From Conflict to Identity: Main Issues Explored in US Literary Education - Sykalo Eugen 2023

What is the significance of the character Atticus Finch in “Go Set a Watchman”?

In Harper Lee's thought-provoking and controversial novel, "Go Set a Watchman," the character of Atticus Finch assumes a role of immense significance, albeit one that diverges from his portrayal in the iconic "To Kill a Mockingbird." While Atticus Finch is revered as a paragon of justice and morality in the earlier novel, "Go Set a Watchman" presents a more complex and nuanced portrayal, forcing readers to grapple with the uncomfortable reality of human fallibility and the challenges of reconciling our ideals with the flawed nature of those we hold dear.

Atticus Finch, in "Go Set a Watchman," has aged, and with age has come a shift in his beliefs and values. Set in the mid-1950s, amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the civil rights movement, the novel presents Atticus as a character who has abandoned some of the progressive principles that made him an emblem of justice in "To Kill a Mockingbird." In "Go Set a Watchman," Atticus is depicted as a staunch defender of the status quo, advocating for the preservation of segregation and expressing racist views that deeply trouble the protagonist, Jean Louise "Scout" Finch, his daughter.

The significance of Atticus Finch in "Go Set a Watchman" lies in the stark contrast between his previous idealized portrayal and his more complex and flawed characterization in this later work. Through this shift, Harper Lee forces readers to confront the uncomfortable truth that heroes can be fallible and that the individuals we admire may possess contradictions and shortcomings. Atticus Finch's transformation challenges readers to question the idolization of historical figures and to grapple with the complexities of human nature.

In "Go Set a Watchman," Atticus Finch's ideological shift serves as a representation of the broader societal changes occurring during the civil rights movement. By presenting Atticus as a character who embodies the contradictions and conflicted sentiments of the era, Lee provides a commentary on the struggle between traditional values and the growing call for racial equality. Atticus becomes a symbol of the white southern elite grappling with the dismantling of the Jim Crow system, a system that he, in the novel's timeline, seeks to protect.

Furthermore, the significance of Atticus Finch lies in his role as a catalyst for Jean Louise's own awakening and journey of self-discovery. As Jean Louise confronts her father's newfound beliefs and grapples with the shattered image of the hero she once idolized, she embarks on a quest to redefine her own principles and forge her own path. Atticus's transformation serves as a catalyst for Jean Louise's growth, pushing her to question deeply ingrained assumptions, challenge societal norms, and ultimately come to terms with the complexities of her own identity.

Moreover, Atticus Finch's character in "Go Set a Watchman" highlights the pervasive influence of societal expectations and the struggles individuals face when confronting their personal and inherited biases. Atticus's evolution serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the danger of complacency and the need for constant introspection and examination of one's beliefs. His portrayal underscores the challenges individuals face when confronted with societal change and their own resistance to challenging long-held convictions.

The significance of the character Atticus Finch in Harper Lee's "Go Set a Watchman" lies in the contrast between his idealized portrayal in "To Kill a Mockingbird" and his more complex and flawed characterization in this later work. Atticus's transformation forces readers to confront the uncomfortable reality of human fallibility, the struggle between tradition and progress, and the complexities of reconciling our ideals with the flawed nature of those we admire. Ultimately, Atticus Finch serves as a catalyst for personal growth, a reflection of societal changes, and a reminder of the need for constant introspection and examination of our beliefs.