Whether it is about helping us with our homework or giving us life-changing advice, a family’s father figure is precious, incomparable, and indispensable. So alongside our own fathers, who should we look to emulate? Literature, as always, has the answer!
Here are some of literature’s finest father figures – with their grace, generosity, and strength, these names are sure to strike a chord.
Atticus Finch: The Father who makes you argue your case for extra ice cream on the weekend
(Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird )
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view until you climb into his skin and walk around in it”
To Kill a Mockingbird ’s Atticus Finch is the first name on this list. As this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel deals with dark issues of rape and racial inequality, the character of Atticus Finch is a bright beacon of hope as he serves as the novel’s moral hero. A successful lawyer, Atticus Finch sets out on a difficult journey to defend a black man, Tom Robinson, who was wrongfully accused of raping a white woman.
In the backdrop of a highly racially segregated America, Atticus Finch teaches us that doing the right thing is always important, even if that means standing alone with your head up high.
Atticus Finch is seen as one of literature’s finest father figures: his warmth and honesty towards his daughter Scout Finch, coupled with his pragmatic idealism to fight injustice fosters life long values of truth and compassion in readers of all ages.
Severus Snape: The father who is always in charge of bedtime
(J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter Series)
“Always.”
Unconventional, but wholeheartedly true. Harry Potter’s Severus Snape is often characterised wearing a grim, disapproving thin lip to match his stoic demeanour, but his character is a symbol that love will always prevail. Throughout the Harry Potter series, the banter between Harry and Snape consist of snide remarks, passionate retorts, and clever jabs at one another. However, a close look at the scene where Snape slaps Harry in the head with his Potions book reveals that Snape is the master of “tough love” (look closer, it’s there!)
The penultimate book of the series shows Snape as a man tortured by his love for Lily Evans, Harry’s mother. His unconditional love for Lily proves so strong that he sacrifices his love for her son. Thus, with every extraordinary spell, passionate speech, and brave action Snape teaches us that love is always worth fighting for and there’s always more to people than meets the eye.
Willy Wonka: The father who is always ready to play with you and your imaginary friend
“We are the music makers and we are the dreamer of dreams”
(Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory )
When in doubt, always look at the man in a wonky top hat and coat for inspiration! The eccentric owner of the world-famous Wonka chocolate factory, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka plays the role of the benevolent father figure. Throughout the book, Willy Wonka tries to find the most deserving child to take over the chocolate among seven golden ticket winners. Throughout this chocolate factory exploration, Wonka’s teaches us two very valuable lessons: to dream big and wild.
As Willy Wonka interacts with each of the seven children, Willy Wonka’s heart swells at the sight of kind, curious children like Charlie whose love for his family and genuine amazement at the world eventually grant him the keys to the Wonka chocolate factory.
With every Oompa Loompa, snozzberry, and everlasting gobstopper, Willy Wonka reminds us all that age is just a number and we are never too old to be amazed.
Baba: The father who changes the game, “Cops and Robbers”, to “Cops and more Cops”
“...there is only one sin, only one. And that is theft. Every other sin is a variation of theft. Do you understand that?"
(Khaled Hosseini’s Kite Runner )
It is filled with numerous heart wrenching father/son moments. In young Amir’s eyes, Baba is a legend, a hero. This is a man who has wrestled bears, built orphanages, saves lives! All of Baba’s actions are predicated by his strong moral compass of right and wrong, good and evil.
As events unfold, Amir discovers a truth about his father that throws new light on this unimpeachable character, humanising this legend.
Thus, Baba’s character still teaches us that regardless of the tumultuous and troubling waves that sweep us off our feet, love and family can anchor us to stay strong.
