How Does Atticus Act As A Role Model

Parents play a significant role in how a child grows up behaving; therefore, it is crucial they act as a role model. In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, a single father demonstrates a great example of how a parent should raise their children. Atticus, Scout, and Jem's father was assigned a case to defend a black man, Tom Robinson. Atticus felt it was right to treat him like any other defendant and was trying really hard to help Tom not get convicted. The town was furious at Atticus because they did not understand why the best lawyer in the town would want to defend a black man who was clearly guilty. When Scout and Jem saw how hard Atticus was working for this trial they hoped that Tom would be found not guilty and felt he was not treated appropriately by the other court members. Atticus is a good father because he teaches his children to treat people with respect and

Atticus continually explains to his children the importance of treating everyone equally, allowing his children to learn how to act appropriately towards others. After Scout asks Atticus the meaning of a N*****-lover, she asks Atticus if he is one and that is when he says “I certainly am. I do my best to try and love everybody… I’m hard put sometimes-baby, it’s never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name” (Lee 124). When Atticus said this to Scout and Jem it opened their eyes to how they should act towards other individuals. Seeing that Atticus is loving and accepting for all people, the positive qualities he possesses will get passed on to Jem and Scout making them a good influence for other people as well. Atticus is setting his kids up to be kind and respectful individuals when he tells his kids things like this which will benefit them in the future. If a guardian is wanting to know how to set a better example for their kids, they should be aware that “Good parenting involves parents living their lives as role models. Kids listen