Can you share some quotes that depict Atticus as a good father in To Kill a Mockingbird?

One way to determine the fatherly impact Atticus has on Scout and Jem is by examining their daily lives together. Atticus shares a warm and nurturing relationship with his children, and they are thrilled when he returns home from work each day. As soon as they see him in the distance, Scout and Jem rush to meet him:

When Jem and I raced each other up the sidewalk to meet Atticus coming home from work, I didn’t give him much of a race. It was our habit to run meet Atticus the moment we saw him round the post office corner in the distance. Atticus seemed to have forgotten my noontime fall from grace; he was full of questions about school.

This spontaneous joy in welcoming Atticus home each day is an indication of the bond he has built as a father. He also is involved, immediately interacting with Scout about the details of her day.

When Scout comes home from school upset about her teacher's instructions that she can no longer read with Atticus, she is so distraught that she doesn't want to return to school. Atticus uses this moment of frustration to give Scout some advice that will be important for her through various conflicts in the novel:

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.

Her teacher, he explains, can not be expected to understand all of Maycomb's workings and social hierarchies in a single day. He tells Scout that she needed to give Miss Caroline some time to adjust. He still understands the reality that Miss Caroline cannot forbid Scout to read, and he enjoys the time they share reading together in the evenings. He therefore teaches Scout about "compromise," telling her that if she will go back to school, they will secretly keep reading just like they always have.

Although Atticus is a lawyer and the family certainly has more economic means than some other families in town, he doesn't impress upon his children any sense of superiority. In fact, he tries to remind them of their humble origins. When Scout questions the way the Ewells are able to circumvent the rules of compulsory education, Atticus tells her:

You, Miss Scout Finch, are of the common folk. You must obey the law.

When Scout asks about the social structure of Maycomb, she wonders where her family fits in:

"Are we poor, Atticus?”
Atticus nodded. “We are indeed.”
Jem’s nose wrinkled. “Are we as poor as the Cunninghams?”
“Not exactly. The Cunninghams are country folks, farmers, and the crash hit them hardest.”

Atticus intends to ensure his children are raised with a sense of modesty and humility, and his interactions stress that they are not privileged and shouldn't be treated as such. This is yet another example of his good parenting.

Can you share some quotes that depict Atticus as a good father in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Though Atticus is often absent because of his law practice and his duties with the Alabama legislature, he sees to it that his children don't stray far from home.

our summer boundaries (within calling distance of Calpurnia) were Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose's house...and the Radley Place three doors to the south. We were never tempted to break them (chapter 1).

Atticus was home schooled himself, but he is determined to see his children educated in the public schools. When Scout wants to quit school after her bad first day with Miss Caroline, Atticus puts his foot down.

dose of magnesia for you tonight and school tomorrow (chapter 3).

But Atticus also has some advice about tolerance for Scout, how she needs to "climb into his skin and walk around in it" before judging people. He is sensible enough not to let his children play with dangerous objects--"Give me those scissors. They're no things to play with"--and he does not allow them to aggravate the neighbors, telling Jem to "stop tormenting that man (Boo)." Atticus picks up a gun again, killing the mad dog in order to protect his children as well as others in the neighborhood; and he makes certain that Jem and Scout are safe from Miss Maudie's house fire. Most importantly, Atticus tries to set an example for his children, hoping that

they come to me for their answers instead of listening to the town (chapter 9).

Can you share some quotes that depict Atticus as a good father in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Perhaps the most memorable quote of Atticus Finch is his statement about how it is a sin to kill a mockingbird; afterall, the title itself comes from this statement.  In Chapter 10, the seventh paragraph, Atticus gives his children air-rifles, but he does not teach them to shoot:

Uncle Jack instructed us in the rudiments thereof; he said Atticus wasn't interested in guns.  Atticus said to Jem one day, 'I'd rather you shot at tin cans in the back yard, but I know you'll go after birds.  Shoot all the bluejays you wnat, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird'

Of course, Atticus implies that the children should never harm an innocent creature.  Symbolically, Tom Robinson and Boo Radley are like mockingbirds, the children realize later.  And, the irony of Atticus's not teaching the children to shoot is that he himself is a superb shot as he proves on the day he shoots a rabid dog on their street.

Another example of the honorable man that Atticus is comes prior to his remarks in Chapter 10.  At the end of chapeter 9, Atticus talks with his brother Jack about the forthcoming trial in which he has been assigned to defend Tom Robinson.  Atticus explains how difficult such a defense will be, but he has to accept the job: 

'You know I'd hoped to get through life without a case of this kind, but John Taylor pointed at me...'

'Let this cup pass from you, eh?' [Jack remarks.]

'Right.  But do you  think I could face my children otherwise?  You know what's going to happen as well 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.' [racial bias]

Then, Atticus calls out to Scout as he knows that she has listened.  He wants her to hear.  Scout recounts this realization as she reflects, "...many years later ...I realized he wanted me to hear every word he said."

Earlier in this same chapter, Scout has already asked Atticus why he takes Tom Robinson's case.  Atticus replies in paragraph 16,

'For a number of reasons...The mainone is, if I didn't I couln'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.'

Scout asks him why they would not have to mind him;  Atticus replies,

Because I could never ask you to mind me again.  Scout, simply by the nature of the work, every lawyer get at least one case in his lifetime that affects him personally.  This one's mine, I guess  You might hear some ugly talk about it at school, but doo one thing for me if you will:  you just hold your head high and keep those fists down.  No matter what anybody says to you, don't you let 'em get your goat.  Try fighting with your head for a change...It's a good one, even if it does resist learning.'

When Mrs. DuBois calls Atticus a "n---lover," Jem cuts the blooms from her camellias in retaliation and anger.  Always the charitable man, Atticus insists that Bub repair the damage by reading to her each day.  He explains to Scout and Jem to not let Mrs. DuBois "get you down in paragraph 108 of Chapter 11:

"It's never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name.  It just shows how poor that person is, it doesn't hurt you."

After the verdict is given at the trial, Jem and Scout are distraught with the outcome.  They ask their father how the jurors could vote as they have done.  He replies,

'I don't know, but they did it.  They've done it before and they did it tonight and they'll do it again and when they do it--seems that only children weep.  Good night.

This remark in paragraph 18 of Chapter 22 is one that the children will better understand when they are older, yet it making such a remark is another example of Atticus's timely wisdom and the integrity that he demonstrates in the above passages and throughout "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee.

As little Scout drifts off to sleep on the night of her harrowing encounter with Bob Ewell, she tells her father that Boo Radley was "real nice."  Atticus remarks, "Most people are, Scout , when you finally see them" (second paragraph from the last).  And, thus, ends the novel with one of its motifs reiterated by Mr. Finch.

Can you share some quotes that depict Atticus as a good father in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Atticus's role as a father is a difficult one. First, he is a single parent with some rather unorthodox methods of child rearing. Second, he has to battle his sister's traditional ways of raising the kids (making them aware of their supposedly prestigious position in Maycomb society, making them live up to the Finch name and its history, to teach them the proper social codes of Maycomb, and, especially, to make sure Scout becomes a proper young lady). Third, and most difficult of all, he has to raise his kids so they both respect their fellow citizens of Maycomb without catching what he refers to as "Maycomb's usual disease" (racism). This, by far, will be Atticus's most challenging objective.

Atticus plans to accomplish this last task by practicing what he preaches. He is always admonishing Scout to not judge someone before she has considered what the world looks like from their perspective. By modeling this constantly for the children, Atticus is setting a great example. He stands up for what he believes, yet he always is cordial and respectful to the opposition. Even more importantly, he is able to see the good in all people. One of the most vile characters is Miss Lafayette Dubose. She berates Atticus's good name in front of the children. Yet, Atticus also calls her "the bravest person I ever knew." If you examine these three things and how Atticus handles them, you should be able to find plenty of material and evidence for you assignment.

What are three quotes that show Atticus Finch's empathy in To Kill a Mockingbird?

EMPATHETIC ATTICUS

The Ewells.  After Bob Ewell spits in Atticus's face and threatens to get even with him, Atticus explains that it's one of those moments when Jem needs to step into Bob's skin to understand his motives better. Atticus is happy to have served as a human spittoon for Bob if it meant protecting the Ewell children from their father.

"So 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 household of children out there."  (Chapter 23)

Maycomb's African American citizens.  There are many examples of Atticus showing empathy toward the town's African American population, perhaps none better than the day after the trial. When Atticus awakes, he finds his kitchen table covered with "enough food to bury the family." It has come from the friends of Tom Robinson, showing their appreciation for Atticus's staunch defense. But Atticus realizes that such a display is a financial hardship for Tom's poor friends.

Atticus's eyes filled with tears. He did not speak for a moment. "Tell them I'm very grateful," he said. "Tell them--tell them they must never do it again. Times are too hard...."  (Chapter 22)

Cheating a Black Man.  To Atticus, cheating a black man is the worst thing a white man can do.

"There's nothing more sickening to me than a low-grade white man who'll take advantage of a Negro's ignorance...whenever a white man does that to a black man...the white man is trash." (Chapter 23)

What are three quotes that show Atticus Finch's empathy in To Kill a Mockingbird?

In chapter 3, Atticus speaks with Scout about her first day at school. Scout says that she doesn't want to go back. She tells Atticus about her teacher, Miss Caroline, who told her to tell Atticus to stop teaching her how to read. Miss Caroline also punished Scout by striking her across her hand with a ruler. Atticus tells Scout,

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.

In other words, Atticus suggests that Scout should try harder to empathize with people, including Miss Caroline. After all, Miss Caroline is new to Maycomb County and must be finding it hard to adjust.

In chapter 22, Calpurnia takes Atticus through to the kitchen to show him all of the gifts of food that the African Americans of Maycomb County have left for him to express their gratitude for the effort he put into his defense of Tom Robinson. In response, "Atticus's eyes filled with tears." He tells Calpurnia to pass on the message that "they must never do this again. Times are too hard." Atticus cries because he empathizes with the poverty of those who have left him the gifts, and also because he empathizes with how difficult their lives are. The fact that they are so grateful simply because a defense attorney has done his job properly indicates how seldom it is that they receive fair and equal treatment. Atticus is very aware of this injustice, and the gifts remind him that these African Americans have lived for so long with it and will likely continue to live with it for some time to come.

On the final page of the novel, Scout describes the events in a story Atticus has been reading to her, which seems to be about a boy ("Stoner's Boy") who is falsely accused of "messin' up (a) clubhouse." Scout says that the boy "hadn't done any of those things . . . he was real nice." Atticus replies, "Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them." It's very fitting, of course, that these should be the last words that we hear from Atticus in the story. They succinctly epitomize the main lesson that he has been trying, throughout the story, to teach his children, namely not to be judgmental but rather to try to empathize with people.

Which quotes exemplify Atticus Finch and prejudice in To Kill a Mockingbird?

In a novel that focuses on racial tensions in the South, specifically Alabama, there are a myriad of quotes and conversations between the characters which acknowledge direct and indirect prejudice. One of the central characters of the book, Atticus Finch, provides great instruction and admonition to both Scout and Jem throughout the novel, as the children learn about their town and racial differences.

As Atticus’s lessons on life in Maycomb cover many aspects of humanity, he provides a clear moral compass for Scout and others.

Well, most folks seem to think they’re right and you’re wrong ...They’re certainly entitled to think that, and they’re entitled to full respect for their opinions, but before I can live with other folks I’ve got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.

Atticus is a lawyer who is representing a Black man who was falsely accused of a crime, and he wants to make it very clear that for far too long, racism and corruption have been tolerated in America, especially in the South. He boldly declares, similarly to Martin Luther King, that it is a person’s character that is most important, not the color of one’s skin.

The older you grow the more of it you’ll see. The one place where a man ought to get a square deal is in a courtroom, be he any color of the rainbow, but people have a way of carrying their resentments right into a jury box. As you grow older, you’ll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don’t you forget it—whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that white man is trash.

Likewise, Atticus asserts that all citizens must be able to find justice in the legal system, where race should not be a factor. As Lady Justice is blindfolded, carrying her balanced scales and a sword, she represents Atticus’s statement:

But there is one way in this country in which all men are created equal—there is one human institution that makes a pauper the equal of a Rockefeller, the stupid man the equal of an Einstein, and the ignorant man the equal of any college president. That institution, gentlemen, is a court…Our courts have their faults, as does any human institution, but in this country our courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are created equal.

Encouraging Scout to not only consider others, but to recognize prejudice before it seeps in, Atticus teaches Scout about rushing to judgment.

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.

Atticus also instructs Jem to truly look at a person as a whole, not just for one’s skin color or even actions (good or bad). In the next quote, he encourages Jem to consider the complexities of Mrs. Dubose, despite her earlier racist views.

She had her own views about things, a lot different from mine...I wanted you to see something about her—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.

This quote is by Scout, as she talks with Jem. Scout says, “I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks.” Recognizing the perpetual tension and conflict between races in Maycomb, Scout shares a profound outlook on humanity that she is learning from Atticus. She hopes that people realize that all people deserve respect.

What are quotes about not judging someone prematurely in To Kill a Mockingbird?

One of the most important lessons Atticus teaches Scout concerns the importance of exercising perspective in order to become a tolerant, understanding individual. After Scout's rough first day of school, Atticus teaches her a lesson in perspective by saying,

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. (30)

As the novel progresses, Scout gradually matures and begins to notice the complex personalities of her neighbors. After Mr. Cunningham leads a lynch mob to harm Tom Robinson, Atticus encourages his children to exercise perspective by telling them,

Mr. Cunningham’s basically a good man ... he just has his blind spots along with the rest of us. (159)

During the Tom Robinson trial, Judge Taylor receives a request to clear the courtroom of all women and children. Judge Taylor responds by saying,

People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for. (176)

Judge Taylor's comment concerns perspective, and he acknowledges that people typically adhere to their biases and refuse to view situations from a different perspective.

In chapter 20, Scout and Dill interact with Dolphus Raymond outside of the courthouse, and he reveals that he is not an alcoholic. Dolphus elaborates on being unfairly judged by his prejudiced neighbors and says that once Dill grows older, he won't cry about the unfair treatment of black people. Dolphus then elaborates on how racist citizens refuse to excerise perspective by telling the children.

Cry about the simple hell people give other people—without even thinking. Cry about the hell white people give colored folks, without even stopping to think that they’re people, too. (205)

Dolphus understands that perspective will lead to a more tolerant, understanding society, which will be founded on equality and diversity. At the end of the novel, Atticus reads the story of the The Gray Ghost to Scout, and the main character parallels Boo Radley. Scout then says the characters in the book unfairly judged the friendly protagonist and mentions that the main character was real nice. Atticus responds by saying,

Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them. (285)

What are quotes about not judging someone prematurely in To Kill a Mockingbird?

MISS CAROLINE.  Scout's teacher unwisely judges Atticus without ever having met the man, telling Scout that "your father does not know how to teach." It's such a bad first day at school that Scout doesn't want to go back. But Atticus makes a "bargain" with her: She will go back to school and Atticus will continue to read to her each night. He also offers her some good advice, a "simple trick" to getting along with people.

"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.  (Chapter 3)

MISS STEPHANIE.  Jem and Scout get most of their information about Boo Radley from Miss Stephanie Crawford, the neighborhood gossip. Miss Maudie warns Scout not to judge Boo from the stories that she hears about town. She tells Scout that Boo "always spoke nicely to me" when he was younger, and that the Maycomb gossip

"... is three-fourths colored folks and one-fourth Stephanie Crawford."  (Chapter 5) 

BOO RADLEY.  Scout spends much of the novel fantasizing about meeting Boo. She no longer believes that he "dined on raw squirrels" or had bloodstained hands. She almost meets him the night Boo places the blanket upon her shoulders, and she "imagines" exchanging greetings with him as she sits on her porch swing. At the end of the novel, Scout gets to meet Boo: He is now her hero, having saved her life after the attack by Bob Ewell. She has remembered Atticus's advice about it being "a sin to kill a mockingbird," and she equates the innocence of the bird with Boo. She agrees with Sheriff Tate's decision to keep Boo out of the local "limelight."

"... it'd be sort of like shootin' a mockingbird, wouldn't it?"  (Chapter 30)

Later that night, when Scout is looking out upon her neighborhood from the Radley porch, she sees it in a new light--from how Boo may have seen it through his own eyes.

I had never seen our neighborhood from this angle... Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough.  (Chapter 31)

MRS. DUBOSE.  Atticus makes Jem read to the terminally ill neighbor as punishment for nearly destroying her prize camellias. The children "hated" her, believing the old lady to be "vicious" and "ruthless." Atticus wants his son to see her other side.

"I wanted you to see something about her--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 though no matter what.  (Chapter 11)

What are some quotes concerning prejudice and injustice/justice from To Kill a Mockingbird?

Racial prejudice is deeply ingrained in Maycomb's segregated society, which is founded on racist Jim Crow laws. Throughout the novel, Jem and Scout gain significant perspective on their community and begin to recognize the truth behind their relatively peaceful hometown. One quote regarding prejudice and injustice comes from Dolphus Raymond, who interacts with Scout and Dill outside of the Maycomb courthouse. When Dolphus hears Dill cry about the way Mr. Gilmer disrespected Tom Robinson during his cross-examination, he tells Scout,

Things haven’t caught up with that one’s instinct yet. Let him get a little older and he won’t get sick and cry. Maybe things’ll strike him as being—not quite right, say, but he won’t cry, not when he gets a few years on him.

Dolphus's comment highlights the injustice Black citizens experience every day in Maycomb's racist society. The vast majority of white citizens are prejudiced and do not sympathize with Black people when they witness racial discrimination. Only innocent, naïve children react and empathize when they observe injustice.

Classism also exists in Maycomb, and characters like Aunt Alexandra discriminate against members of the lower class. In chapter 23, Aunt Alexandra prohibits Scout from playing with Walter Jr. When Scout asks her aunt why she cannot play with Walter Jr., Aunt Alexandra displays her class prejudice by saying,

Because— he—is—trash, that’s why you can’t play with him. I’ll not have you around him, picking up his habits and learning Lord-knows-what.

One of the most relevant quotes regarding prejudice and injustice takes place in chapter 25 following Tom Robinson's death. Scout reads Mr. Underwood's editorial about Tom's wrongful death and recognizes her father's predicament during the trial. Scout mentions,

Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret courts of men’s hearts Atticus had no case. Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed.

Scout's quote emphasizes the dangers of racial injustice and describes the jurors' reasoning for wrongfully convicting Tom Robinson. Despite Tom's innocence, the jurors' prejudice influenced their decision to submit a guilty verdict, which is a prime example of racial injustice.

What are some quotes concerning prejudice and injustice/justice from To Kill a Mockingbird?

In the above quotation, we see an illustration of the primacy of certain social codes in Maycomb. These codes, whether they relate to the appropriate behavior of a young lady or the proper relationship between the races, are steeped in prejudice. What's more, they are almost unbreakable, even in a court of law, where justice is supposed to reign.

Atticus knows this, which is why he refers to Mayella's having transgressed a social code in kissing Tom Robinson. He knows that this code means a lot more to the members of the jury than any abstract notion of justice. However, he also knows that they are almost certainly going to draw upon that code in finding Tom guilty of Mayella's rape and assault.

She has committed no crime, she has merely broken a rigid and time-honored code of our society, a code so severe that whoever breaks it is hounded from our midst as unfit to live with.

It's true that Mayella has committed no crime. However, Atticus wants the jury to see that the exact same thing applies to Tom. However, he knows full well that the jury won't see it that way. All they'll see is that a Black man has been accused of raping and assaulting a white woman. As far as they're concerned, that's more than enough “evidence” to convict. Contrary to what Atticus might want, they are not there to dispense justice, but to uphold a moral code steeped in racial prejudice.

What are some quotes concerning prejudice and injustice/justice from To Kill a Mockingbird?

"Folks don’t like to have somebody around knowin’ more than they do. It aggravates ‘em. You’re not gonna change any of them by talkin’ right, they’ve got to want to learn themselves, and when they don’t want to learn there’s nothing you can do but keep your mouth shut or talk their language." - Calpurnia

"As you grow older, you’ll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don’t you forget it—whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that white man is trash."  - Atticus

"Mr Finch, if you was a nigger like me, you'd be scared, too." - Tom Robinson

"I ain't touched her, Link Deas, and I ain't about to to go with no nigger!" - Mr Ewell

"Jem, how can you hate Hitler so bad an' then turn around and be ugly about folks right here at home -?" - Scout

"The handful of people in this town who say that fair play is not marked White Only; the handful of people who say a fair trial is for everybody, not just us..." - Miss Maudie

"I’m no idealist to believe firmly in the integrity of our courts and in the jury system—that is no ideal to me, it is a living, working reality. Gentlemen, a court is no better than each man of you sitting before me on this jury...." - Atticus

"The one thing that does not abide by majority rule is a person's conscience." - Atticus

What are three quotes that describe Atticus as a character in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee?

Atticus is trying to prepare Jem and Scout for the problems the Tom Robinson case might cause them. He knows the local white community is going to be upset that he is mounting a real defense of a Black man. He explains to Scout,

This case, Tom Robinson's case, is something that goes to the essence of a man's conscience—Scout, I couldn't go to church and worship God if I didn't try to help that man.

Atticus is expressing how deeply it is important to him to live with integrity. This way of being is essential to who he is as a person. He will not bend his convictions, even though he knows the local community will be hostile to him.

After Mrs. Dubose shakes her morphine addiction, Atticus tells Scout that Mrs. Dubose showed true courage and explains what this means to him:

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.

The definition of courage is a theme in the novel. Scout is impressed that Atticus killed rabid dog Tim Johnson with one shot from his rifle, but that is not courageous in his mind. Instead, courage means standing up for what is right in the face of defeat and not backing down.

Early in the novel, Scout is having trouble with the first grade and doesn't want to return to school. Atticus says she needs to attend school and try to understand her teacher, Miss Caroline. He advises her that interactions with other people are important because they build empathy. He says to her,

You never really understand a person ... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.

Scout finally understands this at the end of the novel when she stands on Boo Radley's porch.

What are three quotes that describe Atticus as a character in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee?

Atticus Finch is a pillar in Maycomb County society. He epitomizes what it means to be a chivalrous gentleman. In the face of bigotry and prejudice, he still maintains his integrity and dignity. Yet like all good men, the voices of adversity seem to scream louder than the meek supportive ones. The following are two examples of Atticus standing tall and proving his good character in the face of adversity, along with one showing his meek and humble side.

First, as the county gets word of Atticus taking on Tom Robinson as a client in the one of the most scandalous trials of their time, some people start calling him degrading names. One person who does not filter her opinion is Mrs. Dubose, an old woman who is said to have a loaded Confederate pistol at her side at all times. When she yells mean comments to Jem and Scout about them and their father, Atticus's advice is as follows:

"Easy does it son, . . . She's an old lady and she's ill. You just hold your head high and be a gentleman. Whatever she says to you, it's your job not to let her make you mad" (100).

Scout then explains that Atticus would always take off his hat to Mrs. Dubose and confidently say that she looked like a picture. He never shows an inch of being affected by her cruel words.

Another example of Atticus's good character in the face of adversity is when Bob Ewell spits in his face after the Tom Robinson trial. Atticus doesn't flinch for a second; he doesn't get angry; and he doesn't react to such a low-caliber man. Stephanie Crawford reports that Bob asked him if he was too proud to fight him and Atticus said he was just too old. 

"Atticus didn't bat an eye, just took out his handkerchief and wiped his face and stood there and let Mr. Ewell call him names wild horses could not bring her to repeat" (217).

Most men would have been provoked enough to defend their honor for what Bob did to Atticus, but Atticus is of such a higher quality that Bob probably didn't know how to react to Atticus not reacting.

Finally, Atticus is humble. After the Tom Robinson trial, many from the black community brought over food such as chicken, pork, and tomatoes to say thank you. Calpurnia fixed the chicken for breakfast and Atticus remarked that the White House didn't have that for breakfast. When he saw more on his kitchen, the following happened:

"Atticus's eyes filled with tears. He did not speak for a moment. 'Tell them I'm very grateful,' he said. 'Tell them--tell them they must never do this again. Times are too hard'" (213).

Atticus is just an all-around good man. He understands what sacrifices they must have made to give him all of that food; and with the Great Depression in full swing, Atticus could not bear the weight of such appreciation and he left the house without eating a thing. 

What quotes by Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird teach lessons of morality and integrity?

In chapter ten, the children are playing with their air rifles when Atticus teaches Scout and Jem an important moral lesson by saying,

Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird. (Lee, 93)

This lesson can be metaphorically applied to teach Jem and Scout the importance of protecting innocent, defenseless beings. Atticus also acts as a positive role model for his children by protecting Tom Robinson from a lynch mob before the controversial trial.

After witnessing racial injustice firsthand, Jem complains about the corrupt, racist jury to his father. Atticus then teaches his children a lesson on honesty by telling them,

As you grow older, you’ll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don’t you forget it— whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that white man is trash. (Lee, 224)

Atticus is essentially encouraging his children to be honest and forthright with everyone regardless of their race.

Atticus teaches Scout an important lesson on integrity in chapter nine by explaining to her why he intends on defending Tom Robinson despite the community's negative response. Atticus tells Scout,

Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win. (Lee, 78)

Atticus demonstrates integrity by standing up for something he believes in regardless of popular opinion. Even though Atticus realizes he has no chance of winning, he shows integrity by following through with his decision to defend Tom Robinson.

Following Mrs. Dubose's death, Atticus teaches his children a lesson on courage by telling them,

—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. (Lee, 115)

Towards the beginning of the novel, Atticus teaches Scout an important lesson on accepting others by teaching her to view situations from other people's point of view. Atticus tells Scout,

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. (Lee, 30)

By exercising perspective, Atticus hopes to instill the qualities of tolerance and acceptance in his daughter.

Which quotes show Atticus as a fair person in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Atticus Finch consistently shows that he is fair in his dealings with his children. Rather than just give them orders and expect them to be obedient, Atticus always makes an effort to explain things to them. When Scout starts school, she has an eventful and difficult first day. Her father, who knows she is impatient, encourages her to be more understanding with her teacher, who was not pleased to learn that she could already read. When Scout tries to convince him that she should not have to return to school, he suggests that they reach a “compromise,” in part because he wants to teach her the concept of

an agreement reached by mutual concession . . . 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?

Overall, Atticus is deeply devoted to justice but he knows it cannot always be achieved. He is regretful but also largely resigned to the social limits of achieving justice in Maycomb. After Tom Robinson is found guilty, he explains to the children that racism has made fairness impossible.

There's something in our world that makes men lose their heads—they couldn't be fair if they tried. In our courts, when it's a white man's word against a black man's, the white man always wins. They're ugly, but those are the facts of life.

Which quotes show Atticus as a fair person in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Atticus is a morally upright individual who is fair and tolerant throughout the novel. Several scenes depict Atticus as a fair individual. In Chapter 9, Francis calls Atticus a "nigger-lover," and Scout punches him in the face. Uncle Jack quickly grabs Scout and spanks her for hitting Francis. When they arrive home, Scout tells Uncle Jack that he's not fair. She then says,

Well, in the first place you never stopped to gimme a chance to tell you my side of it—you just lit right into me. When Jem an' I fuss Atticus doesn't ever just listen to Jem's side of it, he hears mine too (Lee 54).

Scout's comment about how Atticus listens to both her and Jem's stories depicts his fair personality.

In Chapter 16, Atticus explains to Jem and Scout that Walter Cunningham is still a good person even though he attempted to lynch Tom Robinson. Atticus gives Walter the benefit of the doubt by saying,

Mr. Cunningham's basically a good man. . . he just has his blind spots along with the rest of us (Lee 97).

Atticus easily could have criticized Walter for his behavior, but Atticus is fair and blames Walter's decision to harm Tom Robinson on mob mentality.

What three quotes from To Kill a Mockingbird show Atticus as open-minded?

In chapter 13, Aunt Alexandra moves into the Finch household and attempts to instill feminine qualities in Scout while simultaneously teaching the children about their revered family history. While Atticus does not particularly share Alexandra's feelings regarding their family history or see eye-to-eye with her, he demonstrates an open mind by agreeing to teach the children about their ancestry. Atticus tells Jem and Scout,

Your aunt has asked me to try and impress upon you and Jean Louise that you are not from run-of-the-mill people, that you are the product of several generations’ gentle breeding— (Lee, 134)

Following the mob scene outside of the Maycomb jailhouse when the Old Sarum bunch attempted to lynch Tom Robinson, Scout questions Mr. Cunningham's motives and tells her father that she had thought he was their friend. Atticus exercises tolerance and demonstrates his open-minded perspective by telling Scout,

Mr. Cunningham’s basically a good man . . . he just has his blind spots along with the rest of us. (Lee, 159)

Toward the end of chapter 30, Sheriff Tate explains to Atticus that Boo Radley is responsible for Bob Ewell's death and mentions that he has no intention of informing the community about Boo Radley's heroics. Atticus once again demonstrates an open mind by accepting Sheriff Tate's decision and telling Scout,

Scout . . . Mr. Ewell fell on his knife. Can you possibly understand? (Lee, 280)

What three quotes from To Kill a Mockingbird show Atticus as open-minded?

ATTICUS VS. MISS CAROLINE.  When Scout comes home from her first day of school not ever wanting to go back, Atticus realizes that he must reason with her in a way that will allow Scout to feel good about returning. Although Miss Caroline has demanded that Atticus stop reading to Scout, Atticus has a solution.

"Do you know what a compromise is?... 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?" (Chapter 3)

THE MAD DOG.  Atticus, formerly known as "Ol' One Shot," the best marksman in Maycomb County as a youth, has given up guns. But when Sheriff Tate demands that Atticus take the shot to take out the mad dog that threatens the people who live on his street, Atticus realizes that Tate is right. Walking alone into the street, Atticus puts a bullet between Tim Johnson's eyes.

"You haven't forgot much, Mr. Finch. They say it never leaves you." (Chapter 10)

DEFENDING TOM ROBINSON.  Atticus did not volunteer to represent Tom; he was assigned the case by Judge Taylor. But he recognized that Tom needed the best defense possible, and he was willing to accept the responsibility, knowing that it may bring trouble for him and his family. 

"You know, I'd hoped to get through life without a case of this kind, but John Taylor pointed at me and said 'You're It.'... But do you think I could face my children otherwise?" (Chapter 9)

What are some quotes that demonstrate Atticus's non-judgmental nature in "To Kill a Mockingbird"?

"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."

“Why reasonable people go stark raving mad when anything involving a Negro comes up, is something I don't pretend to understand.”

“The witnesses for the state have presented themselves to you gentlemen, to this court, in the cynical confidence that their testimony would not be doubted, confident that you gentlemen would go along with them on the assumption - the evil assumption - that all Negroes lie, that all Negroes are basically immoral beings, that all Negro men are not to be trusted around our women, an assumption one associates with minds of their caliber. Which, gentlemen, we know is in itself a lie as black as Tom Robinson's skin, a lie I do not have to point out to you. You know the truth, the truth is this: some Negroes lie, some Negroes are immoral, some Negro men cannot be trusted around women, black or white. But this is a truth that applies to the human race and to no particular race of men.”

In To Kill a Mockingbird, what are three quotes that show what type of father Atticus Finch is?

Atticus Finch, in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, is a father who loves his children more than anything else, but he is also a responsible father who wants his children to be able to live moral lives by teaching them how to live well, and be concerned for the good of others.

In Chapter Three, Atticus gives his children good advice in order to help them better understand and empathize with others. He tells them to put themselves in someone else's position before they judge that person.

You never really understand a person until you walk around in their skin...

Atticus also tells the children to never kill a mockingbird. Miss Maudie explains his directive. She points out that mockingbirds offer joy in their music to everyone, and never cause any harm. He provided this example as a way for the children to learn to care about others—those who cannot protect themselves and never bring to harm to others, should be cared for.  In this story, the two characters that symbolize mockingbirds are Tom Robinson and Boo Radley. Miss Maudie says...

Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.

At the end of the story, when Heck Tate is ready to release Bob Ewell's cause of death, he intends to report that Bob Ewell fell on his knife while drunk. Atticus believes that Jem killed Ewell, and refuses to let Heck report anything but the truth, even in an attempt to protect Jem. Even though he believes his son will suffer with the public exposure and censure he may receive, Attcus believes everything must be done "according to the book." Otherwise, it will appear that Jem has been protected because of who his father his: a betrayal of all Atticus has tried to teach his children. (It is, actually, Boo Radley that Heck is trying to protect.) Atticus cannot live a lie, even to save his son; he refuses to set a bad example, and says...

Heck, can't you even try to see it my way? You've got children of your own, but I'm older than you. When mine are grown I'll be an old man if I'm still around, but right now I'm—if they don't trust me they won't trust anybody. Jem and Scout know what happened. If they hear of me saying downtown something different happened—Heck, I won't have them anymore. I can't live one way in town and another way in my home.

Atticus has many lessons he teaches his children, often by example. He is respected by the townspeople, but the two people he is most concerned about are his children.

What quotes indirectly characterize Atticus's thoughts in "To Kill a Mockingbird"?

Atticus’ son Jem is an impulsive, sensitive twelve-year-old. When Jem takes offense at their neighbor Mrs. Dubose for being mean (in his view), he rips out her flowers (chapter 11). His father makes him go read to her, saying the boy should treat the ill, elderly woman properly. After her death from cancer, Atticus explains what some facts of her life and death mean to him.

I wanted you to see something about her—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.

When Atticus is appointed as Tom Robinson’s public defender, he is in a difficult position in two ways. First, he knows that the majority opinion in the town will be against him, as the dominant assumption will be that Tom is guilty. His work is, in turn, very likely to expose him and his family to danger. Second, as an attorney, he knows it is most likely that a jury will find Tom guilty, again because of racism. In that respect, he will not only lose the case but may very well feel responsible for an innocent man’s conviction and possibly his death. Thinking about all these things, Atticus says,

The one place where a man ought to get a square deal is in a courtroom, be he any color of the rainbow, but people have a way of carrying their resentments right into a jury box (chapter 23).

His children are not used to hearing him speak so forthrightly. Scout observes,

Atticus was speaking so quietly his last word crashed on our ears. I looked up, and his face was vehement.

[Atticus continues] "There's nothing more sickening to me than a low-grade white man who'll take advantage of a Negro's ignorance. Don't fool yourselves—it's all adding up and one of these days we're going to pay the bill for it. I hope it's not in you children's time."

What quotes indirectly characterize Atticus's thoughts in "To Kill a Mockingbird"?

In Chapter 10, Scout and Jem witness Atticus shoot and kill a rabid dog in one shot. Both children are in awe of their father's ability and are shocked that Atticus never mentioned to them that he was the deadliest shot in Maycomb. When Atticus leaves the scene, Scout tells Jem that she cannot wait to go to school to brag to her friends about Atticus. Jem responds by saying,

"Don't say anything about it, Scout...I reckon if he'd wanted us to know it, he'da told us. If he was proud of it, he'da told us" (Lee 62).

Atticus' refusal to tell his children about his rare talent indirectly characterizes him as a humble man. Atticus is also indirectly characterized as a civilized individual who does not find the idea of killing animals appealing.

Another quote that indirectly characterizes Atticus can be found at the beginning of Chapter 23. Bob Ewell challenges Atticus and asks if he is too proud to fight. Atticus responds by saying,

"No, too old" (Lee 134).

Atticus' response indirectly characterizes him as a tolerant, calm man who has self-control.

What quotes indirectly characterize Atticus's thoughts in "To Kill a Mockingbird"?

It could be argued that Atticus is an independent thinker and opinionated, but neither pushy nor outspoken.  He is intelligent, insighful, and above everything, he's respectful.  Even when people and circumstances go against him, he treats everyone and everything involved with respect.

There are several examples that show this in the book.  He is the same man as a father (Jem and Scout) as he is to friends and family (Aunt Alexandra, Uncle Jack, or Miss Maudie) as he is to neighbors he is not particularly familiar with (Mrs. Dubose or Boo Radley).

I encourage you to re-read through some key conversations he has with both his children and adults in the story (indirect characterization through dialogue).  Notice how his language, demeanor, and core values remain constant:

1. Atticus and Scout lesson on porch (chapter 3, pg. 30)
2. Conversation with Uncle Jack (chapter 9, pg. 87)
3. Atticus and Mrs. Dubose (chapter 11, p. 100)
4. Atticus and Boo Radley (chapter 30, p. 271)

What is a quote from Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird that has to do with prejudice?

Atticus Finch is colorblind when it comes to a man's skin. He treats all people--black and white--the same, and as Miss Maudie says, "Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets." Concerning the upcoming trial of Tom Robinson, Atticus wonders

"Why reasonable people go stark-raving mad when anything involving a Negro comes up, is something I don't pretend to understand."

When Scout uses the word "nigger" in his presence, Atticus tells her,

"Don't say nigger, Scout. That's common."
" 's what everybody at school says."
"From now on, it'll be everybody less one--"

Atticus has previously stated that a jury can't be expected to take a black man's word over a white man's, but in his final summation of the trial, Atticus pleads with the jury to disregard their racial biases and Tom's skin color. He asks them to do their duty without passion. Concerning Mayella Ewell's actions, Atticus reminds the jury that

"She was white, and she tempted a Negro. She did something that in our society is unspeakable: she kissed a black man... No code mattered to her before she broke it, but it came crashing down on her afterwards."

What are some quotes that relate to prejudice throughout the novel To Kill A Mockingbird? 

In Chapter 11, Scout and Jem are insulted by the novel's most notorious racist, Mrs. Dubose. Mrs. Dubose yells, "Your father's no better than the niggers and trash he works for!" (Lee 135). Mrs. Dubose is not only prejudiced against black people, but also toward those who choose to associate with them.

In Chapter 24, Mrs. Merriweather is explaining the horrors that J. Grimes Everett experiences over in Africa during his missionary work. She tells Scout,

"you are a fortunate girl. You live in a Christian home with Christian folks in a Christian town. Out there in J. Grimes Everett's land there's nothing but sin and squalor" (Lee 309).

Mrs. Merriweather's xenophobic, intolerant comments display her prejudice toward foreigners. She is ignorant of other cultures and views America, along with its predominately Christian population, as superior to the Mrunas tribe in Africa.

In Chapter 26, Scout discusses Miss Gate's hypocritical comments with Jem. Scout says,

"I heard her say it's time somebody taught em' a lesson, they were gettin' way above themselves, an' the next thing they think they can do is marry us" (Lee 331).

Miss Gate's comments display her prejudiced feelings toward black people. Miss Gates believes that white people are superior and views black community members with contempt.

What is one prejudiced quote from the novel To Kill a Mockingbird?

In Chapter 23, Atticus explains to his children that a person related to Walter Cunningham initially voted for Tom's acquittal during the trial, which is why the jury deliberated for so long. Jem and Scout are shocked to hear this, and Atticus continues to elaborate on the Cunninghams' respectable family background. Scout then mentions that as soon as school starts she is going to invite Walter over for dinner. Aunt Alexandra tells Scout, "We'll see about that," and Scout asks her why not (Lee 299). Alexandra goes on to tell Scout that the Cunninghams aren't their kind of folks. She mentions that no matter how much you scrub Walter Cunningham and dress him appropriately, he will never be like Jem. Scout gets extremely upset and asks Alexandra again why she cannot play with Walter. Aunt Alexandra responds by saying,

"Because---he---is---trash, that's why you can't play with him. I'll not have you around him, picking up his habits and learning Lord-knows-what. You're enough of a problem to your father as it is" (Lee 301).

Alexandra's prejudiced comment depicts her contempt for individuals who are considered lower-class. Alexandra believes that her family is "better" than the Cunninghams, and is prejudiced towards poorer community members.