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Atticus is Unrealistic

Atticus, of Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, does not comport himself believably because he does not have racist views while almost everyone around him during that time does, he treats his children like complete equals, unlike most adults during that era, and he believes all people has goodness in their hearts, no matter how cruel or heartless they act. Atticus seems very unrealistic in the sense that he does not discriminate towards Blacks, while almost everyone surrounding him does. During the 1930s, in the South, racism appeared omnipresent. In Maycomb County, the majority of the population had prejudiced beliefs, including Atticus’ family. For example, Aunt Alexandra and her husband, relatives of Atticus, believe that Tom Robinson committed the crime and believe he deserves punishment due to his skin color. Atticus, on the other hand, feels he must defend Tom in court for himself, Tom, and his children, and that skin color is not a reason to judge a person. Only rarely do people decide not to follow the beliefs that their family, peers, and neighbors have. When Scout asks Atticus if he qualifies as a “nigger-lover”, Atticus answers “Don’t say nigger, Scout. That’s common.” meaning he feels tha

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The reader might also presume that a middle-aged man with a great deal of life-experience would have already realized that not every human has kindness at heart. Atticus simply walks away, assured that Mr. Another example occurs when Atticus receives the assignment of defending Tom Robinson, which he does not want to do, but he decides he must for a number of reasons. The way Atticus views Bob Ewell upholds this. Atticus Finch’s lack of racism, his indulgent parenting, and his naïve belief that all people are worthy of respect add up to an unbelievable, two-dimensional character. Many parents, in any period of time, and would think of Atticus’ parenting as inappropriate, yet he does not seem to mind one bit and allows Scout to do much as she chooses. In a work of fiction set in the South, the central character needs to maintain believability and historical credibility. Ewell becomes infuriated with Atticus, and after the trial, he comes up to Atticus, spits in his face, and threatens him. He allows Scout and Jem to wear the clothes they like, play practically all the games they enjoy, and, most importantly, question Atticus’ authority and word. Scout fits the perfect definition of a tomboy, wearing overalls, beating kids up, and doing everything a young boy would do. Yet Atticus continues to believe in the goodness of all people, no matter how they comport themselves.

Approximate Word count = 919
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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