Letter
Dear Jem and Scout,
This letter may come as a surprise to you knowing that I do not appear to be the most affectionate father figure at times, however I wanted to leave some words of wisdom behind should anything happen to me during this volatile time around Tom Robinson. You are both good children and as a father I am proud to call you my own. I hope I have instilled in you the right values, and beliefs to add to the fine characteristics you both already possess.
As we all witnessed, we live in a world filled with judgement, limitations and inequality that prevents us all from living in peace and harmony. Our society has very strict ideas and opinions of what is acceptable and anything they deem to be different is cast away and looked down upon. My children, you have seen the heartache, the struggle and the unjust treatment poor Tom Robinson had to go through. He is a human being, a man who belongs to a family and has children of his own, a life to live and a right to be happy regardless of his skin color. The horrific ways this man has been condemned because he is different is very wrong. This needs to change. I could not sit by and let this man go to jail for wrongful accusations or for a crime he did not commit. Standing by a man who has done nothing wrong and watching our society degrade him further until his life was lost, has made me see the shallowness of our community. This has to change. The change can begin with one small act of kindness or something bigger that calls upon a courage and bravery you never thought you had but know it is the right and fair thing to do. It may mean losing friends at times, or worse, the acceptance of your community who may be opposed to what you support. But you must persevere.
My children, I want you to live in a world of kindness and respect. A world that does not judge and alienate based on race. Having the courage to step forward to be a part of a world that is better for everyone is what I hope for you. Believe in yourself and in the fight for equality, humanity and acceptance.
Your loving father,
Atticus
This letter may come as a surprise to you knowing that I do not appear to be the most affectionate father figure at times, however I wanted to leave some words of wisdom behind should anything happen to me during this volatile time around Tom Robinson. You are both good children and as a father I am proud to call you my own. I hope I have instilled in you the right values, and beliefs to add to the fine characteristics you both already possess.
As we all witnessed, we live in a world filled with judgement, limitations and inequality that prevents us all from living in peace and harmony. Our society has very strict ideas and opinions of what is acceptable and anything they deem to be different is cast away and looked down upon. My children, you have seen the heartache, the struggle and the unjust treatment poor Tom Robinson had to go through. He is a human being, a man who belongs to a family and has children of his own, a life to live and a right to be happy regardless of his skin color. The horrific ways this man has been condemned because he is different is very wrong. This needs to change. I could not sit by and let this man go to jail for wrongful accusations or for a crime he did not commit. Standing by a man who has done nothing wrong and watching our society degrade him further until his life was lost, has made me see the shallowness of our community. This has to change. The change can begin with one small act of kindness or something bigger that calls upon a courage and bravery you never thought you had but know it is the right and fair thing to do. It may mean losing friends at times, or worse, the acceptance of your community who may be opposed to what you support. But you must persevere.
My children, I want you to live in a world of kindness and respect. A world that does not judge and alienate based on race. Having the courage to step forward to be a part of a world that is better for everyone is what I hope for you. Believe in yourself and in the fight for equality, humanity and acceptance.
Your loving father,
Atticus