“When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.” ―Mark Twain
Happy Fathers’ Day to all of the fathers out there! As I was thinking about what I would write today, I decided I would write about my five favorite literary fathers. Try saying that five times fast! I’m sure as soon as I said that, you thought of Atticus Finch, right? I’ll end the suspense, he’s on the list. But, it’s hard for me to think about literary fathers without thinking about my own father.
A Father That Reads
I’m very lucky to have grown up in a house that valued reading and education. My mom was always reading something. She always encouraged me to read and would take me to the bookstore or the library basically whenever I asked.
To be honest, I don’t necessarily remember my dad actually reading books when I was growing up. What I remember most about my dad was the way he would come alive whenever he would talk about books. I swear, I don’t know how many books that man has read, but we’d be watching a tv show and a character would say something and my dad would say, “Do you know where that line originally came from?” And there he would go. He could give you the full quote, cite the title and author, and then tell you about how old he was when he read the book, a summary of the book, and everything you ever (or never) wanted to know about the book. Admittedly, this could be annoying if we were in the middle of a totally awesome show (this is pre-DVR so there was NO PAUSE BUTTON), but it was and still is fascinating to listen to him.
Favorite Father #1- King Lear from Shakespeare
Although my father is very well read across several genres, I think his biggest influence on me was his ability to recite long passages of Shakespeare, especially the histories and tragedies. I cannot recite long passages of Shakespeare, but I love Shakespeare and I credit my dad for planting that seed. There are not a lot of fathers anywhere in the Shakespeare plays that we would consider for father of the year here in the 21st century. Times were different then. Children, especially daughters, were tokens to trade or weapons to use. But, because I wanted to make part of this post a tribute to my dad, I wanted to pick a Shakespearean father as one of my five. For lack of a better choice, I chose King Lear from the play of the same name. He wasn’t truly an awful person or father. At least not at the beginning of the play. He wanted to give his kingdom to the daughter that loved him best; that’s noble, right? We’ll give him credit for trying and call it a day. He was pretty screwed up and many people consider King Lear as Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy.
“When we are born we cry that we come to this great stage of fools.”
Favorite Father #2- Atticus Finch (To Kill A Mockingbird) from Harper Lee
As soon as I said I was writing about my favorite literary fathers, you thought of Atticus Finch. Everyone does. Even if you read Go Set A Watchman, you still did. A single father raising two kids in Alabama during Jim Crow and the Great Depression, he manages to be a great role model to Scout and Jem. He is brave, loyal, and kind and shows his children the importance of standing up for anyone in trouble when he decides to defend a wrongly accused black man. Definitely one of the best-loved fathers in literature.
“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”
Favorite Father #3- Arthur Weasley (Harry Potter) from JK Rowling
I love Arthur Weasley as a father. He often seems a little out of sorts and befuddled, but seven kids could do that to anyone. Even though he seems like the weaker link of his marriage to Molly, he’s actually very smart, loving, and decisive when necessary. Although seven children of his own he willingly takes in Harry Potter and acts as a surrogate to him, showing that he has no limit to the love he has to give. His quirkiness, willing affection, and his steadfast, quiet strength make him a fabulous role model and are why he is one of my favorite literary fathers.
“Sometimes you have to join forces with those you’d rather avoid”
Favorite Father #4- Pa Ingalls (Little House on the Prairie) from Laura Ingalls Wilder
Oh, Pa Ingalls. I remember reading about him and he was larger than life. I was scared of how strict he was, but then jealous of how much he obviously loved Laura and her mom. And he was so talented! He could make or fix anything and he was so patient teaching Laura. When I was little, I wanted him to be my dad. Except I didn’t want to live where there were outhouses. Just yuck.
“Your father, Jo. He never loses patience, never doubts or complains, but always hopes, and works and waits so cheerfully that one is ashamed to do otherwise before him.”
Favorite Father #5- Ned Stark (Game of Thrones) from George R.R. Martin
The ultimate father figure, Ned Stark’s influence is felt across all of his children. Although he is not physically present in all of the Song of Ice and Fire books, he is absolutely present in how his children choose to be brave, loyal, honorable, honest, and even a little stubborn. He preached the value of family and his children took that lesson to heart. I love and miss Ned Stark and I thank George RR Martin for putting such an honorable person in such a complicated and sometimes terrible place.
“Let me tell you something about wolves, child. When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives. Summer is the time for squabbles. In winter, we must protect one another, keep each other warm, share our strengths.”
So those are my five favorites. Who are yours? Hope you enjoy the day today and that if your father is no longer with you or if you are not able to share the day with him, peace to you today.
