Though Atticus is often absent because of his law practice and his duties with the Alabama legislature, he sees to it that his children don’t stray far from home.
What passages in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird show that Atticus is respected, tolerant, knowledgeable, or a good parent?
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view — until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
“You just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anyone says to you, don’t let ‘em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change…it’s a good one, even if it does resist learning.”
“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.”
Though Atticus is often absent because of his law practice and his duties with the Alabama legislature, he sees to it that his children don’t stray far from home.
… our summer boundaries (within calling distance of Calpurnia) were Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose’s house… and the Radley Place three doors to the south. We were never tempted to break them. (Chapter 1)
Atticus was home schooled himself, but he is determined to see his children educated in the public schools. When Scout wants to quit school after her bad first day with Miss Caroline, Atticus puts his foot down.
“… dose of magnesia for you tonight and school tomorrow.” (Chapter 3)
But Atticus also has some advice about tolerance for Scout, how she needs to “climb into his skin and walk around in it” before judging people. He is sensible enough not to let his children play with dangerous objects–“Give me those scissors. They’re no things to play with”–and he does not allow them to aggravate the neighbors, telling Jem to “stop tormenting that man (Boo).” Atticus picks up a gun again, killing the mad dog in order to protect his children as well as others in the neighborhood; and he makes certain that Jem and Scout are safe from Miss Maudie’s house fire. Most importantly, Atticus tries to set an example for his children, hoping that
“… they come to me for their answers instead of listening to the town.” (Chapter 9)