Atticus Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird is often seen as a great man and a great role model. However, some people question whether he is truly good role model. Atticus is often seen as believing that people are equal. He is also seen as peaceful and having good life advice. If these are looked at then it can be determined if Atticus is truly a good role model and if he truly deserves the praise he is given.
Atticus Finch is seen as a very equal person believing that every person should be treated the same. In the main part of the book, Atticus is defending a black man named Tom Robinson in court. This is in a time when black people are seen as inferior being so not many people would want anything to do with them, He defends Tom and when asked why by Scout he replies, “For a number of reasons…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” (p.100) saying it’s a matter of principle.This shows that Atticus is a good role model for equality.
Atticus Finch is also a peaceful man. He would rather avoid conflict but would rather take it himself instead of someone else taking it. This is shown in the book when Bob Ewell cursed at him then spat in his face, after atticus did nothing Bob Ewell asked him if he was “Too proud to fight”(p291) to which Atticus replied, “No, too old”(p291) and walked away. Later when asked about it by Jem he answered, “…If spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that’s something I’ll gladly take. He had to take it out on somebody and I’d rather it be me than that houseful of children out there.” showing that he would rather have Bob Ewell’s anger aimed at him then at Bob Ewell’s children. This shows he is a peaceful person.
