Atticus is a good role model because he consistently is considerate of other people's feelings, he is polite and level-headed, and he is non-judgmental, ethical and professional.
- Considerate of others
--In Chapter 1 Atticus scolds the children for "putting his [Boo Radley's] life's history on display for the edification of the neighborhood." He tells them to leave the Radleys alone, issuing a stern lecture on propriety.
--In Chapter 3 when Walter Cunningham is invited to have lunch with the Finches, Atticus talks with Walter and treats him as a guest in his home. After Scout makes a critical remark about Walter's pouring syrup on his food, Calpurnia takes her to the kitchen and scolds her. Later, Atticus counsels Scout about getting along with other people. He tells her that to better understand people, she should
"...consider things from his point of view--...until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."
Rather than selfishly viewing people from one's own emotional perspective, Atticus suggests that people should try to perceive what others do from their perspectives. In this way, people can better understand others.
- Polite and level-headed
--In Chapter 11, despite Mrs. Dubose's rude and cruel remarks directed at his children and the invectives about himself, Atticus remains sanguine whenever he sees Mrs. Dubose on her porch as he walks home. He tips his hat and addresses her politely in his understanding of her medical condition. And, he insists that Jem repay Mrs. Dubose for his retaliatory destruction of her camellias.
--In Chapter 15 when the men come to his house and when the mob accosts Atticus at the jailhouse, he remains calm and rational. As Mr. Cunningham tells Atticus to move away from the door of the jail, adding, "You know what we want....," Atticus calmly says, "You can turn around and go home again, Walter."
--In Chapters 17 and 18, Atticus acts professionally and is courteous toward Bob and Mayella Ewell even though he knows that they commit perjury with their false testimony about what supposedly happened with Tom Robinson.
In her ignorance Mayella accuses Atticus of giving her "sass," Judge Taylor corrects her,
"...Mr. Finch is always courteous to everybody. He's not trying to mock you, he's trying to be polite."
- Non-judgmental, ethical and professional
--Atticus does not pass judgment upon people. Regarding Mrs. Dubose, he says,
"She had her own view about things, a lot different from mine, maybe..."
Despite all the backlash from his community, Atticus accepts his responsibility to defend Tom Robinson. He tells his brother that he must be ethical and set an example for his children,
But do you think I could face my children otherwise? You know what's going to happen as I do, Jack, and I hope and pray I can get Jem and Scout through it without bitterness, and most of all, without catching Maycomb's usual disease.
Atticus treats everyone fairly and is respectful of all. When Tom Robinson dies, he personally goes to the Robinson home to console Helen, the wife of Tom.
Even when Bob Ewell spits in his face, Atticus behaves with professionalism.
___________________
With regard to an introduction, the student can introduce Atticus with a short description and a relevant quotation about him. The introductory paragraph begins with the motivator (the description and quote) and has as its last sentence the thesis statement which can be constructed from the three major points given.
Regarding the conclusion, there should be a reworded thesis, a short summation, and a "clincher," a final sentence which gives the essay a sense of finality. This is a sentence that leaves no doubt in the reader's mind that the essay is at its end (maybe something about Atticus Finch being a man for all times).
No comments:
Post a Comment