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Theme Of Humility In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Mary Sarton explains that,”One must think like a hero to behave like a merely decent human being”. In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, one of the more prominent figures in the book is the father of Scout and Jem, Atticus Finch. He serves as the voice of reason for the audience, his children, and himself. He gives life lessons to both Scout and Jem that shape who they are as a person, especially towards the end of the novel with the encounter of Bob Ewell and Boo Radley. Throughout the novel, Atticus symbolizes the virtue of humility. These traits are especially prevalent in the events of the rabid dog, the encounter with Mr. Ewell after court, and the death of Mr. Ewell. First off, what exactly is the virtue of humility? The virtue …show more content…

Even though Heck Tate tries to convince that Mr. Ewell’s death is self-inflicted, Atticus insists that Jem should go to court as if this is like any other case. He continues to bicker with Heck Tate by explaining that, “...if they don’t trust me they won’t trust anybody. Jem and Scout know what happened. If they hear of me saying downtown something different happened- Heck, I won’t have them any more. I can’t live one way in town and another way in my home” (Lee 367). Atticus is willing to put Jem on trial in order to teach his children that lies will only lead to disloyalty and deception. He does not want disloyalty to run through the family, so, when the time comes, he sets an example by telling the truth. No secrets or lies to hide from himself, his family, or the townspeople. Jones supports Atticus’s honest nature by saying that, “Reflection gives us humility, forces us to confront our own frailties and limitations; and compassion helps us love…”(Jones 152-153). In this situation Atticus has to confront his lawyer and father side; however, his decision tells readers that he still cares about Jem through his honest nature. Ultimately, Atticus would rather tell the truth and put his son on trial rather than let lies fester and develop into rumors in the small town of Maycomb because it is the right decision to

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Father, lawyer, and friend, the gentlemanly Atticus Finch hopes to shape the character of his children. The novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, is the story of the childhood of a young girl named Jean Louise “Scout” Finch. Throughout the book, Scout’s father, Atticus, tries his best to raise her and her brother, Jem, the right way as a single parent. To Kill a Mockingbird exemplifies the way the character of Atticus Finch either uses ritual or abandons it in order to develop certain character qualities within his children. He specifically focuses on the development of honesty, courage, and humility.

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In To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, Jem grows from a little boy to an intelligent young man. Throughout the book, he discerns many things that shape his personality. As Jem grows, he learns how bad society is and that not everyone is perfect. Fortunately for Jem, this ends up helping him and he finds out that Atticus is a hero and that he should look up to Atticus. Through Atticus and the trial, Jem loses his innocence by learning about prejudice, bravery, and that the justice system is crippled.

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In chapter 23 Atticus says "Jem, see if you can stand in Bob Ewell's shoes a minute. I destroyed his last shred of

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Atticus takes the trial knowing the consequence that him and his family will be harrassed by the town because it is the right thing to do. Atticus finch decides to defend Tom Robinson to be a good role model for his children and prove that the “Golden Rule” is a rule to

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Heck Tate decides to give the Tom Robinson case to Atticus because he believes that although he might not win it, the jury will actually think about the case before deciding their verdict. Atticus accepts the case because he felt as though he “couldn 't hold up [his] head in town” and that he “couldn 't represent [the] country in the legislature” (Lee 100). He acceptes the case to prove he is reliability. Another example of Atticus showing how reliable he is is when he is interrogating Mayella. She feels as though he is making fun of her.

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“As you grow up, always tell the truth, do no harm to others, and don't think you are the most important being on earth. Rich or poor, you then can look anyone in the eye and say, 'I'm probably no better than you, but I'm certainly your equal,” said Harper Lee, the author of To Kill A Mockingbird. The novel To Kill A Mockingbird tells a story of a Family in Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930’s. Lee writes an informative, emotional story explaining life in the early 30’s during The Great Depression. In the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee explores concept of moral courage, and in Atticus, gives the model of a perfect human being, a Christ-like man of courage, integrity, and compassion.

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Atticus knows that “there’s been some high talk around town to the effect that [he] shouldn’t do much about defending [Tom Robinson]” (100). However, even though his family and friends my disagree, may even think less of him, Atticus’ interaction with this case gives his cause to think greater of himself because he is fighting for what he believes in. This kind of situation is difficult when you’re opposing you’re enemies, but even harder when you are up against your friends. Even so, Atticus on the path he knows is right, risking his popularity and status among the town. Atticus tells Scout, “you just hold your head high and keep your fists down.

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By grasping the psychological explanations behind mob behavior and showing compassion for his fellow neighbors, Atticus radiates empathy. While most would readily perceive the fury of the mob as an act of personal disloyalty and consequently act upon that misinterpretation, Atticus manifests rapport, ergo preventing additional feuds. Thus, through his choice of empathy over immediate action, Atticus represents a man of good morals and sensitivity. In an identical manner, Atticus shows empathy when he explains his reasoning behind why he is not consumed with apprehension from Bob Ewell’s threats. It is the morning after the trial when Jem and Scout learn of the most recent townwide gossip:

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Atticus would often find Jem furious at something that she would say, and would tell him, “You just hold your head high and be a gentleman. Whatever she says to you, It’s your job not to let her make you mad.” Atticus would not only say that, but he would also be the perfect exam. Whenever the Finches encountered Mrs. Dubose, he would say, “Good evening Mrs. Dubose! You look like a picture this evening.”

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it's not fair for you and Jem, I know that, but sometimes we have to make the best of things, and the way we conduct ourselves when the chips are down—well, all I can say is, when you and Jem are grown, maybe you'll look back on this with some compassion and some feeling that I didn't let you down." And he’s not a parent that keeps stuff away from kids but knows that they will always remember this trial and someday look back at it. (Chapter 11, page 20) As you can see in all of these, Atticus is a very smart kind and loving person.

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As a father Atticus has done everything he can to maintain his children, Jem and Scout, informed of what really is like out there in the real world. Honesty seems to be Atticus rout when dealing with life. In times Atticus will lose trial but the courage he has won’t allow him to give up on innocent people, like Tom. Atticus is the definition of role model to follow. He’s a great father to his children showing the the truth will always push them forwards in life.

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The case has gone on for two years and now it’s being settled with many conflicts along the way. Atticus is also a father of two who, teaches his children the morals of life, especially how to treat others with respect no the matter the race and give dignity to everyone even if they don’t deserve it. Scout,

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“I want you to understand that courage isn’t a man with a gun in his hand,” (Lee 112). This is a quote spoken from a courageous man who put himself in other people’s positions and did not believe he was superior to African Americans like many in that time period. Atticus Finch is a lawyer, and also the father of Jem and Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The finches live in a small town called Maycomb during 1933, also known as the Great Depression era. Throughout the book, the town faces many racial discrimination issues, especially when an African American man named Tom Robinson is falsely accused of rape of a white female.

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Heʻs a good boy” I added, a real nice boy…” (175). In addition, she also helps Heck Tate persuade Atticus to leave Bob Ewellʻs death as an accident. “Atticus sat looking at the floor for a long time. Finally he raised his head. “Scout,” he said, “Mr Ewell fell on his knife.

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So don’t let Mrs. Dubose get you down. She has enough troubles of her own” (pg. 124). Consequently, this short sentiment displays Atticus’ unfailing desire to find everyone agreeable despite the circumstances and does well as an example for his growing children. Furthermore, he presents his unconditional love by following, possibly unconsciously, the commandments of the Bible where it lies said, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Not once in the pages of the To Kill a Mockingbird novel does Atticus result into severe and unfair disciple toward Jem and Scout, rather he determinedly instructs them in the ways of tenderness.

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