Who Is The True Gentleman In To Kill A Mockingbird

Many young men have been told to act like a true gentleman, but what does it mean to be a true gentleman? What attributes must one have to be considered a true gentleman? In To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee, the author, illustrates many gentleman like qualities in characters throughout the novel, but perhaps the character who most exemplifies a true gentleman would be Atticus Finch. Lawyer and single father, Atticus might have a lot on his mind what with raising two kids, Jem and Scout, or handling the town’s most controversial trial yet, his gentleman like demeanor never wavers. Responsibility, integrity, and wisdom are some of the adjectives that would describe Atticus and his actions throughout the novel. These characteristics are ones that make Atticus Finch such a popular character amongst readers.

“..if I didn’t (defend Tom Robinson) I couldn’t hold up my own head in town, I couldn’t represent this county in legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again.” (86) As a father, Atticus has a responsibility to his children and setting the best example to his children, especially during a difficult situation, such as defending an African-American man accused of rape in a small town trial. “I’d rather you (Jem and Scout) shot tin cans in the backyard…” (103) Even a small warning such as that one shows that he cares for his children and is responsible for their safety, especially when they’re armed with rifles. It is pretty evident that his responsible nature at home is what supplements his skills in the courtroom and enables him to defend his defendants