To Kill a Mockingbird Character of Atticus

Why choose Atticus? Easiest to write about Exam Questions Focus of Notes Impact Theme

Atticus – A Heroic Character? Perhaps not obvious at first but: An excellent parent A strong believer in community Stands up to injustice/majority for what he believes Consistent in his approach Manages to change some attitudes

KP1 - Good Parent Lessons he teaches his children Understanding Moral Courage Bending the Law in special occasions Compromise

Understanding Exemplified by: Explaining to Scout about Boo His behaviour when Bob confronts him. His insistence to Jem that the mob is made up of people.

Moral Courage Exemplified by: His insistence on the children learning their own lessons (Jem/Mrs Dubose) His reluctance to use the gun to shoot the mad dog (Courage not a man with a gun/ doesn’t want to use his advantage over other creatures lightly)

Bending the Law in Special Cases Relate to his feelings about injustice

Key Point 2 - Stands up for principles Setting – racism in community Defends Tom in the face of criticism Vigil at the jailhouse and stands up to mob Defends Tom even though he knows he can’t win Contrast to hypocrisy of townspeople He is Christian in his actions unlike some of the religious hypocrites in the town.

Success Setting – Maycomb is incredibly racist yet he has some success in changing attitudes. Time the jury takes One of the Cunninghams votes to acquit His lessons are taught back to him by his children and others Aunt Alexandra Real change will take generations and his children will continue to educate against ignorance. (Impossible for one man to overcome racism)

Remember Analysis