The Inspiring Mr.

Finch

Many people would say, To Kill A Mockingbird is one of the most inspiring pieces of literature

ever written. An inspiring book or character is something, or someone who can encourage one to

become a better version of oneself. Inspiring books almost always have inspiring characters, and

in Harper Lee’s, To Kill A Mockingbird, one could say that that character is Atticus Finch. Not

only was he portrayed as a hero and the main character of this story, he was also a role model for

many. Atticus Finch was portrayed to be a morally upright lawyer, a committed and loving father,

and an overall good citizen.

Atticus finch is revealed to be a morally upright lawyer. He has many morals and stands by them

strongly. He applies these morals in his everyday life, and as a lawyer, too. Many of his morals

include, equality, and justice for all. He also brings these morals along with him to court. In

Atticus’ closing argument during the Tom Robinson case, he stated, “HERE” (Lee, 274). This

quote reveals that Atticus firmly believes that everyone is equal, especially in the court. He also

says this to try and get the jury to put their racial prejudice aside and carefully consider the case

and the evidence. Here, he brought his morals to court and and tried to push for justice. In addition,

Atticus chose to defend a black man, even though he knew the chances of winning were slim.

“HERE” This quote shows us that even though he felt society’s pressure on him, he stuck by his

morals and did what he felt was right. Many people were not happy and tried to convince him not

to take the case, but he did not listen to them as he said, “I couldn’t go to cHEREhere he realizes

that if he can’t do what is right, then who is he to tell his children what to do? Therefore atticus is

a morally upright lawyer because he believes in equality and justice in the court, and stands by

them no matter what comes his way.

 Atticus Finch is revealed to be a loving and committed father. A loving father is one who cares

for his children and is compassionate towards them. Moreover, they teach their children right from

wrong, and always knows what is best for their children. In the novel, Atticus is the best example

that, even though he is very busy with his work as a lawyer. For instance, when Scout had a bad

day at school because her teacher scolded her, Atticus said, “HERE” . This quote shows that

Atticus always makes time for his kids. He makes sure that he has time to teach them valuable

lessons and read to them every night. Here, Atticus taught his daughter Scout one of his moral

lessons, which is first considering things from someone else’s point of view, before trying to

understand them. As a result, Scout applied this at the end of the book when she looked at things

from Arthur Radley’s (the town’s recluse) point of view to better understand him. Furthermore, a

loving father also knows what is best for his children, and in Atticus’ case, that is the truth. When

Atticus was speaking to Uncle Jack about children and how to treat them, he said, “when a child

ask you something answer in this “reveals that Atticus does not treat his children like they’re

inferior. He shows his children respect and they reciprocate that respect. Atticus never evades the

truth and is not afraid to answer any of their questions. Therefore Atticus’ actions and words reveal

him to be a committed and loving father.

Atticus Finch is revealed to be an overall good citizen. A good citizen is someone who is very

respectful to all, puts others before themselves, and treats everyone with kindness. In Maycomb

County, Atticus is very well respected, and many people look up to him as he has the traits of a

respectful citizen. He solves problems with a calm approach and never acts out in anger. When he

was asked why he did not retaliate when Bob Ewell spat in his face, he said. this quote reveals

that he is putting Mayella and her siblings (Bob Ewell’s kids), before himself. Atticus knew that

if he made Bob more more angry nothing good would have resulted, and the situation would only
get worse. It would also put the kids in a dangerous position as Bob is a known alcoholic and it is

evident that they live in an abusive environment. Many people would not have been as calm as

Atticus was, but Atticus ignored him so that Bob’s children would not get hurt when. Miss

Maudie’s house was on fire, Scout,” saw him take her favourite chair”. This benevolent act reveals

that Atticus is thoughtful and good-natured. When Miss Maudie was in trouble and left helpless,

Atticus and other neighbours gave a helping hand. He knew that her oak was her favourite chair

which is why he went to get it. Many people may have left it behind as it may have seemed like it

was not a very important piece of furniture but Atticus did not. He saved what Miss prized the

most, and even risked his life going into the burning house doing so.

Atticus was one of the most inspiring characters in Harper Lee’s, To Kill A Mockingbird, because

he was an overall good citizen, a loving and committed father, and a morally upright lawyer. His

character positively influenced many other characters in the novel, as well as in the real world.

Atticus was a hero in his time, and everyone should strive to achieve greatness and equality, just

like him.