In To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, the character Atticus Finch taught his children, Scout and Jem, many life lessons. He taught them to never judge a book by its cover, to have self respect, and to always have courage. One of the key lessons Atticus teaches Jem is to never judge someone without full knowledge of their situation. This becomes prevalent in the story when Jem is forced to read to their grouchy neighbor, the old Mrs. Dubose. Mrs. Dubose is often cruel, and insults Jem and Scout whenever she gets the chance. Despite her tormenting of the neighborhood, Atticus is always kind and respectful to her. Jem and Scout are dumbfounded by his attitude, and Atticus teaches them a lesson that sticks with Jem after Mrs. Dubose dies and Jem is relieved from his literacy duties. “‘She died beholden to nothing and nobody. She was the bravest person I ever knew’” (112). Atticus showed to Jem that Mrs. Dubose had struggled with a morphine addiction, but still prevailed, and her cruel personality was just a symptom of her …show more content…
Dubose, he also taught Scout how to have self respect. In some ways this is one of the most important lessons found in the book. Scout is often teased by her classmates due to Atticus’ involvement in the Tom Robinson. Scout is often easily provoked and quick to anger, which results in black eyes for many of Maycomb’s young folk. Atticus, however, does not condone this: “‘You might hear some ugly talk about it at school, but do one thing for me if you will: you just hold your head high and keep those fists down… Try fighting with your head for a change’” (76). He insists that Scout turn the other cheek, and wishes for her to fight mentally, not physically. In this way he sets a standard like that of Aunt Alexandra -- for Scout to act lady like and not as a ruffian. He wishes for her to show some self respect, and Scout keeps her cool for the rest of the