Atticus Finch: A Quintessential Father Figure A father figure is an essential part of the good parenting and the development of children into young adulthood. These men serve an important parental role, as seen in stories such as, Mr. Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, Prospero in The Tempest, and Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Atticus is a prime example of a great role model, while thoroughly representing good parenting skills. He teaches the children vital life lessons, makes them take responsibility for their actions, and teaches them about the importance of facing adversity head on. Throughout the story, Atticus teaches the children indispensable life lessons. These lessons will eventually help them out later in the story. One outstanding example of an experience that leads to a lesson is when Walter Cunningham comes over for dinner and Scout does not understand why he douses his dinner in molasses. She first asks what he is doing and then Calpurnia pulls her in the kitchen. Later when Atticus is discussing …show more content…
Involving the Tom Robinson trial, Atticus knows the odds are completely stacked against him. Even though he knows he will not win the trial, he puts all his effort and time into it. While speaking of courage and adversity, Atticus says, “It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see through it no matter what. You rarely win but sometimes you do” (Lee 112). Atticus’ meaning behind this is even though an extreme amount of adversity and misfortunes are ahead, he does not give up. This hardship for him is the Tom Robinson. Atticus uses an innuendo to explain to the children why he is taking this case. He teaches the children to power through tough and challenging scenarios, even though they know they are going to lose. Through his actions and speech, he gives the children a valuable lesson on the importance of facing