The definition of aspect is a particular feature or part or a specific way in which something can be considered. Hence, the different aspects of Atticus is brought out when Atticus is compared and contrasted with other characters, through the way he teaches and guides Jem and Scout and through his contribution to the themes in the story.
Comparing and contrasting Atticus with other characters is a technique that Harper Lee uses to show the different aspects to the readers. Playing the role of a father, Atticus is depicted as rational, wise and calm. Through the novel, his belief for equality is blatant and this trait is what distinguishes him from the rest of the citizens of Maycomb. One such character that is contrasted with Atticus is Mrs Dubose; a mean, racist and old woman living near the Finch’s. She shouts and screams at Jem and Scout, espeically Scout for not behaving the way of a proper lady. Being a racist women, she calls Atticus a nigger-lover for defending Tom Robison and even said, “Atticus’s no better than the niggers and trash he works for!” Mrs Dubose is depicted as the opposite of Atticus as she’s a mean, cranky and racist old lady. She looks down on Scout for being unladylike, and tells her that she’s ruining the reputation of the Finch’s. She disapproved of everything that Atticus did. This juxtaposition shows the differences between these two characters
Throughout the novel, Atticus plays a constant role model for his children to follow. While being a fatherly figure in his childrens’ eyes, he also teaches and guides them. He becomes a catalyst for Jem’s and Scout’s growth. He teaches them many different life values. For example, Scout could not understand Mrs. Caroline, so Atticus told her, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around it.” And during the novel, we see her trying to climb into Jem’s skin and give him the space he needed to be alone, so as not to bother him. Another example, was after the death of Mrs. Dubose, Atticus explained to Jem why he felt that Mrs. Dubose was the bravest person he knew. “I wanted you to see something about her – I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.” Despite Mrs. Dubose disapproving of Atticus, he admired her courage and wanted to teach his children what real courage was. Atticus also teaches them to be different; to be unlike the rest of the town and to stand up for what is right. He also reveals the truths to his children; showing them the harsh reality of the world. His teachings and guidance contribute to the theme of education. Another aspect of Atticus is brought out through his contributions to the main themes in the novel.
The Term Paper on Aunt Alexandra Scout Jem Atticus
CH. 1 Scout, the narrator, remembers the summer that her brother Jem broke his arm, and she looks back over the years to recall the incidents that led to that climactic event. Scout provides a brief introduction to the town of Maycomb, Alabama and its inhabitants, including her widowed father Atticus Finch, attorney and state legislator; Calpurnia, their "Negro" cook and housekeeper; and various ...
In the novel, there are many themes that are constant throughout. Atticus has contributed to most of these themes, however, contributes the greatest to two main ones. In the novel, prejudice is greatly shown, especially during the trial. When word got around that Atticus was in charge of Tom Robinson’s class, the citizens of Maycomb called Atticus a nigger-lover. And even during the trial, despite it being very clear that Tom Robinson was innocent; the jury charged him as guilty. In the novel, Atticus is not prejudiced and is also the voice of justice. Another main theme is courage which is also shown during the trial when Jem and Scout are made fun of by their friends for having a nigger-lover as a father. As a violent tomboy girl, Scout’s instincts are to stand up and defend her father with her fists, however Atticus teaches her not to fight and that it takes more courage to not fight than to fight. In another instance, Mrs Dubose insulted Atticus, in which Jem ravaged her flowers in anger which then resulted in Atticus forcing him to read to her. When he was finally allowed to stop reading to her, she died not long after. Atticus then explained to Jem that she tried to overcome her morphine addiction even though she knew she was going to die anyways. He explained to Jem that Mrs Dubose was courageous because even though it was hopeless, she still persisted and died free of morphine addiction. He also added that he thought she was the bravest person he knew. This incident showed Atticus’s perception of what real courage is; when you fight for what is right whether you win or lose.
The Essay on 'To Kill A Mockingbird' And The Nature Of Courage
What do you think this novel has to say about the nature of courage? Courage is the state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution. According to Atticus Finch, “Courage is when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.” This idea ...
In conclusion, throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee has depicted many different aspects of Atticus through comparison and contrast with other characters, through the ways he teaches and guides his children and lastly, through the ways he contributes to the themes in the novel, mainly prejudice and courage. Atticus is like a moral compass, pointing people into the right direction. He does this so he can hold his head up, stand up for what is right and to properly instill the correct moral values into his children.
