Is Atticus Finch a Hero ?

Each individual has their own personal definition of heroism or more specifically the characteristics of a true hero. Some may believe that a hero must be a person of high morals, while others believe it is a person that engages in actions of extreme bravery. Dictionary.com defines a hero or heroine as a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his or her brave deeds and noble qualities. In Harper Lee's novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, a different kind of hero is portrayed. The content of this essay will discuss how Atticus Finch, is a different kind of hero.  

Throughout society we are surrounded by conventional heroes, however, Atticus does not fall into this category. He possesses a poor physique and is quite old. He is pro-dominantly inactive, apart from walking to and from work, and refuses to be tackled   while playing football with his son Jem. He also chooses not to represent Maycomb in football matches against other churches. In addition, he also has poor eyesight and wears spectacles. He is not good looking and has no trademarked attire. His age, spectacles and the way he is described within the novel all point toward him being not good looking. Also, he dresses formally in a suit everyday and he has no special attire or fancy gadgets. Although Atticus may not be the definition of a conventional hero, he does possess some traits needed to become one.

Atticus has several redeeming character traits such as generosity, open-mindedness, excellent marksmanship, courage and bravery, modesty and good morals, all of which classify him as a conventional hero. Atticus shows generosity when Mr. Cunningham, a client of his, cannot come up with the money to pay him for his services, Atticus accepts payment in vegetables and other things with no questions asked, he was even willing to accept nothing at all. When Walter Cunningham said "Mr. Finch, I don't know when I'll ever be able to pay you." Atticus replied "Let that be the least of your worries,...