"To kill a Mockingbird", an acclaimed novel, by Harper Lee is recognised throughout
             the world. Having read her novel, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1960 soon after its
             publication, I was compelled to consider the novel in greater depth but was particularly
             intrigued to examine the character of Atticus Finch as a hero.
             Maycomb, a fictional town in the Southern States of America plays host to the novel
             "To Kill a Mockingbird" follows a lawyer and his family prior to and during a legal
             case to defend a black male, Tom Robinson, charged of raping a white female, Mayella
             Ewell. This occurs in a very white orientated town.
             Atticus Finch, Attorney and father of two children only plays a brief part in the opening
             chapter but as this epic novel progresses so does his importance.
             It becomes apparent that Atticus Finch, arguably the novel's main character, is
             extremely well respected in Maycomb by the majority of its residents. If someone
             expresses a dislike towards him he will still try to do his "best to love everybody".
             Atticus is a man of extreme integrity and some say that it is through his mouth that
             Harper Lee expresses her own morality, an opinion that I share. He represents a true
             gentleman; his conduct is always courteous despite any provocation whether privately
             or publicly. This is enhanced by the very carefully selected word choice. Atticus is able
             to use language stylishly when appropriate but he can also communicate very
             simplistically such as when in a moment of crisis he can talk straightforwardly, for
             example to Jem and Scout, to enhance understanding. Atticus is a devoted family man;
             he manages to care for his children without the help of their mother, who died. Harper
             Lee gives Atticus a very "modern style" regarding parenting (in comparison to other
             families in the 1930's i.e. principally he was a single parent). This could perh...