Atticus Finch is one of the main characters in the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Although he has questionable parenting methods and he fails to win his court case, the statement that Atticus Finch is a failure as a father and as a lawyer is entirely untrue. The truth is that he is a loving, caring father, and an excellent lawyer. Proof of this is evident right throughout To Kill A Mockingbird.
As a father, Atticus is definitely not a failure, as he is never too busy to spend time with his children, both of whom, love him very much. "I wouldn't care if he couldn't do a blessed thing" is a statement by Jem, Atticus" son in a conversation with Scout, Atticus" daughter. This is proof that Atticus" children have a special love for him, and that he is a great father.
One characteristic of a fine father is his ability to tell the truth to his children, something that Atticus always does, even in an awkward situation. Atticus" truthfulness stands out when Scout asks him what rape is. Instead of backing off or "sugar coating" his explanation, Atticus calmly explains what the word means, something that a failure of a father would not do, and something that makes Atticus an exceptional father and role model.
As well as being caring and truthful, an excellent father has to have good disciplinary measures. Atticus uses a combination of truthfulness and effective punishment to teach his children right from wrong. After Jem destroys Mrs. Dubose's flowers in an outpouring of rage, Atticus admits that she is not a pleasant woman, yet he teaches Jem that it was the wrong thing to do, by making him read to her after school. Atticus" punishment was effective because by the end of his months reading duties, Jem learnt a valuable lesson about empathy and regretted ever doing what he did.
The statement that Atticus is a failure as a Lawyer is also wrong because a good lawyer will never give up on a case, even if it is impossible to win.
