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How Does Atticus Use Moral Education In To Kill A Mockingbird

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The theme of moral education is explored most powerfully through the relationship between Atticus and his children, and Calpurnia’s teachings. Atticus takes great pride in instilling a powerful sense of morality in his children. He truthfully answers whatever questions they ask, and encourages them by treating them as adults. Atticus says to Uncle Jack “When a child asks you something, answer him, for goodness' sake. But don't make a production of it. Children are children, but they can spot an evasion quicker than adults, and evasion simply muddles 'em.” - Chapter 9. Atticus has brought Scout up by instilling in her wisdom and compassion beyond her years. Here, she proves wiser than Uncle Jack, a grown man. Atticus also teaches Scout that …show more content…

Dolphus Raymond, "Atticus says cheatin' a colored man is ten times worse than cheatin' a white man. Says it's the worst thing you can do," (Lee, 201). Scout has learned from Atticus that it is wrong to cheat anyone whether they are Black or White. However, she knew specifically not to cheat black people as they are already cheated enough. Both Scout and Jem are very good and well behaved individuals, usually well-respected by their peers and neighborhood friends because of the morals and ethics which Atticus has influenced them with. Atticus’s teachings at home are far more valuable to his children than anything they learn in the classroom. Scout notices this most obviously when learning about the Holocaust. Her teacher explains that such oppression of one group of people could never happen in the United States and Scout is astonished. She heard Miss Gates outside the court house during Tom Robinson's trial saying that, referring to black people, she thought it was, "time somebody taught them a lesson, they thought they was getting' way above themselves, an' the next thing they think they can do is marry us." Scout sees Miss Gates's statement about blacks in clear conflict with her

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