Letter to Atticus Finch

By Devanshi Tyagi, BA Sociology (Honours)

Design by Nandana

Dear Atticus Finch,
I am writing to express my deepest admiration for the extraordinary person that you are. Your commitment to justice, empathy, and kindness has left an impression that won't fade away.
Your defense of Tom Robinson, despite knowing the odds were against you, showcases your unshakeable moral compass and sets an example for the thirteen year old girl that read this book and the nineteen year old one that wants to read it over and over for the depthness of your character and morals. 

Your words, "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it," have stayed with me up until today and I will always hold them close because your ability to see the good in everyone, even in the face of overwhelming prejudice, is a quality that I always aspire to inculcate and cultivate.Not only did you set an example for me but in the garb of fiction you also introduced me to the inequalities that exist in the society and how important it is for us to stand up for what is right even when it is the hardest thing to do.

Your dedication to raising Scout and Jem with compassion, wisdom, and humour has taught me the importance of parenting with grace and integrity. Your influence has shaped them into empathetic individuals who are the young change-makers of the society therefore they must be raised in a manner that they understand the importance of standing up to their morals and ethics. 

In a world filled with injustice and discrimination, you remain a beacon of hope that still inspires me to strive for a better world, where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.You taught me an important lesson at the tender age of thirteen that still captivates my mind at the age of nineteen.You gave me a reality-check that I didn't know I needed but it has helped in shaping not only my perspective but also my personality.Thank you for being a remarkable character that I will admire and look up to today, tomorrow and forever.