Atticus Finch: A Character Analysis
...ns as though they are lesser being, they are not and they should be given the same amount of respect as, if not more than, other people. Another moral Atticus teaches his children is to learn from their mistakes. Finch shows that he cares about his children by sending them to school everyday and either reading or talking to them every night. Perhaps the most outstanding thing Mr. Finch does is always tell his children the truth, which includes not holding them back from seeing what the real world is actually like and giving them the best advice that he possibly can. Finch’s reactions to Tom Robinson’s case are a good judge of his character and his morals. When Atticus tells his children that he will be taking Robinson’s case he explains that he wouldn’t be able to hold his head up in town or make them mind if he did not take the case; this action shows that he has morals and values and he sticks by them. Atticus also shows good character during the trial when he points out that a person’s skin color has nothing to do with his trustworthiness, respectability, or decency. Another one of Atticus’s characteristics that is revealed by Tom Robinson’s case is his politeness. Even though he was interrogating Mayella Ewell, the plaintiff, he was still extremely polite to her and called her “Miss Mayella” and “ma’am”. Furthermore, Atticus displays level-headedness when Bob Ewell spits in his face because he is defending Tom Robinson, and all Atticus does is wipe his face and walk away from the situation. Mr. Finch also shows perseverance during the trail because even though he knows Tom Robinson will most likely lose the case, he tries his hardest to get Mr. Robinson acquitted of the charge against him. Atticus can be considered the model citizen of Maycomb County. Mr. Finch has so many good qualities in his personality; it is almost too good to be believable. Atticus is everything that anyone would ever want to be; he is an excellent father, he is truthful, trustworthy, honest, mild-tempered, reliable, and responsible. He is also well educated on many topics, but is considerate enough to not push his knowledge onto other people who are less educated than himself. His also shows his consideration for other people when he lets them him pay for his service in ways that don’t involve the exchange of money, such as Walter Cunningham paying Atticus with food for his help with Mr. Cunningham’s entailments. According to Ms. Maudie, Finch is the same in his house as he is on the street. Atticus is the same at both places because he does not hide anything from anyone; he acts the same in front of everyone. He treats everyone with respect and fairness no matter what their ethnicit...