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Best dads in literature

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With Father’s Day upon us, it’s a great time to take a look at some of the Best Dads in Literature. Who else would you add to this list? Be sure to take a look at our list of the Worst Dads in Literature too.

William in Danny, the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl
Nine-year-old Danny shares his appraisal of his dad in the book’s opening line: ‘My father, without the slightest doubt, was the most marvellous and exciting father any boy ever had.’ Yes, dad is a habitual pheasant poacher – but this relatively mild streak of criminality is nothing compared to the cruelty of their neighbour’s annual pheasant hunt. And dad’s mentoring leads to events that are for Danny the adventure of a lifetime, and for millions of readers an unforgettably wondrous tale.

Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Standing in the centre of a racially charged trial in 1930s Alabama doesn’t prevent Atticus Finch from giving his six-year-old daughter Scout abundant love, attention and patience as she struggles with her own loss of innocence. Lee’s second novel Go Set A Watchman also features an Atticus Finch, but this time not quite so wonderful. (Is this the same man? Or a different man, in a different book?) But To Kill A Mockingbird’s Atticus is unquestionably a great citizen, and will forever be loved as one of the best dads in literature.

Mr Bennet in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Mr Bennet may not have been the most responsible and financially-farsighted guardian, but he was clearly a devoted father to his five daughters, especially his beloved Lizzy, as portrayed in this one glorious line where he trolls Mrs Bennet: ‘An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.’

Great Uncle Matthew in Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Anne is a young orphan who goes to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. Matthew is Marilla’s brother and a nice, loving person who warms to Anne’s arrival rather quickly. He spoils the young orphan and treats Anne like his own, while Anne regards him as one of her kindred spirits.

Joe Gargery in Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Joe is one of Charles Dickens’ most lovable characters. He is Pip’s brother-in-law and becomes the boy’s surrogate father. He is hardworking, honourable and fair. Even when treated poorly by Pip, he shows unconditional love, just as a birth father would.

Jean Valjean in Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
Born into poverty, Jean Valjean's life became suddenly worse when he was imprisoned after stealing bread to feed his sister’s children. After his release from prison, and following an encounter with a merciful Bishop, Valjean aims to become a better person. This includes caring for Fantine, and rescuing her daughter, Cosette, from abuse at the hands of the Thenardiers. Valjean raises Cosette and, like all great fathers, struggles with his discovery that she has fallen in love with a man. Ultimately, however, Valjean accepts her relationship and gives his adopted daughter his blessing on his deathbed.