In To Kill A Mockingbird, how does Harper Lee show that Atticus is wise?

Atticus Finch is one of the best-known father figures in the literary world.  He is known for his patience, humility, and wisdom.  Harper Lee shows Atticus’ wisdom through these personality traits and the lessons he teaches Scout and Jem throughout the novel.  Atticus’ calm demeanor and respect for all people places him in the position to teach us all life lessons.  Teaching Scout about learning to “walk around in another person’s skin” is one of...

Atticus Finch is one of the best-known father figures in the literary world.  He is known for his patience, humility, and wisdom.  Harper Lee shows Atticus’ wisdom through these personality traits and the lessons he teaches Scout and Jem throughout the novel.  Atticus’ calm demeanor and respect for all people places him in the position to teach us all life lessons.  Teaching Scout about learning to “walk around in another person’s skin” is one of his most profound lessons as Scout learns this in the novel.  She learns to empathize with Walter Cunningham’s poverty, Boo Radley’s reclusiveness, and Mayella Ewell’s sad existence through this simple lesson.  Atticus also teaches Scout and Jem about the sin to kill a mockingbird.  The mockingbird is a harmless bird whose sole purpose is to give pleasure through its beautiful song.  In the novel, many characters represent the mockingbird and include Boo Radley, Tom Robinson, and even Mayella Ewell. 

Atticus also shows his wisdom when he defends Tom Robinson for the rape of Mayella Ewell.  Instead of giving up because he knows a black man will always be convicted in Maycomb’s racist environment, Atticus puts together a solid case that shows Tom’s innocence.  Although Tom is later convicted of the crime, Atticus earns the respect of the black community and puts doubt in the jury’s mind about the verdict.  He is almost single-handedly helping to eradicate racism and prejudice in this small town. 

Atticus’ ability to know and understand the lives and situations of people in Maycomb make him one of the wisest characters in literature.  The lessons he teaches his children will only keep his legacy going as they grow up and face their own hard decisions.