How Is Atticus A Good Role Model

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Everyone has a role model; whether it’s a celebrity, a political personnel or even a parent. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus is an excellent role model for society. Although not everyone agrees whether that is the reader or the citizens of Maycomb Atticus sets an example for everyone around him. Atticus’ children, Scout and Jem look up to their father and for many reasons their father is their hero. Atticus is also a good role model for the people of Maycomb; he is respected in town and returns the respect to those around him. Any reader could learn a few lessons from Atticus and his parenting methods and morals. Atticus sets examples for his children and because of the good relationship he has with his children (especially…show more content…
He teaches to not let other people get the best of us, to fight with our heads rather than physically. Scout was not always the best at this. We see this when Atticus says "No matter what anybody says to you, don’t let ‘em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change.” (Lee 101). Another thing we can learn from is when Scout asks her father if he is a 'nigger lover' he says "“I certainly am. I do my best to love everyone”’ (Lee 144). Atticus isn't racist, he proves that by: defending Tom (a black man) in court, he has a black cook help raise his children, he lets his children attend black church with Calpurnia and he disciplines Scout when she says racist things. Lastly we see what an excellent role model Atticus is when he says I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do." (Lee 149). Atticus is teaching his children the true meaning of heroism. even when Atticus knew he wasn’t going to win the Tom Robinson case he stuck by his side, didn’t back out and fought as hard as he could. This shows Atticus to be extremely
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