To Kill a Mockingbird Essay

Essay by malinkayanushaJunior High, 9th gradeA+, February 2005

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Although Atticus describes Mrs Dubose as "the bravest person I ever knew", it is Atticus himself who is the real hero of the novel. Examine the character of Atticus and comment on whether you believe him to be a hero.

In the novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Atticus Finch is a prominent figure of justice and equality. He shows true courage, acceptance and fairness. Atticus is the hero in the novel because he stands up for what is just, respects others and displays reason, patience and humility.

Atticus Finch does not conform to others. He believes in an individual conscience and tries to teach his children the morals of being a fair and unbiased person. He teaches his children that it is important to follow your conscience and not be influenced by other people's prejudice.

"Before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself.

The one thing that doesn't abide my majority rule is a person's conscience." (pg 111)

Throughout the whole novel, his children constantly admire Atticus for keeping a level head. He stays calm in even the most provocative situations and sees things from every perspective, keeping an open mind. A perfect example of Atticus staying calm in a fiery encounter is when Bob Ewell spits Atticus in the face.

"Mr Bob Ewell spat Atticus in his face, and told him he'd get him if it took the rest of his life……..'I wish - Bob Ewell didn't chew tobacco,' was all Atticus said about it." (pg 223)

Atticus simply walks away, teaching his children a valuable lesson: never get carried away in the heat of the moment:

"No matter what anybody says to you, don't let them get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change" (pg 82)

He teaches...