Which characteristics do you think define the ideal "American Character" after reading To Kill A Mockingbird?

Question

the characteristics can be either positive, negative, or neutral =)

Answer 1

Think about all the kinds of characteristics you could use to describe Atticus - loyal, just, kind, fair, independent, hard working, a good father, caring, dignified, accepting, non-judgmental, understanding, supportive, generous, giving, respectful, etc.  Those would be the attributes of the ideal American character.

There are numerous on line resources to help you with this novel, and with questions such as this one.  Many of them offer chapter summaries, list of characters, character sketches, discussions of themes, setting, imagery, and symbolism, etc.  Do a search for “study guides for To Kill a Mockingbird” etc., and you will find many sites.  Also, do a search here on yahoo answers for To Kill a Mockingbird and you will find a wealth of information.  

http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/Belmont_HS/tk...

http://www.universalteacher.org.uk/gcse/...

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/mocking/

Answer 2

"Ideal American Character"? If i remember correctly that's not exactly the focus of the book, so I have to ask where this is coming from...

Answer 3

I think positive. Atticus tried to teach his kids to look for the good in people and treat all people equally. Miss Maudie took a positive outlook on her house burning down. I would go with positive.