To Kill A Mockingbird Post 4 (Chapters: 10-12, Perspective: Atticus)

I have taught Jem and Scout
May 14th

Scout and Jem have always had some behavior problems, but I think I have recently helped them fix many of them. I feel proud of getting my children to behave, and I would always remind them of the differences between right and wrong. When Jem and Scout were going hunting, I told them to “remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” They remember what I said, as if the sun depends on them to remember so it can rise every morning. I’m mighty proud of my children, and how they have learned that not everyone may be right, but that everyone is entitled to their own self respecting opinion. I have taught them right, and what to do in certain situations. When old Tim Johnson got rabies, they told Calpurnia, which was the right decision. Although the whole neighborhood may disagree with my parenting tactics, I’m sure my children will grow up to be twice as mature and polite as any of theirs is going to be or ever was. Recently, I found Scout inconspicuously perched and ready to fire at old Miss Maudie while she was gardening. Sometimes that girl just acts downright odd. Of course, my children aren’t perfect little angels, but they are fine well mannered kids who sometimes need a hand in life. They never contradict me, and for that, I am proud to be their father.

I was startled while on my coffee break to hear almost inaudible rings coming from my office upstairs. Moments later, when I reached the phone, I heard an hysterical voice on the other end saying there was a mad dog coming towards our house. I immediately thought about the peril that Scout and Jem could be in if they weren’t at home. There was only one possible way to subdue the rabies ridden Tim Johnson, and the only way was to kill him. I didn’t want to, nor did I want the kids to know, but I did what had to be done.

I was disappointed in Jem's decision to ruin Mrs. Dubose's garden, but I appreciated his helping her read books for over a month. Jem and Mrs. Dubose were cantankerous when around each other, and Mrs. Dubose often insulted me personally, but I told Jem that you can tell real courage by the sacrifices that people make, and that Mrs. Dubose was a good example.