To Kill a Mockingbird - Atticus Finch

1245 Words5 Pages
In Harper Lee’s award winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch is one of the most well known citizens in Maycomb. Because of his calm wisdom and his respectful manner, Atticus is respected by many, even the poor and black citizens of the county. Although, many peoples opinions change toward him when he agrees to defend Tom Robinson, a black man, in a very racial and prejudiced society. Throughout the novel, all aspects of Atticus’ personality are displayed as he and his children, Jeremy and Jean-Louise Finch, endure various situations. He struggles with his age as he grows more and more feeble, but his respectfulness and wisdom overshadow his feebleness. As Atticus grows older he becomes feeble , which limits what he can do physically. He was nearly fifty and when Jeremy (Jem) and Lean-Louise (Scout) asked him why he was so old he said that he got started late. He was many years older than Jem and Scout’s classmates fathers and he didn’t do things that they did, like hunt, play poker, fish, drink, or smoke. All he did was read. When Jem asked Atticus if he would play tackle football Atticus would reply, “I’m too old for that, son” (pg. 89). In the eyes of Jem and Scout, their father couldn’t do anything. He worked in an office as a lawyer, an occupation that didn’t raise interest or admiration of others. All he did was sit in an office all day. On top of all that, he wore glasses and was practically blind in his left eye. When Scout asked Miss Maudie what Atticus could do, Miss Maudie told her that he was the best checker player in town and that he could play the Jews harp, which didn’t impress Scout. Although, when Atticus shot Tim Johnson, the mad dog, Jem and Scout were beaming with pride and after learning that he used to be the best shot in Maycomb and of his nickname “Ol’ One Shot”, they admired Atticus more than ever. This valuable piece of
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