The Atticus Factor

[Kenny]

Love "The Atticus Factor" :)

[Kathleen]

I would suggest Ron Hansen's stunning book Atticus which is very different but the lead character is well-named.

[Katy]

Think of the descriptions of him through the viewpoints of the Sheriff and the gentleman at court who insisted Jean Louise stand up as her father was passing. I'd argue most of the community held a deep respect like that for him. He provided free legal help to many, like the Robinsons and the Cunninghams who could only afford to pay him in bartered crops.

Sure, Scout idolized him, but I truly feel his overall characterization is almost above reproach. I'd never use the word "hot" in a sentence with Atticus at all (eww). Leave me with my vision of a near-perfect father figure. He's like Andy Griffith, and nobody can convince me otherwise! :)

[Kathleen]

I was just sitting on the porch reading the book (again) and read the part where Bob Ewell spit on him after the trial. Atticus had such great, great dignity. The only people who have that level of dignity are people who are inherently bred to do what is right. He certainly flips my switch.

[Ian]

I have to admit that I like my heroes/heroines with feet of clay. They have to be multi/faceted and not one-dimensional. Finch, as seen through Scouts eyes is just that, a hero with no flaws, I love him but ultimately don't believe in him.

[Kenny]

Ian wrote: "I have to admit that I like my heroes/heroines with feet of clay. They have to be multi/faceted and not one-dimensional. Finch as seen through Scouts eyes is just that a hero with no flaws, I love ..."


Interesting. I think you are one of the few then. :)

[Kathleen]

Ian wrote: "... as seen through Scouts eyes is just that, a hero with no flaws..."

Would you believe it if a ten year old girl saw her single-parent father as flawed? That seems unrealistic to me.

[Ian]

Kenny wrote: "Ian wrote: "I have to admit that I like my heroes/heroines with feet of clay. They have to be multi/faceted and not one-dimensional. Finch as seen through Scouts eyes is just that a hero with no fl..."

Yes I think people want to believe in him and I'm desperate for him to be real, but I admit I would rather try and imagine him as more rounded. Cursing the world for taking his wife, punching the villain, like we all would.

[Kenny]

But that's exactly what makes Atticus Atticus. It's what makes Paton Paton etc.

I don't want him to be anything different than he is. It's like the scene leaving the courtroom and all the people in the balcony standing in respect as Atticus leaves the courtroom.

I can appreciate that you feel differently but cannot accept it. :)

[Kathleen]

Ian wrote: " Cursing the world for taking his wife, punching the villain, like we all would. ..."

It is the fact that he does not "curse" and "punch" that makes him worth writing a book about and a heroic figure for the ages. A lot of us have had to rise above unpleasant circumstances and tried to maintain a level of dignity while doing it BECAUSE of heroes like Atticus.

"Stand up, Miss Jean Louise, you're father's passing." They don't say things like this about the cursers and the punchers.

[Ian]

Kathleen wrote: "Ian wrote: " Cursing the world for taking his wife, punching the villain, like we all would. ..."

It is the fact that he does not "curse" and "punch" that makes him worth writing a book about and ..."

I have actually thought a lot about what you and Kenny have said. I also re-read large parts of the book today. I repeat I do love him and the portrait of him through the eyes of a child is that of a perfect father.... and its very affecting. Even the the incident with the dog surprises both Jem and Scout.

I also think that coming at this as an Englishman affects this enormously, I think the class based lawyer system here precludes an "Everyman" character like Finch. The English legal system being stuffy and exclusive. So all in all I accept my punishmants like a man and say proudly "Jean Louise Stand up your father is passing"

[Kenny]

And it's all good, it's all okay. :)

[Elizabeth]

Atticus Finch is without question the most honorable character in American literature. The world could stand an Atticus or two!

[Kathleen]

Elizabeth wrote: "Atticus Finch is without question the most honorable character in American literature. The world could stand an Atticus or two!"

Could not agree more!

[Kathleen]

Selca wrote: "Emilio Sandez from The Sparrow is a great example..."

Wonderful, wonderful example -- one of my favorite characters in literature. Of course he certainly goes through a LOT. Have you read the sequel?

[Tara]

Katy wrote: "There is no other character of such high morals that comes to mind to even compare with Atticus Finch. I'll have to think on that one, too.

I chose to name our four-year old son Atticus because o..."

That is beautiful, absolutely beautiful! Usually I loathe old names on children, but I amm 100% on board with this one.

Jay wrote: "Jay Old Atticus is a stiff-neck, a colossal bore, a self-righteous, huffing-puffing, over-subtle, stylized bastard. He's one of those simple-minded folks who believe in good old honesty and hard-wo..."

I'd very much like to discuss this. I find the homosexual comment about Atticus amusing; it could very well be. But what I really want to discuss is this idea of ignorance. I see Atticus as simple, I agree, and noble, everything you said - except the ignorance. I admit that the ignorance you claim would go well with Atticus' character, but I actually get the impression of quiet intelligence in Atticus. He is observant and well-raed. He knows far more than he lets on. It's not even a matter of moral ignorance either; Atticus knows how the world works (for example, the Cunninghams wanting to lynch Tom), but he doesn't ACCEPT it. Taking a stand shouldn't be confused for ignorance.

At what point do we see his ignorance in the novel? Anyone?

[Angel]

What a concept, I agree! I am going to start looking for characters with the "atticus factor" I am sure I have met him in other books!.

[Michele]

Doctor Who is the character that springs to mind immediately. Deeply held pacifist morals constantly in conflict with the harsh realities of defending what he believes in.

He is the 'father' figure for the entire human race and viewed often through the eyes of his surrogate children - the human companions who travel with him and who love and admire his wisdom and bravery.

[Kathleen]

I think another "Atticus"-like character is John Jarndyce in Dickens' Bleak House.

[Cheryl]

I disagree heartily with this generalization: "Cursing the world for taking his wife, punching the villain, like we all would." I'm sorry that you've not met anyone truly honorable & courageous, etc., but such people do exist. And among them are educated & intelligent people, not just innocent folk like Phoebe Caulfield and Forrest Gump.

Thanks for a great discussion - I will look into reading some of the suggested books and try to remember to come back here when I recognize a character relevant to "The Atticus (Finch) Factor."

[Adam]

I believe that tranquil understanding is really what categorizes those with the Atticus Factor. One who is not necessarily more intelligent than others, but those who have an understanding of life without being an arrogant ass about it. Also, being able to keep a clear mind and reflect (not acting rashly) is an important aspect, which Atticus, Pi, and Sam all share. In this way, Lee (East of Eden) shares the Atticus Factor with Sam. Although those with the Atticus Factor are great teachers, they are also willing to learn from others, and do.

[Adam]

To add, in a novel you will usually find 5 major characters:
1. Protagonist
2. Antagonist (not necessarily a person, but whatever)
3. Sidekick
4. Comic Relief (sometimes)
5. Wiseguy (counsel of the protagonist, helps him with his task/mission/learning)

Most or all wiseguys are meant to have (to some extent) that Atticus Factor.

And to add to the list, Hans Hubermann in The Book Thief

[Kressel]

Hans Huberman. Good one!

[Michaelene]

August King in The Journey of August King

[Lesley]

Adam wrote: "I believe that tranquil understanding is really what categorizes those with the Atticus Factor. One who is not necessarily more intelligent than others, but those who have an understanding of life ..."

Adam - thank you for your insightful post. I agree that "tranquil understanding" is the ticket, and in line with tranquil would be "non-judgmental" understanding since, as you noted, these are great teachers yet still open and willing learners (the best teachers are). Thank you for including Lee in this group of characters, as well, as I love Lee and think he represents the Atticus Factor. One of my favorite scenes in "East of Eden" is when Sam recognizes that Lee is a profound thinker, and he sees Lee as he is, not how people are expected to see him. It is a very warm moment.

I am loving all the responses about how people perceive the Atticus Factor, what characters they think fit this character, and other types of characters in novels. It just shows us that a good story can not be outdone by rich characters, and the best novels are those that contain both.

I haven't read "The Book Thief" but will add it to my queue! Thank you.

[Stephen]

I'm suggesting that we should add Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games as a latter day Atticus, no?

Also the crusading journalist from Gentleman's Agreement should qualify as well. Small wonder Gregory Peck played him in the film version.

[Donna]

Another character with the Atticus factor would be Albert Moore in The Well and the Mine by Gin Phillips. The book itself has a tone similar to To Kill a Mockingbird, and the father is a morally centered, hardworking, family-loving man who questions what is right and wrong in his community which essentially comprises his world.

[Erik]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned John Grady Cole from All the Pretty Horses. I'd say he fits the bill.

[Kenny]

Donna wrote: "Another character with the Atticus factor would be Albert Moore in The Well and the Mine by Gin Phillips. The book itself has a tone similar to To Kill a Mockingbird, and the father is a morally c..."

Interesting....I can't really answer as I've not finished the book yet....I got distracted in the middle somewhere...

[Donna]

Kenny wrote: "Donna wrote: "Another character with the Atticus factor would be Albert Moore in The Well and the Mine by Gin Phillips. The book itself has a tone similar to To Kill a Mockingbird, and the father ..."
It would be in the last third of the book that the Atticus factor within Albert Moore becomes most apparent. If you decide to finish the book, see if you agree or not.

[Kressel]

Stephen wrote: "I'm suggesting that we should add Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games as a latter day Atticus, no?

Katniss is WAY more flawed than Atticus. But I personally think that the mockingjay symbol was Suzanne Collins' nod to Harper Lee's mockingbird.

[Amina]

Although not a literary character but Uncle Iroh from the Avatar cartoon is very much a jollier, tea loving version of Atticus.

[Inda]

I agree with most of you here who respect and admire Atticus, as I myself love the character beside other characters like Jem Scot Calpurnia and even Tom Robinson. The only thing about Atticus and his idealism is, in the end he has to give in to Hecks's (Sherif) plot about how the story of 'accident killing' involves Jem should be revealed. Moral of the story, no matter how high a man's idealism is toward justice, it'll mostly be weakened and bent by a sense of fatherhood/parentshood which is mainly to protect their beloved ones. At that point, no matter how reasonable and acceptive Heck's theory is, Atticus was failed as a lawyer and a law-enforcer, and half-ly right as a father.

[Amina]

Inda wrote: "I agree with most of you here who respect and admire Atticus, as I myself love the character beside other characters like Jem Scot Calpurnia and even Tom Robinson. The only thing about Atticus and ..."

Considering the man killed was the man who sent an innocent man to death I don't think Atticus is failing anything. He tried to persuade Tate but wasn't too insisting and I think he would have acted this way even if it hadn't been his son he was protecting. Besides Jem or Boo were never intent on killing anyone.

[Inda]

Amina wrote: "Inda wrote: "I agree with most of you here who respect and admire Atticus, as I myself love the character beside other characters like Jem Scot Calpurnia and even Tom Robinson. The only thing about..."

We're definitely on the same page to the point you just mentioned, only my actual point was: eventhough the dead guy was not innocent and has killed Tom Robinson, still the two cases were totally different and standing separately. My main point is; it is hard to enforce the law to the fullest and purest, which is I think it's very humane and 'acceptable' in the case of Atticus giving in to Heck's persistence toward Jem-Boo case. The latter two names were definitely innocent and trying to defend themselves.

[Stephen]

Inda wrote: "... it is hard to enforce the law to the fullest and purest..."

Perhaps it's not Atticus that was flawed in this situation but the law. My take-away from
To Kill a Mockingbird was more about how admirable men are those that act morally.

The law, on the other hand, is just what's agreed to by a group of politicians pandering to what they think the (often uninformed, often foolish) majority wants or will accept.

Remember, the Supreme Court of the U.S. in their Dredd Scott decision ruled that a black man who'd lived for decades in the North had to be returned to his white owners in the south because black men were only property. (and worth 3/5ths of a white man when it came to assigning U.S. Representatives)

To be truly moral a wise man sometimes has to act outside the law.

Who cares if Atticus failed as a lawyer (agent of the courts)? He succeeded at being a human being.

[Kenny]

Truth Stephen!

[Inda]

Stephen, I totally agree with your perspective about politician and law. Yet, my point was made in context of 'ideal' law which is rare - wondering if there's any.

In the context of law has so many flaws and biases of interests (by politicians or the top leader), I would definitely agree with people who believe that a wise man has to act and stand out to bend the flawed-law.. kinda like what Gandhi has done, or, Atticus at TKAM.

Law is merely a product, where human are the producer. Wise or corrupt the law depends on how wise or corrupt the people who created it.

[Emanuel]

Hm, modern literature is not exactly replete with Atticii... I'm thinking Nick from The Great Gatsby. A bit of an idealist and pedant (illustrated by the shaving foam incidence), but otherwise of strong moral fibre. I especially like Nicks capacity for reserving judgment.

[Adam]

Stephen wrote: "Inda wrote: "... it is hard to enforce the law to the fullest and purest..."

Perhaps it's not Atticus that was flawed in this situation but the law. My take-away from
To Kill a Mockingbird was ..."


Have you read Les Miserables? Hugo goes on this enormous rant about law vs. justice. The conflict is also represented by two characters in the book (Valjean and Javert)

[Claire]

Lesley wrote: "I realize why I love the last three books I've read, and it's no doubt because all three have what I call "The Atticus Factor." These novels all explore a character who has morals, backbone and a ..."

Think you have hit the nail on the head - there aren't many characters that I have come across that don't have flaws, but I have always considered Atticus in the same way that you have summarised here.

[Redd]

The Atticus Factor sounds like a reality show attempt at making a legal drama.

Check out my webcomic: http://reddkaiman.blogspot.com/2013/0...

[Lois]

I think Matsu, the gardener/housekeeper in The Samurai's Garden, qualifies as an Atticus. He does what is right without talking about it. And he acts in the role of a father figure to Stephen.

[FeministBookNerd]

I love this topic, and I agree, ... how did we end up NOT discussing this in school? this question would be fun to talk about in an English class.

I have to say, I love Atticus - he just might be my favorite character EVER. I love the post that says "He does not posess a strong moral core, like so many other characters in books - he IS morality. He's not decent, he IS decency. When Atticus acts, he is RIGHT." This sums up Atticus. I can see the complaint that he has no "grey areas" but I think that Lee makes this work, and I think that Scout's age has something to do with it.

My thought for a similar character is Lord Eddard (Ned) Stark from Game of Thrones. Yes, I will admit that Ned certainly has his grey areas (I can't, for instance picture Atticus taking part in a rebellion or fathering a bastard son) but I think that Ned absolutely has the Atticus factor.