Does the news about Tom surprise you? Why or why not? Earl
The news about Tom Robinson is not shocking. Given the racial inequalities at the time it is much more likely for a police officer to shoot and kill a black man then a white man. Atticus gets home early from work, he pulls Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra aside: “‘Tom’s dead ...They shot him,’ said Atticus. ‘He was running. It was during their exercise period. They said he just broke into a blind raving charge at the fence and started climbing over. Right in front of them-’” (268) The trial ended with Mr. Robinson being pronounced guilty because of his race. Harper Lee makes it very obvious that Tom really was not guilty, but because of his race and the prejudice against black people, he had no conceivability to win against a white person. While, Tom Robinson is in jail, he tries to escape by climbing over the fence. He does this because he knows he is not guilty and that there were no chances left, and would be charged for something he did not do. There was no hope left in him and a...
I don't think that Atticus treats his children as adults, but I believe that it is perceived that way because of the formality he taught them to use. Although Atticus isn't necessarily "playing" with his children, that does not mean that he doesn't think of them as children. An example of Atticus treating Jem and Scout, like a child is how he reprimands them after he finds out about their planned note to Mr. Radley. If Atticus didn't think of them as children, he would not have been suspicious of them in the first place. I also believe that Atticus' use of formality towards his children is a large reason for why Scout has grown up so fast, but also for the loneliness that she feels. I think that it was this loneliness that led Scout to Miss. Maudie, as helped to develop a strong connection between them. To Scout, Miss. Maudie is somebody who listens, without reprimanding her like Calpurnia, and can relate to what she is going through, as Miss. Maudie is also very lonely. Miss. Maudie also makes Scout feel like she is an adult, but not in a forced way like with Atticus.
ReplyDeleteAtticus Finch is not like most parents; he does not act differently behind the front door with his children. In my opinion, Atticus Finch treats his children like adults because of his job and also being a widower. He is a lawyer and therefore I believe he is very in demand with his kids. Instead of them calling him Dad or Father, they call him by his first name. As a widower, I believe he has lots of stress along with his job. In a good way, Atticus has taught his kids to become strong individuals. Jem has the courage and bravery as a 10-year old to pass a note to the Maycomb ‘nightmare’ of Boo Radley. Atticus is more of a teacher than a father. He is the main reason why Scout is so intelligent for a seven-year old. He reads with her frequently, and has helped her become a strong, independent woman. Atticus also helped Dill, Jem, and Scout stay out of possible trouble when they were planning on writing a note to Boo Radley.
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ReplyDeleteWhy does Atticus treat his children as adults?
ReplyDeleteIn this question I agree with Kevin. Kevin says how Atticus is a lawyer and that because of his job Atticus is more formal with his children. I think the best point that Kevin came upon was that Atticus is more of a teacher to his kids than he is father. He teaches Scout how to read at a very young age. He also teaches Jem courage. All these things that Kevin pointed out I agree with on how Atticus treats his children as adults. I would also like to ad that Atticus is called Atticus by Scout and Jem. Also when responding to Atticus, Scout and Jem call Atticus sir. This to me is seem as a professional relationship between the 2 and when I think of a child to adult relationship I do not think of professionalism. One question I would have would be do you think Atticus and his kids relationship was anything to do with the time when this book was being set in?
I think that Atticus does show affection towards his children, just not in a way that we are used to seeing. He clearly cares for his children, as seen with his nightly ritual of reading to/with his daughter. He gives guidance and words of assurance in some cases, and challenge his children to think logically. He urges Scout and Jem to do good and not act in haste. At times he may seem to have harsher or more formal tactics when it comes to parenting, but this may very well be the only way he knows how to show his feelings, by trying to help the person in question become an improved version of themselves. Atticus may have limited other experience with kids, and therefore not see a need to treat his children in any other way. He holds them to similar standards he would hold a full grown adult. Yet he is mindful of their behavior in a more paternal way, and tells them off when he finds it necessary. In conclusion, I believe that Atticus’ parenting style is no less affectionate just different.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kevin with his statement of Atticus treats his children as adults. I believe the reason behind this is that Atticus being an adult during this time period knows that he needs to make money somehow. Which is why he is always at work not with his kids. However, whenever he is with his kids he treats them as adults which makes them not have to rely on him for things. Also, teaching them good manners as well to help them when they speak to other adults. Atticus knows that if he treats them as adults at a young age they will grow up to be well rounded and have good representation around people. Allowing them to get a job more easily and earn money more easily which is harder during this time period.
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