Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird, uses a repetition of the word “if,” to characterize Atticus with integrity and maturity. Similarly, Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If-” parallels Atticus, a man who stands up for what is right, regardless of other's opinions. In chapter 3 of the novel, Scout’s teacher tells her that Atticus is no longer allowed to teach her. Because of this, when she arrives home, she explains to Atticus that she does not want to go to school anymore. Atticus, being mature, compromises with Scout stating that “if you’ll concede the necessity of going to school, we’ll go on reading every night just as we always have.” Further, in the poem, Kipling states that “If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,” meaning that