Atticus's Stereotypes

<br>Later in the book, however, Scout changes. She now tries to control her temper, and is somewhat successful. One example of this is when Cecil Jacobs, another of Scout's classmates, insults Atticus by saying that Atticus defended Niggers. Scout remembers that she shouldn't fight, and walks away. "Cecil Jacobs made me forget. He had announced in the schoolyard the day before that Scout Finch's daddy defended niggers… ‘You gonna take that back boy?' ‘You gotta make me first!' he yelled… ‘I drew a bead on him, remembered what Atticus had said, then dropped my fists and walked away, ‘Scout's a cow-ward!' ringing in my ears" (80-81). Scout also learns to respect and value

Scout fights with Cecil and Francis because they are insulting Atticus and Scout has to defend her father’s honor.

Atticus says to Scout, “You just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anyone says to you, don’t let‘em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change…it’s a good one, even if it does resist learning” (101). What he is telling Scout is to think with her mind and not her hands when someone says something about Atticus or anyone else in the family,

Everywhere the Finch children go, they are met with sharp criticism. This could’ve been easily avoided if Atticus had simply thrown the case or not taken it at all. At school, Scout’s peers---especially Cecil Jacobs--- target her and her brother as a result of her father’s poor judgement. Cecil torments Scout in the schoolyard, and calls her father racial slurs. This provokes Scout, and causes her to act out and become violent.

Atticus didn’t get mad at scout when she got in a fight at school. He did what many parents wouldn’t do, act calmly and give her a piece of his wisdom. Atticus doesn’t even punish scout for getting in a fight at school. Atticus was empathy towards Scout. He responds in a caring and wise way to everyone he has a conversation with throughout the book.

Everyone has a perspective. Some are self-righteous and believe that they can do no harm, and end up deluding themselves into believing that they can still win after it’s well known that they’ve lost. Others believe that everyone is equal and that all should have an equal chance in life. Some of these people will end up working themselves to death trying to make it a reality. In the book To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, there’s a multitude of characters who fit these descriptions perfectly.

Rather than treating Jem and Scout as immature children, Atticus talks to them as adults and as his equal. In conversations with them, he does not speak in a more simplistic way to accommodate them, yet he is willing to elaborate further with admirable patience if necessary. Atticus also encourages his children to not fight physical battles. At one point Atticus says, “You just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anyone says to you, don’t let ‘em get your goat.

Atticus is an independent worker that left the family business. He is very fair and respectful when talking to anyone not just his children. Atticus states, “Try fighting with your head for a change... it’s a good one, even if it does resist learning” (Lee 87). Atticus is revealing to Scout that she should not approach someone the same way as she always has.

Try fighting with your head for a change. its a good one, even if it does resist learning,” (Lee 87). This shows that Atticus encourages them to not let anyone get to them, to do the right thing, and to think for themselves, instead of just agreeing with everybody else just because. This proves that Atticus is a good role model for Jem and Scout, which also makes him a good father, because he tries and teaches them what’s good and what’s bad. It helps them be better people, which is what a great parent should do for their kids.

Scout’s classmates made fun of Atticus during school for defending Tom Robinson, so Scout became angry and nearly fought them. When she came home, she asked Atticus why he must defend a black man. He explained that he feels morally obligated to defend him. He understood that kids in Scout’s school will say terrible things about him and that they will make her angry, so he advised that she avoid anger and use knowledge to defend herself instead of her fists.

Cecil Jacobs just insulted Atticus in front of Scout, Scout beat up Cecil and Atticus sits and talks with her. “You just hold your head high and keep these fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don’t let ‘em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change.” Atticus wants Scout to know the meaning and trait of self-discipline.

He is a very responsible parent that is willing to teach his kids about the society, life lessons, certain values and morals. Many parents are very busy with work and would not spend time to communicate with their kids, but Atticus will always make time for Jem and Scout. “You just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anyone says to you, don’t let ‘em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change…it’s a good one, even if it does resist learning.”--Atticus (Lee, Pg.76). The words Atticus said to Jem and Scout shows a lot of care. Atticus is trying to teach his kids that no matter what happens try to calm down and don't use physical actions. He wants them to understand that everything can be solved even without fighting and hitting that will cause injuries. Atticus will always have conversation that will teach his kids a lesson. Atticus said this to Scout to explain that you don't truly know someone unless you see things in their perspective. " If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along with all kinds of folks. You never understand a person until you see things from his point of view" (Lee, Pg.30) Atticus wants Scout to understand that things are seen more deeply and you can't judge someone based on what you personally think. Atticus is like a hero or angel that will always be beside Jem and Scout to guide them through difficult

Because of the nature of this case, Atticus makes a deal with Scout to not fight anyone at school as to not draw negative attention. She follows this deal but when Cecil Jacobs announces in the schoolyard that “... Scout Finch’s daddy defended n*ggers…(Lee 99)”, Scout soon forgets her father’s words and hits Cecil. Later, at home Scout questions her father about it, and he tells her not to use the n-word.

Scout's perspective and beliefs were embedded by her father Atticus. Ever since she was little, Jean Louis never had a mother figure in her life. So, this led a young girl to become a tomboy. As the years went on, her attitude began becoming more aggressive. The very first day Scout attended school, she wanted to make a satisfying impression on her classmates and teacher. However, when Walter Cunningham makes Scout lose her temper, She gets a sudden urge to attack and fight. Jem, being the more mature, older brother, forces Scout to give an apology and invite Walter over for dinner. When the three of them arrive at home, Atticus gives Scout an important life lesson about what he believes in. “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, Page 30). The wise words

Maturity is presented throughout To Kill a Mockingbird as Scout Finch comes to realize that fighting with her words is more effective than fighting with physical violence. Being intensely outspoken about what she believes is right, it is common for Scout to lose patience when somebody disagrees with her or wrongs people she deems do not deserve it. The violent acts her short temper urges her to perform never grant her any long-term satisfaction, and only result in dissatisfaction from her authority figures. As the story progresses, Scout gradually realizes there is a better way to argue her point rather than using violence. After she fights Cecil Jacobs in the schoolyard to get back at him for speaking negatively about her father, Atticus Finch, Atticus advises her against fighting on his