Atticus Influence On To Kill A Mockingbird

In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch has many influences on his daughter, resulting in a change of her understandings, personal traits, and more. The story is narrated by Jean Louise "Scout" Finch, a young girl who lives with her older brother Jem and their widowed father, Atticus Finch. Racial injustice and social inequality are themes that are explored in the book. Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white lady, is given legal representation by Atticus. The Finches encounter hostility and threats because of their friendship with Tom as the trial goes on, exposing the town's racial prejudices. Scout and Jem eventually come to understand the true nature of prejudice and the significance of sticking up for what is right

One of the many ways in which Atticus influences Scout is through the importance that he places on school education. When Scout discusses with Atticus about not going to school, his response shows the importance he places on education when he describes to Scout how she can get along better with people if she learned a simple trick. He says, “‘You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view—’ ‘Sir?’ ‘—until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.’” He believes education is important because it can give valuable experiences, such as Scout's talk with Miss Caroline; from this interaction, she learns to see things from other people's points of view. When Scout tells Atticus about her day’s misfortunes and how she does not want to

When Mr.Cunningham is about to leave after conversing with Atticus about his entailment, he exhibits his thoughtfulness; influencing Scout to have better compassion. He says to him “‘Let that be the least of your worries, Walter,’” Atticus's effective interactions with other members of Maycomb, such as his conversation with Mr. Cunningham, influence Scout to be more compassionate and understanding of others' situations. After Scout reads Mr.Underwood’s editorial, she realizes how much effort Atticus put into freeing Tom Robinson even though he knew he would lose; causing her to have a better understanding of certain concepts. According to Scout, “Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret courts of men’s hearts Atticus had no case.” After she reads Mr.Underwood's editorial about Atticus's losing case, she gains a deeper appreciation for the effort he put in and the importance of standing up for what is right, ultimately influencing her understanding of justice and fairness in the system. Atticus's response to the scuffle with Mr.Ewell reveals his commitment to honesty and integrity, which teaches Scout the importance of standing up for what is right even in difficult situations. He says to Mr.Heck, “If they hear of me saying downtown something different happened—Heck, I won’t have them any more.”