Modern Gentleman
Of the many respectable characters in Harper Lee’s famous novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, one stands out, Atticus Finch. He demonstrates many commendable traits throughout the book. He first shows cool-headedness in all his encounters, even with most of the town abhorring him. Next, he shows kindness in all of his actions, especially with Tom Robinson and his children, Jem and Scout. Lastly, he shows bravery when he stands up to the mighty power of racism and protects Tom. All of these traits make up the modern gentleman and father, Atticus Finch. As a great father and lawyer, Atticus demonstrates many admirable character traits like cool-headedness, kindness and bravery. In Atticus’s everyday life, even with death threats and losing at trial, he keeps a cool head. He shows this clearly after Mr. Ewell says he will get Atticus back for accusing him and for defending Tom Robinson. Not long after the court case, Mr. Ewell threatens to harm Atticus and insults him with a profane statement. Atticus coolly responds to his wishes to fight with, “No, too old” (249). He then leaves to
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He demonstrates this commendable trait when he protects Tom Robinson from the angry men and in his patient encounters with his children. The moment in To Kill a Mockingbird when Atticus and Scout verbally defend Tom against the mob of angry men outside the jail, I noticed Atticus’s kindness shine. After the mob left in their cars, Atticus reassures Tom by saying, “they’ve gone. Get some sleep, Tom. They won’t bother you any more,” (176). I found it kind how Atticus comforts Tom in this way. Once again, Atticus shows kindness to his children everyday. The day after he lost his case, to protect Tom, Jem acted very angrily. He comforts Jem and says reassuring things to him to raise his spirit and rid him of his anger. Clearly, Atticus is not only a great lawyer, but a kind a caring gentleman as