The Most Famous Literary FathersSeptember 03, 2014

Father's Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of September. It's not considered a public holiday, but it's the first Sunday of spring. It calls for a celebration.

You don't have to buy your Dad an apron. (Barbeque might not be a good idea.) Since most of us seek adventure, then a trip to Sydney Harbor on a high-powered jet boat is the best option. If only most of us can afford it. Cage diving with sharks is next. A good suggestion for a bucket list, but it's risky. You'll have second thoughts. (If you're one of those who haven't tried travelling for months, then you must prepare for it. The wait is worth it. It can be a perfect alternative.)

This leaves reading. No one's pulling your leg.

This occasion is the perfect time to spend time with family. A conversation on books, with good mates, is possible as long as it will be interjected with travel destinations and football. But let's be serious. Name a book, written by an Australian writer, who is a father figure. Someone who is like Atticus Finch. If you'll end up bewildered, then you're not the only one.

Harper Lee's only novel is most remembered for Finch, who is wise and just. The lawyer is a good role model to Scout, his young daughter who is the book's narrator. The story is set in the American Deep South during the 1930s, where racial equality prevails. But he will rise above. He's not the only famous father in literature. Naming books can be a good game. Let's enumerate some of them:

Bob Cratchit (A Christmas Carol). Ebenezer Scrooge's clerk, abused and underpaid, represents the working class whom Charles Dickens gives praise in his works. The Ghost of Christmas Present and Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come will show the old man his family's condition, making him realise the error of his ways. Mr. Cratchit isn't a tragic figure after all.

Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov (The Brothers Karamazov). Fyodor, a sensualist who takes no interest in any of his three sons, will turn off some people. But Fyodor Dostoyevsky examines his relationship with his children, one so different from the other. It's not just a study on human character.

Jean Valjean (Les Misérables). The former convict is an angry, bitter fellow. Adopting Cosette will be a life turner. Fatherhood may not be for everyone, but it does wonder for Monsieur Valjean.

Leir of Britain (King Lear). William Shakespeare's tragedy is based from the tale of this ancient king of the Britons, who has no male offspring. He has three daughters instead, and his decision on who inherits the kingdom will have grave consequences. Put aside the tale of lust for power and what is left is a good ol' story of unconditional love.

Mr. Bennet (Pride and Prejudice). The father of Elizabeth Bennet has a respectable income, but he has no male heir. He has five daughters. Finding a husband presents some problems, especially on Liz. She's no ordinary girl.

There are more memorable fathers. Tell us who must be included in this list.

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