat her or Jem differently in public, demonstrating his consistency in his actions at home and in public. Additionally, when Scout complains, Atticus strives to appease her, recognizing that losing his temper will not solve the issue.
Atticus demonstrates bravery to his children by using Mrs. Dubose as an example, teaching them to confront their difficulties. Similarly, his choice to overlook Bob Ewell's actions teaches his children to be courageous and resilient. Comparable to Mufasa from The Lion King, Atticus Finch is an exceptional father who embodies patience, wisdom, and bravery, confirming his exceptional parenting qualities.
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