blog




  • Essay / Flaws of Atticus Finch

    Flaws of Atticus Finch: revealing the imperfections of a literary heroSay no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay In the field of literature, certain characters become legends, embodying the ideals and virtues cherished by society. Atticus Finch, the iconic protagonist of Harper Lee's novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," is one such character. He is hailed as a model of justice, compassion and moral integrity. However, as we delve deeper into the character of Atticus Finch, we discover that even heroes have flaws. In this essay, we will explore the flaws of Atticus Finch, highlighting the imperfections that make him a more relatable and humane figure. One of Atticus Finch's most significant flaws is his idealism. Although his unwavering belief in justice and fairness is admirable, it often leaves him blind to the harsh realities of the world. Atticus lives in a small, racially divided town in the 1930s American South, where racial prejudice runs deep. Despite this, he defends with the greatest dedication Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of rape. Atticus believes that the truth will prevail and the legal system will deliver justice. However, his idealism fails to take into account the deep-rooted racism of the time and his hopes for a fair trial are dashed. Atticus Finch's idealism is also reflected in his parenting style. He tries to protect his children, Scout and Jem, from the ugliness of the world, creating an idyllic bubble around them. Although his intentions are noble, this approach hinders their growth and their understanding of the society in which they inhabit. Atticus fails to recognize that his children must confront and understand the injustices and prejudices that exist around them in order to become successful individuals. By sheltering them, he inadvertently perpetuates their naivety and ignorance. Another fault of Atticus Finch is his passivity in the face of injustice. Although he readily criticizes others for their prejudices, he often fails to take action himself. Atticus believes that by setting a moral example and advocating for justice, he can bring about change. However, this passive approach ultimately proves insufficient to challenge Maycomb's deep-rooted racism. Atticus's unwillingness to actively confront systemic injustice perpetuates the status quo, allowing bigotry to persist unchallenged. Additionally, Atticus Finch's flaws extend to his inability to fully understand the experiences and perspectives of marginalized individuals. Despite his defense of Tom Robinson, his understanding of the struggles of the black community remains limited. Atticus approaches racism from an intellectual perspective, without understanding the emotional and psychological burden it places on victims. It lacks the nuanced understanding necessary to fully understand the lived experiences of those who face discrimination every day. In this way, Atticus is far from the empathetic, all-encompassing figure he is often portrayed as. Nonetheless, it is important to recognize that these flaws do not diminish the importance of Atticus Finch's character. In fact, they improve its relativity and complexity. Atticus is not a perfect hero, but an imperfect individual struggling with the limitations of his own beliefs and actions. By recognizing these flaws, we can appreciate the nuanced portrayal of Atticus as a human being rather than as an idealized symbol of justice. Furthermore, in examining Atticus Finch's flaws, we are forced to confront our own imperfections and prejudices. Atticus.