Top Ten Tuesday- Favorite Father Figures

Top Ten Tuesday is an original weekly feature created by The Broke and the Bookish blog. This week’s topic is: Father’s Day related freebie.

Here are six of my favorite father figures from literature:

 

 

1. Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

I’m sure I’m not alone in including Scout Finch’s father on this list. He is the gold standard by which all literary fathers are judged. He’s caring, honest, hardworking, intelligent, and moral.  He instills these values in his children and encourages them to think for themselves, to treat others with kindness, and to rise above the prejudices of the era. The only thing better than Atticus Finch is Gregory Peck playing Atticus Finch.

 

 

2. Captain Crewe from A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Admittedly much of my love for Captain Crewe stems from the 1995 film version- which I watched many times as a child- and whose happier ending I still prefer to the book. He adores his daughter and would give her the moon if he could. Sara’s sense of self-worth, her positive outlook, and her kindness to others are the direct results of her father’s love and guidance.

 

3. Hans Hubermann from The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The relationship between Liesel and Hans broke my heart into a million little pieces. It’s been years since I’ve read The Book Thief and I’m still not over it. From the very beginning these two understand and need each other. Hans forever changes Liesel’s life when he teaches her to read, giving her the unmatched gift of words and stories. He serves as a moral compass teaching her to do what is right even when what is right may cost you your life.

 

 

4. Mr. Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Mr. Bennet is a loveable yet flawed father.  Afterall, he certainly should have set better boundaries for reckless Lydia and he doesn’t make much attempt to disguise his preference for Lizzie. He wants the best for his favorite daughter and sets her happiness above societal pressures. He doesn’t force her to marry Mr. Collins and trusts her judgement when she tells him they have all been wrong about Mr. Darcy.  I can’t help but love his dry wit and understand his tendency to retreat into his library.

 

 

5. Jean Valjean from Les Miserables by Victor Hugo 

I still haven’t read the book, but I couldn’t not include Jean Valjean on this list. He is a protective and loving force from the moment he rescues Cosette from the abusive Thenardiers.  It’s clear she becomes the sun around which his life revolves; the source of his happiness in a dangerous world. He sacrifices his freedom to save the man she loves.

 

 

6. Dr. Gibson from Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell

Dr. Gibson and his daughter Molly share a close knit bond as it is just the two of them for many years after the death of Molly’s mother. They both love simple meals of toasted bread and cheese and cart-rides through the English countryside. After his second marriage they treasure their one-on-one time even more.  Dr. Gibson is incredibly protective of Molly. He values her mind, her judgement, and her company.

 

Who are your favorite father figures from literature?