Atticus in "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a story set in Maycomb County, Alabama in the 1930s during the great depression where racial stereotypes and prejudice are at an all-time high. In the mania, there is Scout, Jem, and their father, Atticus Finch. No one is perfect and Atticus tries to be a great Dad, though he has had his mistakes, he still is an admirable dad because he educates his children and teaches them about courage.

One reason that Atticus is an admirable dad is his efforts to educate his children and priority on their education.

Evidence for this is provided through the interaction between Atticus and Scout after school about how they won’t be able to read with each other anymore because Scout’s teacher got angry at her and Atticus responds with a compromise stating that they will keep reading together and Scout will have to go to school. This shows how Atticus wants to read with Scout to help her accel at school and his priorities for Scout’s education include her being ahead of the rest of the students.

Atticus wants Scout to go to school and learn so she can have a successful and rich life. This is one of the greatest things that a parent can do while raising their children.

Another example that shows how Atticus is a good father is how he teaches his children courage. This is shown by Atticus’ efforts to not tell his children about his marksmanship capabilities so they do not think that courage is a man with a gun in his hand, but instead someone who keeps on fighting even when they know that they are fighting a losing battle. This shows that through Atticus’ blunders, he still values morals for his children and doesn’t want them to grow up with a false idea of courage. With this knowledge, he knows that his children will have a strong moral compass and be able to fight for what they believe in. This shows just how great of a dad that Atticus is through his willingness to suppress his talents for the good of his children.