How is Atticus a good role model in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Atticus is a good role model because he consistently is considerate of other people's feelings, he is polite and level-headed, and he is non-judgmental, ethical and professional.

• Considerate of others

--In Chapter 1 Atticus scolds the children for "putting his [Boo Radley's] life's history on display for the edification of the neighborhood." He tells them to leave the Radleys alone, issuing a stern lecture on propriety.

--In Chapter 3 when Walter Cunningham is invited to have lunch with the Finches, Atticus talks with Walter and treats him as a guest in his home. After Scout makes a critical remark about Walter's pouring syrup on his food, Calpurnia takes her to the kitchen and scolds her. Later, Atticus counsels Scout about getting along with other people. He tells her that to better understand people, she should

"...consider things from his point of view--...until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."

Rather than selfishly viewing people from one's own emotional perspective, Atticus suggests that people should try to perceive what others do from their perspectives. In this way, people can better understand others.

• Polite and level-headed

--In Chapter 11, despite Mrs. Dubose's rude and cruel remarks directed at his children and the invectives about himself, Atticus remains sanguine whenever he sees Mrs. Dubose on her porch as he walks home. He tips his hat and addresses her politely in his understanding of her medical condition. And, he insists that Jem repay Mrs. Dubose for his retaliatory destruction of her camellias.

--In Chapter 15 when the men come to his house and when the mob accosts Atticus at the jailhouse, he remains calm and rational. As Mr. Cunningham tells Atticus to move away from the door of the jail, adding, "You know what we want....," Atticus calmly says, "You can turn around and go home again, Walter."

--In Chapters 17 and 18, Atticus acts professionally and is courteous toward  Bob and Mayella Ewell even though he knows that they commit perjury with their false testimony about what supposedly happened with Tom Robinson.
In her ignorance Mayella accuses Atticus of giving her "sass," Judge Taylor corrects her,

"...Mr. Finch is always courteous to everybody. He's not trying to mock you, he's trying to be polite."

• Non-judgmental, ethical and professional

--Atticus does not pass judgment upon people. Regarding Mrs. Dubose, he says,

"She had her own view about things, a lot different from mine, maybe..."

Despite all the backlash from his community, Atticus accepts his responsibility to defend Tom Robinson. He tells his brother that he must be ethical and set an example for his children,

But do you think I could face my children otherwise?  You know what's going to happen as I do, Jack, and I hope and pray I can get Jem and Scout through it without bitterness, and most of all, without catching Maycomb's usual disease.

Atticus treats everyone fairly and is respectful of all. When Tom Robinson dies, he personally goes to the Robinson home to console Helen, the wife of Tom.
Even when Bob Ewell spits in his face, Atticus behaves with professionalism.

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With regard to an introduction, the student can introduce Atticus with a short description and a relevant quotation about him. The introductory paragraph begins with the motivator (the description and quote) and has as its last sentence the thesis statement which can be constructed from the three major points given.
Regarding the conclusion, there should be a reworded thesis, a short summation, and a "clincher," a final sentence which gives the essay a sense of finality. This is a sentence that leaves no doubt in the reader's mind that the essay is at its end (maybe something about Atticus Finch being a man for all times).

How is Atticus portrayed as a good father in To Kill a Mockingbird?

In To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch is a good father. He is a perfect example of a father who is an honest man, a father who is determined to teach his children the value of respecting all people, no matter the differences in mankind. Atticus Finch chooses to represent a black man who is accused of a crime he didn’t do.

 In the 1960s, in the deep South of Alabama, racism was widespread. The Civil Rights movement was forming during this time. Harper Lee introduces Atticus Finch to the world of literature, and today he still “…reigns as the most noble parent ever brought to life….” Truly, Atticus put himself into a dangerous situation. He chose to do the right thing in the face of a hostile community. As Atticus represents a black man accused of raping a white girl, many in the community assumed the black man was guilty solely because he was black. Atticus knew this mentality was wrong. Atticus proved that the black man was innocent, even though he knew that the jury would probably find the black man guilty, simply based on his skin color.

Throughout the trial, Scout and Jem observe their father and notice that he is in a dangerous situation. Atticus displays courage and integrity throughout the trial. His children learn about their father’s good character and his honorable qualities. Atticus chooses to represent an innocent black man even though he knows he will probably lose the trial. Nevertheless, he knows he has to try and change the way society views black people based only on skin color. Atticus is an exceptional parent and role model. He chooses to put himself at risk along side of his children. He knows this is the right thing to do. He teaches his children that life involves making difficult decisions. He does not cower in the face of trouble. He holds his head high in the community because he knows he is doing the right thing. This lesson becomes evident in front of his children. They learn courage. They learn to respect all people. They learn that doing the right thing is not easy but it has to be done.

Surely, Atticus is an exemplary father. He realizes that he must choose to do the right thing so that his children will learn that having integrity is not always easy, but it is more important than hiding behind closed doors while innocent people suffer. Atticus makes a stand, and his children follow in his footsteps. They become children who see the value in all people regardless skin color or social class status. The lesson that Atticus’ children learn will go with them through life. Jem and Scout will learn the importance of esteeming others as worthy regardless of differences.

Atticus has a difficult task as a father. He chooses to represent an innocent black man while knowing he is putting himself and his own children at risk. Atticus hates no one, not even the cruel Bob Ewell. He realizes that Ewell is product of his environment; however, Atticus chooses to do the right thing by shredding Ewell’s credibility at the trial. When Ewell spits in Atticus face and threatens his very life, Atticus chooses to walk away rather than fight. Again his children learn bravery through their father’s self control. Atticus teaches real-life lessons that his children need to learn—lessons that his children will never forget--valuable, scrupulous teachings from a truly wise and loving father.       

How does Atticus Finch show good parenting in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Atticus was an effective parent because he lead by example. Where many parents can "tell" their children how to behave and to treat others equally, Atticus "practiced what he preached." He was a kind and giving man, who encouraged his children to view human beings equally and to treat them as such. Good parenting is also portrayed in Atticus's dedication to his children as a single parent. During a time period where the parenting often fell to either the mother or to a member of hired help, Atticus had as active a role as possible in the raising of his children. His career dominated his time (by necessity), but where he was able, he gave of himself and his time freely and unconditionally to his children.

How does Atticus Finch show good parenting in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Atticus makes do as well as he can as a single parent in To Kill a Mockingbird. His honest, sincere approach to rearing his children have made him one of the most admired fathers in American Literature. Without a female influence in the family, he is sensible enough to employ Calpurnia, and disregard his sister's advice to fire her. Calpurnia offers the children a firm feminine side, and they gain respect for the African-American community of Maycomb in the process. Atticus teaches his children the importance of education (even though he did not go to school himself); of the need for tolerance when dealing with other people; and that a humble and peaceful nature is preferable to physical violence. He teaches Scout not to use the "N" word, and teaches Jem about true courage. His humility is never more evident than when the children discover that he was once the "deadest shot" in the county, but that he never bragged about it. Above all, he teaches by example, and Jem and Scout bear witness to the good aspects of their father even when they think he is "feeble."

How is Atticus Finch a good person?

Atticus Finch, Harper Lee's creation in her novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, is one of the quintessential good guys in all of literature. Based on the author's own father, Atticus, though a single parent, is a superb dad to Jem and Scout (though his sister, Alexandra, may disagree). He allows his children enough independence to discover the realities of life and make decisions on their own. As an attorney, he is peerless. Real-life lawyers actually use Finch as a standard for the profession. His innate honesty and fairness in all aspects of work and life are recognized by all around him. He seems to be color-blind, treating all races and classes alike. The ideas that he passes on to his children, especially the famed quotes from the story--that "it's a sin to kill a mockingbird" and to "climb into his skin and walk around in it"--have become a part of the American vernacular.

How is Atticus Finch a good person?

Atticus Finch is a very good person.  He is so much more humane and fair minded than most of the other people in Maycomb.  He is trying to teach his kids how to be the same way.  In a society that was full of racism and arrogance based on who their ancestors were, Atticus lacks either of those bad characteristics.

Contrast him with Aunt Alexandra, for example.  She is so snobby -- she thinks she's better than everyone because of her family name.  Atticus doesn't feel that way.

Look at all the other people, even Mr. Cunningham -- they are ready to lynch Tom.  Atticus stands up for him.

So Atticus treats people like people and he teaches his kids to do the same.

How is Atticus Finch portrayed as an understanding father in To Kill a Mockingbird?

A great example of a quote that shows how fair Atticus is as a father, and as a listener, is found in chapter 9. It is the winter holiday season, and Uncle Jack, Aunt Alexandra, and Francis, come to visit the finches. Scout cannot stand Francis, and has been planning to do something to him. When she cusses at him, her uncle comes by and spanks her. This is a shock to Scout, because Atticus is much more democratic with his children, always willing to listen to each one. 

"When Jem an' I fuss Atticus doesn't ever just listen to Jem's side of it, he hears mine too" 

Yet, throughout the novel Atticus displays fairness, over and over. He calmly listens to Scout's angry rants against her school and teacher. He also calmly corrects Scout in the usage of the "n" word. He is all ears when Jem shows his anger at the justice system, and he is even willing to put into perspective the presence of his children at the Cunningham lynching attempt. He puts his own fatherly fears to the side and even commends Scout in changing Mr. Cunningham's mind about the attack on Tom Robinson. 

Another important moment, this time with Miss Maudie, Scout explains how Atticus (as shown in the examples before) is adamant in running his household and his children in a formulaic way, as it occurs in the courtroom. Everything has a protocol, a process, and an order. In the same token, Atticus is also quite transparent in his discipline techniques. He would never to do the children "inside the household what he don't do in the yard". This means that if Atticus ever has to correct his kids he will do it instantly and after having heard both sides of the story. This is demonstrative of Atticus's strong backbone despite the doubts of some people in town. 

Why is Atticus such a good father in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Atticus, as a single father, has a difficult job, especially since there are so many undesirable influences on Jem and Scout in the community. However, he excels at parenting and, with the help of Calpurnia, is raising wise and honorable children.

At first, Atticus seems distant, allowing his children free-reign for much of the time. Calpurnia seems to bear the brunt of being the disciplinarian. She is responsible for the daily tasks, while Atticus seems just to show up to deal with the larger issues.

Yet it is in these larger issues that Atticus shines forth. Atticus is developing their character and their moral worldview. Rather than focusing on surface issues, Atticus delves to the foundation, the moral basis for decisions to be made. Rather than dealing with the "irritation" factor of the children's bothering Boo Radley, he teaches them to see the dignity of Boo, rather than his strangeness that makes him such a butt of all the jokes. He teaches them the inherent value of all people--Boo, Tom Robinson, etc. He develops empathy, so that Jem and Scout are able to draw themselves out of their self-centeredness and view people in light of the battles they have fought, won, and at times lost.

Atticus treats each child as an individual, meeting them on their own terms. He treats Jen differently from Scout, not because he is a boy, but because he is Jem and is different from Scout. He has the ability to see deep into his children's character, tap into their strengths to allow them to shine forth, as well as dealing with their weaknesses.

Atticus is an excellent parent because he is realizes he is not raising children, he is raising potential adults.  The joys of childhood are a preparation for being a responsible, honorable grown-up, and it is their later lives, not the passing whims of childhood, that Atticus is concerned with developing. He views childhood as a time for learning, and play is for learning's sake, not just for play's sake. Everything is a lesson. Therefore, it can be said that it is not so much that Atticus is an excellent father, but that he is an excellent teacher. But perhaps that's what parenting is all about after all.

What do you consider the qualities in Atticus that makes him such a good father to Jem and Scout?

There are two other qualities that make him not only a "good father" but a great father.  He is honest with his kids.  He never sugar-coats anything to them.  When Scout asks what "rape" was, rather than getting flustered like Uncle Jack did, he gave her the clinical definition of it.  He told Jack that when a child asks you a question, you answer it.  It's that simple.  He treated them with respect by being completely honest.  He told them what they needed to know, and didn't make a "production" of it.

The second and perhaps the more important of the two qualities was teaching them courage.  He didn't want the children to think that "a man with a gun in his hand" was courage.  He was referring to when he had to shoot the dog.  That wasn't necessarily courage.  He told them that true courage was

"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. Mrs. Dubose won, all 98 pounds of her."

Both of those qualities make Atticus a wonderful father and a teacher at the same time.

How is Atticus portrayed as an understanding and flexible father in To Kill a Mockingbird?

    Very few fathers give their young children as much independence as Atticus Finch in Harper Lee's novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. They are an unusual family, as far as Maycomb goes. Jem and Scout call Atticus by his first name, and their housekeeper, Calpurnia, does most of the disciplining. As a single parent, Atticus always deals with his children honestly, unlike his brother, Jack. When Scout asks him what a "whore-lady" is, Uncle Jack beats around the bush and then changes the subject.

     "Jack! When a child asks you something, answer him, for goodness' sake... Children are children, but they can spot an evasion quicker than adults.  (Chapter 9)

He teaches the children the art of compromise, whether it is dealing with Jem and his conflict with Mrs. Dubose or with Scout and her teacher, Miss Caroline.

"If you'll concede the necessity of going to school, we'll go on reading every night just as we always have. Is it a bargain?"
    "Yes, sir!"
    "... By the way, Scout, you'd better not say anything at school about our agreement."
    "Why not?"
    "... I have a feeling that if you tell Miss Caroline we read every night, she'll get after me, and I wouldn't want her after me."  (Chapter 3)

He allows them to speak their mind and even curse once in a while, but he's quick to point out when they cross the boundaries of good taste. He also knows that defending Tom Robinson will bring hardship to his entire family, including Scout, who hears taunts at school.

    "Do you defend niggers, Atticus?" I asked him that evening.
    " 's what everybody at school says."
    "From now on, it'll be everybody less one--"  (Chapter 9)

Atticus allows Jem and Scout to see the adult world and hopes his example will guide them as they grow older. When he finds that they have witnessed the entire rape trial, he considers seding them home.

"Well, you've heard it all, so you might as well hear the rest."  (Chapter 21)

Later, he tells his sister, Alexandra,

"We've made it this way for them, they might as well learn to cope with."  (Chapter 22)

What makes Atticus Finch such a good father?

Atticus is a good father for several reasons.  First, he is honest with his children.  He treats them as equals and doesn't really try to shelter them.  Instead of sugar coating the trail, he is honest with Jem and Scout about it.  One of my favorite examples of this is when he explain to the children how he had to take the Robinson case because if he didn't, he couldn't expect them to ever mind him again.  He always practices what he preaches.

Second, he is empathetic.  He always reminds the children to not judge someone until they have tried to see things from another person's point of view.  Look at how Atticus handled Jem's run in with Mrs. Dubose.  Or how he calmly reacts to Bob Ewell spitting in his face.  He is always trying to set a good example for his kids.

What are some examples in To Kill a Mockingbird as to what makes Atticus a good father?

In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus teaches by words and example. In Chapter 23, when Jem is worried about Bob Ewell exacting revenge, Atticus teaches him to think from Bob Ewell's perspective. "So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that’s something I’ll gladly take." Rather than retaliate, Atticus considers how his pacifism might benefit Mayella. Atticus always considers things objectively and he always considers how others might think and/or be affected by what he says and does. 

Atticus does the same thing with Mrs. Dubose in Chapter 11. Even though Mrs. Dubose makes hateful and racist comments about him and is generally an unpleasant person, Atticus is still able to consider her position. At the end of the chapter, after Atticus tells Jem she's died, he calls her "the bravest person I ever knew" because she chose to break her addiction to morphine even though she knew she was going to die. 

This is a consistent theme in the book, one largely portrayed and described by Atticus. That is to consider the perspective of others despite what you may think of them. Atticus is also the moral backbone in town and this is why he's chosen to represent Tom. He is a good father because he never contradicts himself; he never says things like "do as I say, not as I do" because his words and actions are consistently guided by logic and morality. 

Is Atticus a model father in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Defending Atticus as a model father will require giving examples of him being a good father, such as advice he gives his children.

When you are asked to defend a statement about a book, it means defend the statement with evidence from the text in the form of examples and quotations.  You will want to also define what you mean by “model father.” 

A model is someone that others should notice and base their own behavior off of.  So a model father is someone who is such a good father that other men should look at him as an example of how they should behave as fathers.

At first, Atticus does not seem to be a model father.  Scout describes him this way.

Jem and I found our father satisfactory: he played with us, read to us, and treated us with courteous detachment. (ch 1)

Generally, “courteous detachment” is not what we would think of when we describe the model father.  A father is not supposed to be either courteous or detached!  He should love his children and care about them.  Yet as we learn more about Atticus, we see that while he is not the traditional father, he is a good father in many ways.

An example of Atticus as the model father is his reaction when Scout comes home from school not wanting to ever go back.  Some fathers would just tell her, “too bad” and go on reading the paper.  Others would yell, threaten, and punish her.  Atticus instead gives her a life-long lesson in empathy.

“"[If] you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. 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." (ch 3)

Atticus is trying to explain to Scout that if she learns empathy, she will be a lot better off.  She won’t get into as many altercations and arguments with people.  This is an important part of growing up, and Atticus uses Scout not wanting to go back to school as a teaching vehicle for this important lesson.

What made Atticus Finch a good father in To Kill a Mockingbird?I need three examples.

Atticus is a wise, intelligent single parent who tries to lead by example when it comes to raising and educating his children. During a talk with his brother, Jack (which Atticus allows Scout to deliberately overhear), Atticus tells him that

"I just hope that Jem and Scout come to me for their answers instead of listening to the town... I just hope they trust me enough..."

Although he is a busy man with his law practice and frequent visits to Montgomery for legislative sessions, he spends as much time as possible with his kids. He reads to Scout every night, even after her teacher, Miss Caroline, suggests they stop this practice. He stresses the importance of education (teaching Scout to read at a very early age) even though he did not attend school himself. He employs Calpurnia to watch over them while he is at work. He pays attention to their outside activities even when the children do not realize he is watching. He gives them a great deal of independence, hoping that they will learn about life through experience. And he teaches them not to pre-judge people, suggesting that they "climb into his skin and walk around in it" first in order to understand differing ideas and opinions.