Dads, daddies, fathers, papas, granddads, grandpas, papas, stepfathers and father figures out there, we literature lovers salute you. For your horsey rides and your cuddles; your free taxis and your ability to make everything better and most importantly, for just being dad.
No matter what you call them, fathers play an important role in their children’s lives, moulding and guiding them; protecting them and nurturing them until they are ready to go out into the big wide world and pass those nuggets of wisdom that their fathers imparted to them onto their children.
Literary fathers are some of the best and yes, worst examples of fatherhood out there and we thought you’d like to see our top five fantastic literary fathers.
Atticus Finch – To Kill A Mocking Bird
Dignified, loyal and brave Atticus Finch is the epitome of fatherhood, never condescending and always willing to explain his decisions to his offspring. With his determination to do the right thing no matter that it may not be the easiest thing and his many snippets of wisdom that have been quoted over and over, Atticus is a top literary dad.
Bob Cratchit – A Christmas Carol
Some may think him weak and feeble, a man broken by a cruel and uncaring boss and crushed by the responsibilities of a large and hungry family. But he isn’t, he is diligent and hardworking, he earns his living honestly in a time where many were tempted into a life of crime, he leaves the greyness of his workplace and brings sunshine into his home and he refuses to allow the drudgery of his lot colour his outlook.
The Father – The Road
In this post apocalyptic tale of a world that is burning a nameless man is determined to bring his son to a safe place. He will stop at nothing, he will not be beaten and he will never give up until his son is safe and has the chance of a future he knows is no longer his. A troubling and bleak novel that somehow manages to leave you with the knowledge that no matter what is lost, the love of a father for his children endures.
Jean Valjean – Les Miserables
Shared blood does not make a man a father and Jean Valjean shows this in his love for Cosette. From when we first meet him after he is imprisoned for stealing a loaf to feed his sister’s children, through to his discovery of Cossette’s mother dying after losing her job and forced into prostitution, to his promise to care for her daughter and the hardships that ensue. Valjean could not be a better father if he had borne a child himself.
Thomas Schell – Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
A father who is no longer with us is still a father and Thomas Schell makes only the briefest of appearances in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Killed in the 9/11 attack Thomas’ son Oskar pursues the memory of his father across the city of New York in a heart wrenchingly sweet novel that lets us know that no matter how short the time we have together may be, if that time spent together is good, it will endure.
Buy Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close US
Buy Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close UK
There you go, five literary fathers who are doing it right. I am sure I have missed out dozens of examples of excellent fatherhood and if there is one you feel who particularly stands out, let us know in the comments section.
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