What do you think of Atticus's reaction to Bob Ewell's challenge? How do you think he should have responded?

In Chapter 23, Bob Ewell sees Atticus outside of the post office and spits in his face. Bob then proceeds to curse at Atticus and challenge him to a fight. When Bob asks Atticus if he is too proud to fight, Atticus says, "No, too old" (134). Atticus displays his tolerance by allowing Bob Ewell to curse at him and then calmly walking away after rejecting Bob's challenge. Throughout the novel, Atticus is a morally upright individual who leads by example. He exercises self-control during adverse situations. Atticus's reaction to Bob Ewell's challenge aligns with his personality and tolerant disposition. He did the right thing by allowing Bob to express his negative feelings toward him without reacting in anger. Atticus understands one cannot fight hate with hate and makes the morally upright decision to walk away. If Atticus retaliated, he would possibly make the situation worse and become a hypocrite in the eyes of his children.