To Kill A Mockingbird: Section Two (Omar Ceja)

Atticus the Great

As Jem becomes less attached to Scout, the author gives more insight onto her relationships with other characters, especially Atticus. Through both his actions and his words, Atticus reveals his wisdom and imparts valuable traits onto his children such as courage, respect and integrity. His decision to defend a "negro" causes members of Maycomb to chastise his actions. He admirably states that "the one thing that doesn't abide by a majority rule is a person's conscience." This powerful quote reveals his kind-hearted nature and his strong moral principles. (Personally, I find it difficult to commit certain acts that are socially acceptable but do not coincide with my beliefs.) As a father, Scout often comes to Atticus in search of answers. When she asked him if he was a "nigger-lover" he responded "I certainly am. I do my best to love everybody... I'm hard put, sometimes—baby, it's never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name. It just shows you how poor that person is, it doesn't hurt you." His wise words serve as a testament to his strong values, which are blind of race. When he forces Jem to read to Mrs. Dubose, he describes his intentions by saying: "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." Although this lady was rude to their family, he forgave her insensitive comments because she was dying and in need of assistance. Atticus is truly a great man; his words and actions are vital to Scout’s and Jem’s development. It would be interesting to trace the impact his powerful words have on the thoughts, perspectives and actions of his children as the novel unfolds.