Throughout Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird, it seems that Atticus Finch is a failure both as a parent and as a lawyer. However, someone with a good understanding of the novel will realize that Atticus is actually a wonderful lawyer and a wonderful father. However, like everyone, Atticus has his faults. Throughout Scout and Jem's childhood, their father Atticus was always there for them. Atticus always made sure to take the time to talk to his children and teach them valuable life skills. Atticus taught his two children to read before they started school. Although he was ridiculed for this by Scout's teacher, Miss Caroline Fisher, who told Scout "Your father doesn't know how to teach (page 28)", while teaching Scout to read he gave her a early advantage over all her classmates and she is in the best possible position to succeed in life. Atticus Finch also taught his children many valuable life lessons and life insights throughout the novel. Because of what Atticus said, Jem and Scout developed many qualities such as empathy and equality. Very few adults in Maycomb at the time possessed these qualities and perhaps if they did, Tom Robinson would not have been wrongly convicted. “You never truly understand a person until you look at things from their point of view... Until you step into their skin and walk around in it. (Page 33 )” This advice from Atticus changed Scout’s entire perspective on life. She began to step into the shoes of others, which made her understand the problems that others face in life. She learned not to judge people based on their behavior, their family of origin, or the color of their skin. Few other fathers then or even today could influence... middle of paper ...... asking witnesses and the victim the same questions repeatedly, causing them to change their stories. Atticus also asked the witnesses some very intelligent questions, which revealed many contradictions. Everyone in the world has a different opinion on what makes a good parent. Some people think a strict approach works best and others believe in giving their children the freedom to learn on their own. Atticus took a near-perfect approach with his children. He gave his children freedom while teaching them valuable skills and qualities. As a lawyer, Atticus was almost perfect as a lawyer despite losing the case. He used all his skills as a lawyer to make it appear that Tom Robinson might actually be innocent. Atticus Finch was without a doubt a wonderful man, father and lawyer. Work cited by Lee Harper. To kill a mockingbird. New York: Warner Books, 1982.