How Is Atticus A Selfless Man

In the beginning of the book, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the character Atticus gives the impression of an intelligent and selfless man, revealing the theme that truly intelligent people think about others. For example, on page 39 Lee explains, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.until you climb into his skin and walk around in it” (Lee 39). This proves my theme and character impression because it shows that Atticus understands more than judging off of one's actions. He understands that in order to fully understand a person, you have to almost become them and really see things from their perspective. He understands that people do not take action with no rhyme or reason, and that there is a purpose for everything. As a white man in

In addition, Mr. Cunningham, a poor man, pays Atticus in other currencies other than money: “One morning Jem and I found a load of stovewood in the backyard. Later, a sack of hickory nuts appeared on the back steps (Lee 27). This shows the impression of understanding because he knows that the Cunninghams are not wealthy and are paying Atticus back in any way they could. As this takes place in The Great Depression, even things such as stovewood and hickory nuts are scarce and sacred resources. Atticus understands that although they cannot provide any cash, the resources they provide are also valuable. This quote also proves that Atticus is intelligent because he chooses to keep a strong bond between his family and the Cunninghams. Instead of lashing out, and refusing food as payment, he is understanding and keeps the bond between the families strong. He keeps connections with people and refuses to burn bridges. Atticus is a lawyer in Maycomb, and very well known as he was said to be almost related to every family in town. This gives Atticus power in