The children learn right from wrong through many events in the novel, but Atticus teaches them specifically about how to treat everyone equally no matter what their race is. Atticus doesn’t only teach about race he also teaches the children about the importance to respect there elders and how to be a good person. I believe this is very important because everything Atticus taught them I believe was correct. “Atticus had said it was the polite thing to talk to people about what they were interested in, not about what you were interested in.” (pg. 154) This quote shows how Atticus teaches the children about respect throughout the book To Kill a Mockingbird.” Your aunt has asked me to try and impress upon you and Jean Louise that you are not from run-of-the-mill people, that you are the product of several generations’ gentle breeding.” (pg. 133) This quote shows that Atticus tried helping Scout and Jem and teaching them how they should act when they are around certain people and also showing that he respects Aunt Alexandra.
Atticus always kept in mind what other people said for example, if Aunt Alexandra thought that Scout should act more lady like, he would give it a try and see how it works. I believe he is trying his hardest to be the best dad he can, but without having a mother along it is very hard to fulfill his dream. “Miss Jean Louis, stand up. Your father’s passin.” (pg. 211) This quote shows how much respect Atticus has earned from the whole town that he can sometime share with his children.
I think Atticus teaches the children a lot about racism and why not to be racist. This is because he truly believes that everyone should be treated equally. The African Americans in the church understood equality when they stood up for Atticus when he walked by. Atticus teaches this to his children and shows them a great example for what to do when you are put in a situation like he was by letting them stay in the court room and watch him defend Tom Robinson. Atticus allows the kids to stay and watch the trial in action is something I believe the kids will remember for ever. When they get older they will teach and treat there children the way Atticus has taught Scout and Jem.
