Atticus Finch Is Leading By Example Worth Your Children's Life

Is leading by example worth your children’s lives? Atticus Finch, from Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, thinks so. In the novel, Atticus, the father of Scout and Jem Finch, is chosen to defend Tom Robinson, a black man accused of rape by a young white woman named Mayella Ewell. Most of Atticus’s friends and neighbors believe Atticus should just go through the motions and let Tom be wrongfully convicted, as they live in the horribly racist town of Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930’s. Atticus, however, did what he knew was right and defended Tom with passion. Atticus’s choice to defend Tom was heroic, but had major consequences for his kids. Amongst other things, such as almost getting Jem and Scout killed and letting them run free without

The children had been walking home from a Halloween pageant that Atticus was too tired to attend. He also had Jem go pick up Scout at night, in the dark, alone. Scout said, “Atticus said as tactfully as he could that he just didn't think that he could stand a pageant tonight… He thought Jem might escort me if I asked him” (Lee, 339). Atticus made it seem like he didn’t even know if Jem would take Scout. His exhaustion is understandable with everything going on with the trial, but he should still go to his daughter’s show and walk her home, especially at night. Atticus also knew that threats were made against him, and he still didn't go out of his way to make sure his kids were safe. Previous to Atticus refusing to go to the pageant we learned that Bob Ewell would “...get him if it took the rest of his life” (290). As seen in the quote, Atticus received a direct threat and still disregarded it, making it seem like he had no care for himself or his

For example, the children snuck into a neighbors yard and almost got shot. We later found out that Atticus knew about this occurrence, but didn't do anything about it. Months after the incident Atticus finally let the kids know that he knew what happened: “I’m too old to go chasing you off the Radley property. Besides, it’s dangerous. You might get shot” (325). This implies that Atticus knew about his kids almost getting shot, and didn't do anything about it until after the incident. Another instance where the kids received no discipline for their actions is when Atticus was sitting by the town jail and a small mob began to form. The children had snuck out yet again and interrupted the mob, in a fashion in which could have gotten them hurt. When they were on their way home from the jail, “...Atticus reached out and massaged Jem’s hair, his one gesture of affection” (207). Atticus was not only ignoring the fact that the kids snuck out in the middle of the night, he was showing affection and making it seem like he was proud of them for disobeying basic rules. Usually parents aren't affectionate when their kids