Atticus Intelligence In To Kill A Mockingbird

Obtaining the trait of intelligence is difficult for most folks in Maycomb, AL, but for Atticus Finch intelligence comes effortlessly. Atticus is a very intelligent father, attorney, and townsman. As Atticus takes on the trial he encounters the peer struggle of judgment and hate from Bob Ewell. Bob Ewell continues to threaten Atticus’s life. Handling this with intelligence and understanding, all Atticus replies with is, “Jem, see if you can stand in Bob Ewell’s shoes a minute. I destroyed his last shred of credibility at that trial if he had any to begin with. The man had to have some kind of comeback, his kind always does. So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that’s something I’ll gladly take.”

Throughout the novel, Atticus shows his intelligence through his own children. After Miss Dubose's passing Atticus shares with both Jem and Scout about her morphine addiction. He follows this with, “I wanted you to see something about her—I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.” (Lee 149) Atticus’s explanation to his children shows the intelligence behind his words and the meaning they hold for his children listening. Atticus is a very intelligent father, townsman, and attorney. He worries not only about his own struggles but the struggles of the town as a

Meaning, he is very considerate towards his children, his acquaintances, and his own town. In the novel, Atticus defends Tom Robinson despite the hate and negative attention he knows it will gain him. He decides to do what's right, even if the consequences are difficult. Almost every action Atticus makes traces back to the idea of being selfless and caring, he is well thought out. Being selfless was not a goal for Atticus, however, it comes naturally and is an instinct to him. Furthermore, when the Cunninghams needed supplies Atticus accommodated and allowed them to repay him with things other than money. He considered their situation and compromised. Atticus knew the Cunninghams were not in a good financial situation due to the depression and put himself aside to make sure they would still be able to buy the supplies. He says, “They never took anything off of anybody, they get along on what they have. They don't have much, but they get along on it.”, This quote shows how Atticus took the time to explain to his children about their situation so they weren't so quick to judge. These examples show just how selfless Atticus was, no matter the people or situation. Atticus’s selflessness and intelligence also point to his unique and discerning