atticus finch character sketch essay

To Kill a Mockingbird

Everything you need for every book you read., atticus finch quotes in to kill a mockingbird.

You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view—“

“—until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

“If you shouldn't be defendin' him, then why are you doin' it?”

“For a number of reasons,” said Atticus. “The main one is, if I didn't I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this county in the legislature, I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do something again.”

"Atticus, are we going to win it?"

“No, honey.”

“Then why—”

“Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win,” Atticus said.

After my bout with Cecil Jacobs when I committed myself to a policy of cowardice, word got around that Scout Finch wouldn't fight any more, her daddy wouldn't let her.

“Remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.” That was the only time I ever heard Atticus say it was a sin to do something, and I asked Miss Maudie about it.

“Your father's right,” she said. “Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

It was times like these when I thought my father, who hated guns and had never been to any wars, was the bravest man who ever lived.

“Atticus, you must be wrong…”

“How's that?”

“Well, most folks seem to think they're right and you're wrong…”

“The one that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.”

“It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.”

Dill's eyes flickered at Jem, and Jem looked at the floor. Then he rose and broke the remaining code of our childhood. He went out of the room and down the hall. “Atticus,” his voice was distant, “can you come here a minute, sir?”

Beneath its sweat-streaked dirt Dill's face went white. I felt sick.

Jem was standing in a corner of the room, looking like the traitor he was. “Dill, I had to tell him,” he said. “You can't run three hundred miles off without your mother knowin'.” We left him without a word.

“They've done it before and they did it tonight and they'll do it again and when they do it—seems that only children weep.”

Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret courts of men's hearts Atticus had no case. Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed.

A boy trudged down the sidewalk dragging a fishing-pole behind him. A man stood waiting with his hands on his hips. Summertime, and his children played in the front yard with their friend, enacting a strange little drama of their own invention.

It was fall, and his children fought on the sidewalk in front of Mrs. Dubose's [...] Fall, and his children trotted to and fro around the corner, the day's woes and triumphs on their faces. They stopped at an oak tree, delighted, puzzled, apprehensive.

Winter, and his children shivered at the front gate, silhouetted against a blazing house. Winter, and a man walked into the street, dropped his glasses, and shot a dog.

Summer, and he watched his children's heart break. Autumn again, and Boo's children needed him.

Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough.

“When they finally saw him, why he hadn't done any of those things…Atticus, he was real nice…” His hands were under my chin, pulling up the cover, tucking it around me. “Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them.” He turned out the light and went into Jem's room. He would be there all night, and he would be there when Jem waked up in the morning.

• To Kill a Mockingbird
• Literature Notes
• Atticus Finch
• To Kill a Mockingbird at a Glance
• Book Summary
• Character List
• Summary and Analysis
• Part 1: Chapter 1
• Part 1: Chapters 2-3
• Part 1: Chapters 4-5
• Part 1: Chapters 6-7
• Part 1: Chapters 8-9
• Part 1: Chapters 10-11
• Part 2: Chapters 12-13
• Part 2: Chapters 14-16
• Part 2: Chapters 17-20
• Part 2: Chapters 21-23
• Part 2: Chapters 24-26
• Part 2: Chapters 27-28
• Part 2: Chapters 29-31
• Character Analysis
• Scout (Jean Louise) Finch
• Dill Harris
• Boo Radley and Tom Robinson
• Aunt Alexandra and Miss Maudie Atkinson
• Bob and Mayella Ewell
• Character Map
• About To Kill a Mockingbird
• Harper Lee Biography
• Critical Essays
• Racial Relations in the Southern United States
• Comparing To Kill a Mockingbird to Its Movie Version
• Famous Quotes from To Kill a Mockingbird
• Film Versions of To Kill a Mockingbird
• Full Glossary for To Kill a Mockingbird
• Essay Questions
• Practice Projects
• Cite this Literature Note

Character Analysis Atticus Finch

Atticus represents morality and reason in  To Kill a Mockingbird . As a character, Atticus is even-handed throughout the story. He is one of the very few characters who never has to rethink his position on an issue.

His parenting style is quite unique in that he treats his children as adults, honestly answering any   question they have. He uses all these instances as an opportunity to pass his values on to Scout and Jem. Scout says that "'Do you really think so?'  . . . was Atticus' dangerous question" because he delighted in helping people see a situation in a new light. Atticus uses this approach not only with his children, but with all of Maycomb. And yet, for all of his mature treatment of Jem and Scout, he patiently recognizes that they are children and that they will make childish mistakes and assumptions. Ironically, Atticus' one insecurity seems to be in the child-rearing department, and he often defends his ideas about raising children to those more experienced and more traditional.

His stern but fair attitude toward Jem and Scout reaches into the courtroom as well. He politely proves that Bob Ewell is a liar; he respectfully questions Mayella about her role in Tom's crisis. One of the things that his longtime friend Miss Maudie admires about him is that "'Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets.'" The only time he seriously lectures his children is on the evils of taking advantage of those less fortunate or less educated, a philosophy he carries into the animal world by his refusal to hunt. And although most of the town readily pins the label "trash" on other people, Atticus reserves that distinction for those people who unfairly exploit others.

Atticus believes in justice and the justice system. He doesn't like criminal law, yet he accepts the appointment to Tom Robinson's case. He knows before he begins that he's going to lose this case, but that doesn't stop him from giving Tom the strongest defense he possibly can. And, importantly, Atticus doesn't put so much effort into Tom's case because he's an African American, but because he is innocent. Atticus feels that the justice system should be color blind, and he defends Tom as an innocent man, not a man of color.

Atticus is the adult character least infected by prejudice in the novel. He has no problem with his children attending Calpurnia's church, or with a black woman essentially raising his children. He admonishes Scout not to use racial slurs, and is careful to always use the terms acceptable for his time and culture. He goes to Helen's home to tell her of Tom's death, which means a white man spending time in the black community. Other men in town would've sent a messenger and left it at that. His lack of prejudice doesn't apply only to other races, however. He is unaffected by Mrs. Dubose's caustic tongue, Miss Stephanie Crawford's catty gossip, and even Walter Cunningham's thinly veiled threat on his life. He doesn't retaliate when Bob Ewell spits in his face because he understands that he has wounded Ewell's pride — the only real possession this man has. Atticus accepts these people because he is an expert at "climb[ing] into [other people's] skin and walk[ing] around in it."

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Atticus Finch

Atticus is a widower who is responsible for raising up two kids Scout and Jem. He symbolizes man's wisdom, intelligence, and goodness. He is respected by all the citizens because of his traits of character. Atticus is older than other fathers in the city, and his children are embarrassed at the beginning. However, he gives valuable moral lessons to his daughter and son, and they begin to respect him.

Atticus works as an attorney, and he stands against the enrooted racial prejudice in the society. He represents a black man Tom during the trial, trying to alleviate the problem of unfair discrimination in Maycomb.

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Atticus Finch Quotes

You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.

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 see it through no matter what.

They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions... but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience.

Real courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.

Are you proud of yourself tonight that you have insulted a total stranger whose circumstances you know nothing about?

You just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don't you let 'em get your goat. Try fightin' with your head for a change.

Courage is not a man with a gun in his hand. It's knowing you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.

But before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself.

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. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.

The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience. 

Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win,

See there, Heck? Thank you from the bottom of my heart, but I don’t want my boy starting out with something like this over his head. Best way to clear the air is to have it all out in the open. Let the county come and bring sandwiches. I don’t want him growing up with a whisper about him, I don’t want anybody saying, ‘Jem Finch . . . his daddy paid a mint to get him out of that.’ Sooner we get this over with the better. Mr. Finch, Mr. Tate said stolidly, Bob Ewell fell on his knife. He killed himself.

When a child asks you something, answer him, for goodness’ sake. But don’t make a production of it.

Atticus Finch in the Essays

This is because in an incident In Chapter 10, Attic's Is called upon to rid Macomb County of a sick, unhealthy mad dog, which could cause much harm to the community If It got a chance to attack the people. The dog, Tim Johnson, is infected with rabies, and the best person in Macomb to rid the...

What is a hero? In the dictionary a hero is described as an object of extreme admiration and devotion, idol. I think this definition should also include that a hero should have courage and put others before themselves. In To Kill A Mockingbird Attic's Finch demonstrated true heroic qualities...

Attic's Finch, a lawyer, is a very compassionate person, and a person who is not afraid to challenge the unwritten laws of the South. In the trial of Tom Robinson, Attic's decides to defend Tom to the best of his ability. Attic's is given the trial by the Judge and has the choice to defend Tom or...

Attic's Finch lived In a time In Southern Alabama when a system of segregation and bitter racism was enforced by law kept African Americans from achieving equality or Improving themselves. White people were told that they were above black people. Attic's had no such prejudice which was unrealistic...

'To Kill a Mockingbird': How does Harper Lee use the character of Attic's Finch to persuade us of her point of view about prejudice and injustice? Attic's Finch is one of the major characters in the novel who is held in high regard in the community of Macomb. Attic's, as the...

Mr. Dollops Raymond, etc.. However, Scout Finch is a character that has sparked my interest. The novel is written from Scout's point of view. Scout is a young girl who has a very interesting train of thought, capturing my attention with her blunt, naive point of view. Along with the capturing story...

Author: Erica Morris

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• To Kill a Mockingbird: Atticus Finch Character Analysis
• To Kill a Mockingbird: Atticus…

Atticus Finch is the father of two young children, Jem and Scout. Throughout the book, Jem and his little sister Scout learn a lot about the place they call home, Maycomb County. Atticus is a very responsible parent who teaches his children the lessons they need to become honest and dignified people later in life. He teaches them not to judge someone before they really get to know them. Atticus also teaches his kids not to hurt the innocent, whom they call “mockingbirds,” and he teaches them not to make rigid decisions.

One of the most important lessons Atticus teaches his children is that empathy should not be limited to people who seem nice on the outside. Atticus tells his children to use their imaginations, and feel what others feel before making a judgment. He instills this in their brains so they can fight off Maycomb’s usual disease.

Maycomb’s “disease” is racism and having a judgemental mentality. “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around in it,” (lines 9-13, pg 33.) Atticus is telling Scout that you never really know where a person is coming from until you’ve been there yourself. Another example of his empathy teachings is the understanding and respect he has towards Mrs.Dubose even though she says cruel things about him.

Atticus is always positive towards Mrs.Dubose. “She’s an old lady and she’s ill. 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,” (lines 23-25, pg 115.) These lines are being spoken by Atticus to his son Jem. Atticus knows Mrs. Dubose has been raised differently than they have. Atticus gives them things to consider before judging Mrs. Dubose negatively.

The last example I’d like to point out is that Atticus was being a good example to his kids by showing empathy towards a mean and unruly man like Bob Ewell. When Bob Ewell spits in his face, Atticus simply walked away and took it. He tells Jem: “Jem, see if you can stand in Bob Ewell’s shoes a minute. I destroyed his last shred of credibility at that trial if he had any, to begin with. The man had to have some kind of comeback, his kind always does.

So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that’s something I’ll gladly take,” (lines 23-29, pg 249.) Atticus showed empathy towards Bob Ewell, and his kids. Atticus showed a lot of strength and dignity by resisting any sort of retaliation he could have made. He taught his son to care for others, no matter how filthy their sins are.

Atticus teaches his children the mockingbird lesson: “Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” The mockingbird lesson is that you should never show aggression towards someone that has never done any little thing to harm you. A mockingbird is someone innocent and pure of heart like Atticus, Boo Radley, and Tom Robinson. Atticus himself is a mockingbird because sees the best in everyone.

Atticus has a lot of innocence to him, he is a good man. Although Bob Ewell spat in his face, he thought Bob was all talk. Atticus did not think Bob Ewell would go as low as hurting his very own kin but in the end, Mr. Ewell went after the little Finches to get back at Atticus. Boo Radley is a mockingbird because even though the entire town spreads nasty rumors and lies about him, he is a true gentleman at heart. When Bob Ewell went to attack Scout and Jem, Boo came to the rescue and killed Mr. Ewell.

Atticus wanted to get down to the real reason why Bob Ewell died and the sheriff knew it would be a sin to give attention to Boo Radley. Scout says: “Well, it’d be sort of like shootin’ a mockingbird, wouldn’t it?”(Line 25, pg 317.)Scout knows that Boo is innocent in the act that he has done. He is simply a mockingbird.  The children feel a sense of belonging to Mr. Radley, although he is not their “real” father, Boo has become a person much like their very own father Atticus in their eyes.

Boo does many kind things for the children such as leaving them little presents in the treehouse. In their time of need, Boo Radley was always there for his children, Scout and Jem. Finally, the last mockingbird Scout has discovered in the story is Tom Robinson. Mockingbirds contribute to society the way real mockingbirds sing and entertain us with beautiful music to our ears. Tom Robinson helps Mayella Ewell with things she needs to be done around the house.

Although Mr. Robinson knew that just by being there he could get into so much trouble, he felt sorry for her and helped her anyway. Tom felt empathy towards Mayella the way Atticus would for anyone, and Scout saw that in him. Atticus taught the mockingbird lesson so well that Scout can understand the difference between mockingbirds and bluejays.

Atticus knows that a person cannot be imaginative or understand simple metaphors likening people to mockingbirds if his thinking is rigid. Atticus teaches the children to allow for flexibility in decision-making. Scout’s first lesson about being flexible with decision-making is when she is taught that sometimes it’s necessary to bend the rules.

“Sometimes it’s better to bend the law a little in special cases,” (lines 25-26, pg 33.) One example of this is that Scout bends the rules Miss Caroline has given her. Scout agreed with her father to read every night if she goes to school and never mentions a word about it to her teacher. In my opinion, another example of “bending the law,” is that Atticus Finch and the little Finches (Jem and Scout) bend society’s laws. They do not take the word of a white man over a black man, but they think for themselves.

That in itself is rebellious and flexible. It is flexible because just like Scout has to go to school, the Finches have to live in Maycomb which is divided by race and class. The Finches don’t judge that way, even though everyone else does. The last example of Atticus teaching his children about being flexible is in the end, Scout agrees with the Sheriff and lets him bend the rules to keep Bob Ewell’s case low profile in order to keep Boo from being given a lot of attention.

Related Posts

• Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird: Jeremy Finch Analysis
• To Kill a Mockingbird: Jem Character Analysis
• To Kill A Mockingbird: Heroism & Courage of Atticus Finch
• To Kill a Mockingbird: Boo Radley Character Analysis

Author:  William Anderson (Schoolworkhelper Editorial Team)

Tutor and Freelance Writer. Science Teacher and Lover of Essays. Article last reviewed: 2022 | St. Rosemary Institution © 2010-2024 | Creative Commons 4.0

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — To Kill a Mockingbird — Character Traits Of Atticus

Character Traits of Atticus

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Published: Mar 14, 2024

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