He has no problem with his children attending Calpurnia's church, or with a black woman essentially raising his children. Atticus feels that the justice system should be color blind, and he defends Tom as an innocent man, not a man of color.Ītticus is the adult character least infected by prejudice in the novel. And, importantly, Atticus doesn't put so much effort into Tom's case because he's an African American, but because he is innocent.

He knows before he begins that he's going to lose this case, but that doesn't stop him from giving Tom the strongest defense he possibly can.

He doesn't like criminal law, yet he accepts the appointment to Tom Robinson's case. And although most of the town readily pins the label 'trash' on other people, Atticus reserves that distinction for those people who unfairly exploit others.Ītticus believes in justice and the justice system. One of the things that his longtime friend Miss Maudie admires about him is that ''Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets.'' The only time he seriously lectures his children is on the evils of taking advantage of those less fortunate or less educated, a philosophy he carries into the animal world by his refusal to hunt. He politely proves that Bob Ewell is a liar he respectfully questions Mayella about her role in Tom's crisis. His stern but fair attitude toward Jem and Scout reaches into the courtroom as well.

Ironically, Atticus' one insecurity seems to be in the child-rearing department, and he often defends his ideas about raising children to those more experienced and more traditional. And yet, for all of his mature treatment of Jem and Scout, he patiently recognizes that they are children and that they will make childish mistakes and assumptions. Atticus uses this approach not only with his children, but with all of Maycomb. was Atticus' dangerous question' because he delighted in helping people see a situation in a new light. Scout says that ''Do you really think so?'. He uses all these instances as an opportunity to pass his values on to Scout and Jem. His parenting style is quite unique in that he treats his children as adults, honestly answering any question they have. He is one of the very few characters who never has to rethink his position on an issue. As a character, Atticus is even-handed throughout the story.

Full Glossary for To Kill a MockingbirdĪtticus represents morality and reason in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Famous Quotes from To Kill a Mockingbird.

Comparing To Kill a Mockingbird to Its Movie Version.

Racial Relations in the Southern United States.

Aunt Alexandra and Miss Maudie Atkinson.

To kill a mockingbird author