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Erica Canchola Hernandez

Mr. Ojeda- Jones
English
24 November 2012

A Father In My Eyes

Have you ever considered the valuable qualities it takes to be a

father figure in someones life? You must be there to look after them,
protect them, put up with them, but most importantly you must believe
in them and in their abilities. When you think deeper into these things,
it may not seem so easy anymore. In the historic fictional story, To Kill
A Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, a young girl named Scout learns
the cold truths about the world around her with the help of her wise
father, Atticus Finch. Atticus, who is a lawyer for their small town of
Maycomb, is assigned by the county to defend a black man by the
name of Tom Robinson in court. Tom was accused of raping a heartless
white mans daughter, but with all the proof that was provided Atticus
knew that Tom was not guilty. As a father figure,

Atticus finds himself answering many thoughtful questions from both

his curious
children, Jem and Scout. Atticus does an outstanding job of being not
only a father figure, but also a role model for both Jem and Scout.
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Atticus has one quality that I believe every good father has; and
that is the quality of showing love and affection. Sometimes it could be
frustrating having two young curious children but at the end of the
day, Atticus actions showed how much he loved his children. He was
there to comfort them when they needed it, for example Scout says, I
crawled into his lap and tucked my head under his chin. He put his
arms around me and rocked me gently (76). This showed me Atticus
caring personality. You can see that his children mean a lot to him and
he is there for them when they need someone to fall back on. Not only
is Atticus loving and selfless but he also has a way of being
understanding of others including his children, Jem and Scout.

Atticus has another quality that is special in a father figure,

which is his way of understanding his children and knowing what they
need as they grow up. When Scout finds herself in trouble for
defending the harsh words one of her classmates says about Atticus,
Atticus explains to his brother, Scouts got to learn to keep her head
and learn soon with whats in store for her these next few months.

Shes coming along though, Jems getting older and she follows his
example a good bit now. All she needs is assistance sometimes (144 ).
Atticus may be a strict father at times but he knows what is best for his
children. He is protective of them but he has
faith and believes in them both. Speaking of believing in them. He
supports Jem and Scout in every way he can.

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The most important quality that Atticus possesses is his support

towards his kids being the best people they can be. Towards the end of
the story Atticus explains something very meaningful to Officer Heck
Tate. He says, If this things hushed up itll be a simple denial to Jem
of the way Ive tried to raise him. Sometimes I think Im a total failure
as a parent, but Im all theyve got I dont want to lose him and Scout
because theyre all Ive got (273). I found this to be the most
important quote in the story that supports the kind of father Atticus is.
Atticus does his best to act as a role model for both of his children. He
knows that his role in their lives is very important and he does not
want to let them down. Atticus gives them the right amount of
discipline and encouragement in order for them to grow up into the
smart, courageous people; he knows they are.

In conclusion, I believe Atticus has achieved his goals of guiding

his children to the right paths for their lives. Thanks to Atticus morals
and words of wisdom, Jem and Scout have great lives ahead of them.
Atticus Finch should feel accomplished as a father figure.