Courage Essay To Kill A Mockingbird

"Courage isn't an absence of fear. It's doing what you are afraid to do. It's having the power to let go of the familiar and forge ahead into new territory." ~John Maxwell. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout (Jean Louise Finch), Jem (Jeremy Atticus Finch), and Atticus Finch display acts of valor that contribute, and in some cases encourage their rectitude. Harper Lee demonstrates that acting courageously can lead to an improved, sustained, or newly developed personal integrity.

Jean Louise Finch responds to her own acts of courage by finding her righteous moral ground. The young Finch girl stepped between a potentially violent conflict, between Atticus and a group of male residents of Maycomb. Scout approached the conflict frightened, and...show more content... Later in the book, Jeremy is punished to reading to a sick elderly woman (Mrs. Dubose) each day for a month, as a result of his yard–wrecking burst of vengeance. At the end of what turned out to be a bit over a month, Mrs. Dubose dies. Only after this event does Atticus explain to Jem the task that the elderly woman had set out finishing before her death. Mrs. Dubose had developed a dependency to morphine, resulting from an innocent enough prescription of the opiate. The old woman set her mind to freeing herself from the addiction before her time came, an incredible task for someone in any condition, let alone her sickly self. When Mr. Finch's actions (Arranging the readings) were questioned, Atticus stated "I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what." This act taught Jem a new meaning of courage. Jeremy struggled to see the occurrence as significant, because he did not agree to the rude, racist, and unfair statements Mrs. Dubose had shouted him and his sister. Because of that, Jem's personal integrity is challenged. He dislikes the hatred Maycomb County's people seem to have for minorities and anyone who doesn't "fit the mold," and refuses to see the grey areas where ones virtues often seem to lurk. Jeremy Atticus Finch 's morally right mindset is shaped and

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As Nelson Mandela wisely said " I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee centers around the Finch family and the lessons that both Jem and Scout Finch learn as their father defends a black man accused of rape. Throughout To Kill a Mockingbirdby Harper Lee, we see the idea of true courage reflected in Jem Finch's journey. Harper Lee paints a picture of true courage as it is, and Jem Finch takes this lesson to heart as he sees examples of true courage in his life. The beautiful lesson of true courage is introduced to Jem and he begins to understand this concept of true courage when he talks with his father about Mrs. Dubose, after she passed away. As her story unravels in front...show more content...

Throughout Tom Robinson's trial, he sees and recognizes Tom's bravery in standing up for himself. Recognizing that Bob Ewell's actions were wrong, Jem is distraught at the outcome of the trial: "It was Jem's turn to cry. His face was streaked with angry tears as we made our way through the cheerful crowd. 'It ain't right,' he muttered all the way to the corner of the square where we found Atticus waiting," (212). Frustrated with this outcome, and upset at the fact that Tom, despite his true bravery, was sent to prison. After all of the events involving Tom Robinson, Bob Ewell threatened to get Atticus back: "Mr. Bob Ewell stopped Atticus on the post office corner, spat in his face, and told him he'd get him if it took the rest of his life," (217). Bob Ewell followed through on his threat, which is where we see confirmation that Jem learnt the lesson of true bravery. Bob Ewell attacked Jem and Scout while they were walking and Jem protects Scout even if it meant he could

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"I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what" (149). Many people do not do the right things sometimes because they're not brave enough to do so. To kill a Mockingbirdwas published July 11th, 1960 by Harper Lee in New York City. This novel was about racial tensions and also involved a court case of rape between an African Americanman and a white woman. This novel is known all around the world, it has become a classic Modern American Literature and has also won the Pulitzer Prize. In the novel To kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses the story's conflicts and mood of...show more content...

This shows a very strong example of how Harper Lee uses moral courage. "You know the court appointed him to defend this nigger." "Yeah, but Atticus aims to defend him. That's what I don't like about it" (218). This quote supports my claim of Atticus having the moral courage because Atticus knows no one in Maycomb county likes the fact that he is defending an African American man to the best of his ability to save Tom Robinson's life. Also another example is when Atticus talked to Scout and Jem about why he took on the case and didn't back down. "Every lawyer gets one case in a lifetime that affects him personally, this one's mine I guess" (101). This quote is similar to my claim and shows how Harper Lee demonstrated courage in his characters because Atticus knew that this case would affect him personally because this was his first time defending an African American man. Atticus knew he would lose respect from the Maycomb community and there would be problems before and after the case was finished but he continued to defend Tom. Another example of how characterization was used by the use of mood is when Atticus killed the mad dog. "I haven't shot a gun in 30 years–" (99). " Besides that, he wore glasses. He was nearly blind in his left eye" (99). These quotes show courageous because Atticus wasn't the only one that seen the mad dog. The sheriff of Maycomb, Calpurnia, Jem, Scout and others were at the scene too. Although sheriff Heck Tate was there, he wasn't the one that killed the dog. Even though he was nervous because he hasn't shot a gun in thirty years, Atticus shot him. Additionally he could barely see out of his left eye, the only eye he could really see out of was his right. He took this shot not knowing if he would hit him or miss, endangering himself and others. However, he was a hero that day and saved their Get more content

In the short story To Kill A Mockingbird, author Harper Lee suggests that in certain situations people have the potential to show acts of courage

In our society it is generally believed that in order for someone to show courage, they must show it through physical acts of peril. The only type of courage that is ever heard of or praised is when someone nearly puts their life at risk to show their bravery. In the short storyTo Kill A Mockingbird, author Harper Lee suggests that in certain situations people have the potential to show acts of courage, great or small. Lee proposes this through characterization, plot and outcome. Throughout the novel there are many characters who show that they have courage. Atticus Finch teaches...show more content...

She meant to break herself of it before she died, and that's what she did"(111). Although Mrs. Dubose was a cantankerous old lady who disapproved of Atticus defending Tom, she and Mr. Finch had something in common. They both shared similar views when it came to showing courage to overcome a task. Atticus' lesson applies here as well. "I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.

(112). Because of Mrs. Dubose' achievement , Atticus considered her "the bravest person [he] ever knew"(112). The lesson that Atticus had taught Scout about courage through his court case, was now being taught to Jem through Mrs. Dubose. Despite these characters' contributions of courage, the plot also had a major influence on the theme. The major plot line of the novel revolves around Atticus and his handling of the Tom Robinson case. The reason this plot is so interesting is because of the varying amounts of courage that Atticus must show in his quest to defend Tom. Taking the case was in itself courageous, but Atticus made sure that he successfully completed what it was he was assigned

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Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is a timeless novel that has been both accepted and refused by many readers. To Kill a Mockingbird took place is a town called Maycomb. It is narrated by a young girl named Jean Louise Finch, otherwise known as Scout, who learns how to deal with many things in her life. While learning to deal with racism, injustice, and criticism, she also finds courage being showed by many of her role models. The theme courage is best depicted through Boo Radley, Scout and Atticus. Boo Radley portrayed courage very effectively throughout the novel. In one situation Boo appeared to save Scout and Jem from Bob Ewell, who was attacking them when they were coming back from the Halloween festival. Boo showed courage...show more content... This shows bravery because Boo knows if he gets caught he will have to go through even more severe consequences. Boo has showed many courageous acts but Scout is not far along from the path of courageousness. In a smaller perspective, Scout had shown courage in many places in the novel. For instance, she showed courage when Atticus had asked Scout not to fight anyone. She was being asked to change how she reacted negatively to people's comments. This showed a lot of bravery because Scout used to fight a lot, but since she promised Atticus that she wouldn't fight anymore she stuck to her word because she didn't want to disappoint Atticus. Another example is when she continues to learn how to read and write with Atticus even if she gets scolded by her teacher. She shows courage because she is going against what her teacher had told her. Finally, she acts like an ambassador on the first day of school. She has the guts to act like someone really important. Being a follower of her fathers' character traits, she hasn't learned the true meaning of courage that her father, Atticus displays. This one man, who had been extremely courageous from the start of the novel to the end, was Atticus Finch. Firstly he defended the Tom Robinson case like no other. This takes lots of courage because Tom was a black man accused of raping a white woman. It was a white

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To Kill A Mockingbird Examples Of Courage

In the book To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, there are many instances and events where characters show great amounts of courage. In the novel, courage is shown in many ways: people facing hardships of the depression, standing tall against oppression and reprimandation, and facing their own fears and demons. Some characters show more courage than others, but in the story overall many characters have their own examples of how courage can be shown in small ways. One character who showed a lot of courage in the story is Mrs. Dubose, who had the courage to face her pain and win against her addiction before she died. According to Atticus, she had been sick for a long time and had to use morphine to stifle the intense pain she felt. This caused

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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee is a novel that explores the theme of courage throughout key events and through character. The novel is narrated by Jen–Louise Finch over a two year period revolving mainly around the trial of Tom Robinson. An event in the novel in which courage is displayed is when Mrs Dubose fights to overcome her morphine addiction. Her decision to quit morphine despite the pain it would cause her to do what she thought was the right thing to do was very brave of her. "when you're as sick as she was, it's all right to take anything to make it easier, but it wasn't all right for her". This quote demonstrates Mrs Dubose's determination to stay true to her beliefs and achieve her goal. Nobody would have judged her for continuing her use of the drug but she felt that she had to and so did what conformed to her moral standards. Mrs Dubose was a Christian and believed in heaven and when she arrived there she wanted to be free from sin. This incident in the book is a great learning point for both Jem and Scout as it shows them that although courage is not always obvious doesn't mean it isn't important. Mrs Dubose didn't have to stop to taking morphine, but chose to and her dedication to see it through to the end is a good way for Lee to portray...show more content...

When Atticus asks Jem to take Scout and Dill home, they refuse to leave him behind and stand by him. Scout is also protective of her brother Jem and shows courage when she defends him when Jem is picked on and grabbed at by a man from the lynch mob as is shown when Scout says "Ain't nobody gonna do Jem that way,". This quote shows the bravery Scout can show when she is defending someone that she cares about and how she does not allow her fear stop her from doing the right thing. Lee conveys courage in this event by using Scout as an example by showing that she would defend the people she cares about even though she is

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In To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper uses the character of Atticus to explain that real courage derives from believing in good morals despite the criticisms of society. Atticus explains to Jem that Mrs. Dubose, despite judging Atticus' decisions in defending Tom Robinson's innocence, has just as much courage as him, and she passes away with no remorse or regret for the decisions she makes throughout her life, just as Atticus plans to do. Atticus makes this clear to Jem, "She had her own views about things, a lot different from mine, maybe... I wanted you to see what real courage is... It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what... According to her views, she dies beholden to nothing and...show more content...

So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that's something I'll gladly do" (Lee 292–293). Atticus displays courageousness by receiving the frustrations of the defeated and ashamed Mr. Ewell to teach a valuable lesson to his children about the true definition of courage. Real courage, defined by Atticus, means having the ability to present your views and opinions, whether socially accepted or denied, and stand with them through the most difficult of times because, in the end, good triumphs over evil. Atticus' will to remain dedicated to his beliefs, despite resentment from the majority of Maycomb, strictly to teach his children how they should think when they one day might stand in his shoes and defend an innocent man who has no chance of winning a one–sided court case, show the courage in his soul in times of need. Lee demonstrates the true definition of courage by spreading a message of kindness and compassion, and by acting in these ways, courage acts a catalyst for positive change in a world where negativity and evil triumphs over positivity and good, and she provided a positive change to the wrongdoers of the white Southern

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Courage in to Kill a Mockingbird

"I wanted to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun." What kinds of heroism and courage are shown in To Kill a Mockingbird? Discuss. Courage is defined as "the quality of mind or spirit enabling one to meet danger or opposition with fearlessness." According to Atticus Finch, one of the main characters in To Kill a Mockingbird, "Courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what." (pg.121). Harper Lee clearly portrays the theme of courage in her novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. One likes to think of a hero, as strong, brave, and meeting all challenges head on. All the characters in this book have a different view as to what courage...show more content...

When Atticus took the case, he went up against Maycomb, a generally prejudiced town, in order to defend Tom. He understood that taking the case would make him an object of ridicule and that no one would forgive him for believing a black man's word over a white man's. Even his own sister expresses disapproval at his decision, practically telling him he was bringing disgrace to the family. Nevertheless, no matter how much his reputation suffered, he did not change his mind. Standing up for his morals and ethics was more important than what people thought about him. From the very start Atticus knows he will not win the case however he does his job and finishes what he set out to do. Atticus's strong sense of morality and justice motivates him to defend Tom Robinson with determination, giving it all he has. He shows this when he says, "Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try and win." (pg.82). He says this to Scout after she comes home from school angry at Cecil Jacobs for making fun of Atticus in the schoolyard. Atticus tells her to fight with her head instead of her fists. He wants the people of Maycomb to hear the truth about Tom, "That boy may go to the chair, but he's not going till the truth's told." (pg.159). Atticus is putting everything a man holds dear, dignity, respect, honor and status, on the line to protect Tom. He later shows more bravery when he goes to the jailhouse to

Courage can be defined in different ways as shown by Anne Sexton's "Courage" poem and Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird. Sexton would say courage comes in small acts and in these small acts of courage are what teaches people how to find the strength within themselves to accept things the way they are. Atticus Finch, one of the main characters in the novel, would argue that courage is perseverance and fighting till the end even though the battle may have already been lost. This novel takes place around the 1930s, and is told through the eyes of Scout Finch. From her, one might learn about her father, Atticus Finch, an attorney who hopelessly aims to prove the innocence of a black man wrongly accused of rape. Both definitions of courage can be found in three characters in the novel; Atticus' determination to help Robinson, Scout's ability to conceal her emotions, and Mrs. Dubose's perseverance to fight till the end. Both definitions of courage can apply to Atticus because of what he does throughout the novel. Atticus' own definition is shown when he is explaining to Scout why he has to defend Robinson. Atticus was talking to Scout when he said, "'Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win'" (Lee 76). Atticus puts forth his best effort even though he knows there is nothing he could do to prove Robinson is innocent, proving how hard Atticus will fight and persevere till the end. Equally important, Atticus shows

"We don't develop courage by being happy every day. We develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity."– Barbara De Angelis

Imagine if one let every hardship that ever transpired in their life, take over and consume their world. Where would they be without their shield of courage? Ideally, any human will fall to the ground. With every second passing by, more hope in their souls will be lost and the bullet will only pierce further and further. The absence of courage will result in tremendous damage, and only the emotions of regret and failure will be the ones that will consume one's thoughts. In Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird, there are many examples of when courage is utilized and demonstrated by characters and...show more content...

The showcasing of courage can be sought through the actions of Atticus Finch, Tom Robinson, and Ms. Dubose. Foremost, Atticus Finch knew he was going to lose the trial but he defended Tom Robinson anyway. Atticus Finch tells Jem "I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do."

(4) During the 1930's in Maycomb, a white man's word always overruled against an african american man's. Atticus Finch was in knowledge of this fact, however he risked his reputation and the safety of his kids just to ensure that Tom Robinson earned the fair trial he deserved. Not only that, but Atticus Finch also ensured that he was not the fish that went along with the flow, instead he was the one that went against it by continuing to do the right thing by defending Tom Robinson. As for Tom Robinson, his courage was demonstrated when he dismissed his social class, and spoke with all honesty. When it was his turn to testify, Mr. Gilmer asked "You're a mighty good fellow, it seems– did all this for not one penny?" and Tom Robinson replied with "Yes, suh. I felt right sorry for her, she seemed to try more'n the rest of 'em–". At that exact moment, "Mr. Gilmer seemed ready to rise to the ceiling."

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To Kill A Mockingbird Essays: Great Courage

Courage in To Kill A Mockingbird

Courage is shown within the characters of To Kill A Mockingbird in several situations. The characters are challenged to face danger or pain without fear. The courage they display gives them strength and deepens their self–understanding as the novel progresses.

Early in the novel, Scout illustrates the courage she embodies. On her first day of school, Scout acts as an ambassador for the entire class. She takes the duty of informing Miss Caroline of WalterCunningham's situation. Miss Caroline had just scolded Scout for her ability to read, however, Scout still feels the classes' need for leadership. Most children at her age would fear speaking...show more content...

A significant representation of courage is seen within Atticus. Within To Kill A Mockingbird Atticus speaks of the Tom Robinson trial as a trial all lawyers fear. He must face a court case that will have a profound personal effect upon himself and his family. Atticus summons the courage to recognize that there is a need for justice and that it is his duty to achieve this. Maycomb is a town tainted with stereotypes and racism. Atticus has the courage to overcome the fear of other peoples' dislike. He must face the fear of straining the lives of his two young children and family name. The courage Atticus embodies stems from his "satisfactory" character. Atticus is righteous and unable to turn his back on those who truly rely upon his ability to show empathy. He overcomes the heartless comments of those around them, to see the necessity of his involvement.

Courage within Atticus is not restrained to his professional life, but also evident in his family life. It is hard for Atticus to raise his children

without a wife, and to face the constant family ridicule. At one point the reader is convinced Atticus has lost his courage, and has succumbed to the clutched of Aunt Alexandra, her opinions. However, as the scene progresses the reader is further exposed to the courage of Atticus and his decision to

To Kill A Mockingbird Moral Courage Essay

Kayla Batzer

English 1 Honors

Mrs. Errico

September 9 2016 There are two different types of courage, physical and moral. Physical courage is facing fear using force or other physical means, while moral courage is defending what is right, even in the face of popular opinion. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, moral courage is a significant theme. Atticus Finch teaches his children, Jem and Scout, the importance of moral courage. Throughout the novel each character discovers courage in their unique experiences. By the end of the story, Jem and Scout's idea of courage shifts and they learn the importance of moral bravery. Atticus, Jem, and Scout all learn or demonstrate the meaning of moral courage throughout the novel....show more content...

Atticus was a great role model for Jem and Scout. He was the one who taught them what moral courage was. The most prominent theme in the story is courage. The story demonstrates just how important moral courage is to our lives. Moral courage is just as important as physical courage, maybe more. Harper Lee emphasizes this and encourages people to stand up for what is right even though most people do not Get

What is courage? Is courage saving a man from an avalanche? Is it standing against the crowd? Falling in love? Courage can be defined as many things. It could be as simple as wearing unusual, risking the chance of being judged by those around you. Harper Lee forthrightly establishes how gallantry can be displayed by many different types of people in the compelling book To Kill a Mockingbird. Despite many characters, such as Mayella and Scout showing courage, Atticus Finch is by far the most dauntless. Many view her as corrupt and immoral, however, Mayella Ewell is one of the bravest characters in To Kill a Mockingbird, demonstrating both emotional and physical courage. The trial in itself summoned tons of emotional courage from Mayella as...show more content...

Atticus has moral courage when he defends Tom Robinson. Even though people critisize his choice, like when Mrs. Debose says "'Not only a Finch waiting on tables but one in the courthouse lawing for niggers"' (Lee 101), Atticus perseveres and defends Tom as well as he would defend a white person. The lionhearted Atticus is willing to defend a black guy, who will likely lose the case, in order to uphold his morals. He also risks his physical health to go protect Tom Robinson at the jailhouse at night. He stands up to an armed mob whose intention is made clear when one guy says, "'You know what we want... Get aside from the door, Mr. Finch"' (Lee 151), to which Atticus synonym for courageously replies "'You can turn around and go on home"" (Lee 151). Atticus puts himsels in mortal peril in order to save Tom Robinson which is remarkably audacious. Despite being an older father, Atticus Finch is by far the bravest character in the book To Kill a Mockingbird. Atticus Finch is by far the most courageous character in To Kill a Mockingbird despite many other characters, such as Mayella and Scout being dauntless. The misunderstood Mayella, simple Scout, and audacious Atticus all show courage in their own way. Courage ranges from the simplest of acts to the most selfless sacrifices, and can be demonstrated by people of any age, gender, or level in the social

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To Kill A Mockingbird Examples Of

Courage

Iakovlev1

Daniel Iakovlev

Mr. Petersen

Language and Literature, Period 1

24 November 2015

Courage

In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee there are plenty of virtues but courage is best shown by Atticus, Scout, and Miss Dubose. Written all over this book was courage, the reason is Atticus has shown the most in thisnovel. When Atticus took the decision to go and talk to Scout about how she did the wrong thing at Finch Landing that took a lot of courage from Atticus. Scout has kept pushing on her father to find out why Atticus kept holding his end of the stick with Tom Robinson. Atticus had to push himself to go out of his way and take this case that he already knew was gonna lose. Atticus explained to Scout that, " simply because...show more content...

Mrs. Dubose is a good model of courage because she knows she has a flaw and that she has to fix. She is addicted to Morphine and makes a goal to die free of her weakness. She goes through a time of withdrawal that is difficult to survive "Her head moved slowly from side to side. From time to time she would open her mouth wide, and I could see her tongue undulate faintly. Cords of saliva would collect on her lips; she would draw them in, then open her mouth again. Her mouth seemed to have a private existence of its own." (143). She finishes her goal before she dies, even when she is has taken help from Jem reading to her every Saturday as a way of distracting her. Know a quote from Ms. Dubose " She's an old lady and she's ill, you just hold your head up high and be a gentlemen whatever she says to you it your job to not let it to get to your mind." (143) Ms. Dubose has done so much for all the people of maycomb that she just did and no one really payed any attention. When she died she was remembered by the Finch family. Going back to what we talked about earlier. Mrs. Dubose knew that she was dying, but chose to fight to die free of her addiction to morphine. Although Mrs. Dubose could have made the decision to die a relatively peaceful death free of pain, she chose to die free of the control

To Kill A Mockingbird Essays: Courage

Courage Although Atticus is placed in a very difficult situation where he is made fun of, Atticus proves to be courageous through sticking to his beliefs and not caring about what others think in Harper Lee's Novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. While Scout does not completely understand what her father is going through, she questions Atticus about defending Tom Robinson. Atticus, being the well–mannered man that he is, explains to Scout that if he did not defend Tom he "couldn't hold [his] head in town" (Lee 100). The defending of Tom highlights that Atticus is a man of morals, and Atticus does not care about what others have to say as long as he is doing the right thing. After a long day of school Scout comes home telling Atticus of Get

"Courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what" (112). According to Atticus Finch, a wise honourable lawyer in Harper Lee's novel To Kill A Mockingbird, courage is not a man with a gun in his hand. True courage is standing up for what one believes in until the very end. Atticus faces multiple occasions where he must choose between just and justice such as his disposition to defend Tom Robinson and contradict his morals. Scout, through her brave actions, overcomes her age boundary. Jem matures and wants to do what is noble, although that might mean not doing anything at all. The Finch family embodies many variations of courage in To Kill A Mockingbird. Each member defends...show more content...

Scout shows social courage as she acts like a leader for the class, speaking for the rest of them. Scout portrays physical courage by running through the crowd of men outside the jail and talking to Mr. Cunningham. As Scout runs from her hiding spot, she breaks through the mob of men to Atticus and by speaking to Mr. Cunningham is able to disband the group and evade a dangerous situation (152). Scout feels that there is a build up of tension in the air and has the courage to run to Atticus as if to protect him. She courageously speaks out of place, yet manages to get the aggressive men to leave Tom Robinson and her family alone. Scout exhibits social courage once again in the way she interacts with Boo Radley in their first encounter. "Boo had drifted to a corner of the room, where he stood with his chin up, peering from a distance at Jem. I took him by the hand, a hand surprisingly warm for its whiteness. I tugged him a little, and he allowed me to lead him to Jem's bed" (277). This scenario models courage because Scout hears so many tales of how perilous and unstable Boo is, yet she is able to speak freely and have physical contact with him despite what others tell her. Scout uses her courage to overcome her fear of the mysterious Boo Radley. The more courageous children learn to become, the more they will be able to accomplish throughout

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[The Courage of the Mockingbirds]

During the 1930's in a little town called Maycomb courage was needed, courage to help those who need it most. In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee a young girl Scout is challenged with the problem of racism as it sweeps through Maycomb, to stay strong and to stand for what is right. Scout is a little girl who enjoys wearing overalls and playing in the mud. She has an older brother named Jem, who she looks up to for her wisdom as well as her "boyfriend" Dill. As they grow up her father, Atticus is tasked with defending an innocent black man from getting in trouble for something he did not do. Throughout To Kill a Mockingbirdcourage is shown by Atticus and his children Jem and Scout in a town full of racism...show more content...

They are in danger of being hurt and are threatened by the people who are racist in Maycomb. The children go through a lot thanks to their father, they are teased and even get into fights. "He is nothing but a nigger lover" (Lee 110) This is important because it shows that Atticus is not the only one getting picked on and it is obvious that his decisions affects his kids as well as himself. The kids are courageous enough to stand up for their father, but he does not always want them to do that. "..... do one thing for me if you will: you just hold your head high and keep those fists down". (Lee 101) As it is clear Atticus does not want his kids to get into fights for him. As he knows people have different opinions. The fact that he has to tell his children that is that they are so courageous the they are willing to get into fights for him. In Maycomb courage is shown by the Mockingbirds, because these people are a figure of courage to their fellow neighbors and friends. Racism is being fought off by all sorts of people, kids, adults as well as white and black people against the unright and unjust thought of skin color being how people define your character, through it all people brave through threats, and the chance of being hated. Against all odds a town full of racism is taking "baby steps toward the right direction, and baby steps is how you walk as baby steps is going to get things fixed in Get

"Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently." (Maya Angelou). In Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird and the Scottsboro trials, various types of courage are displayed. These types include the courage to act for the good, the courage to persevere, the courage to accept, and the courage to sacrifice for loved ones. The virtue, courage, is used in To Kill a Mockingbird and the Scottsboro trials, when the protagonists are faced with a conflict like injustice and prejudice.The first type of courage demonstrated in To Kill a Mockingbird and the Scottsboro trials was the courage to act for the good. For example, in To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch says, "simply by the nature of the work, every lawyer gets at least one case in his lifetime that affects him personally...[are we going to win it?] Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win," (Lee, 101). This quote is telling how Atticus will take the Tom Robinson case even though he knows he would not win. Atticus is showing courage to act for the...show more content...

In To Kill a Mockingbird, "[Scout] drew a bead on him, remembered what Atticus had said, then dropped my fists and walked away...It was the first time [Scout] ever walked away from a fight," (Lee, 102). When Cecil Jacobs talk bad about Atticus, Scout walks away from the fight. Scout is having the courage to accept what others say and to hold back your actions and words. By doing this she is also fulfilling what Atticus told her to do. This is also seen in the Scottsboro trials. The boy, Roy Wright, was sentenced to life imprisonment, and he did not create a violent scene to show the injustice. Thus, another type of courage was illustrated in To Kill a Mockingbird and the Scottsboro trials, the courage to hold back and Get more content

Courage is portrayed to be a special kind of knowledge or gift that you are born with. It can be demonstrated as rescuing a princess or even standing up to the local school bully. The webstermerriam dictionary entry for courage is, "mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty".1 In the book, "To Kill a Mockingbird", by Harper Lee, she uses courage as a theme for her characters and demonstrates how each person is able to use courage as their forte.

One example of a courageous character in the book is Jem. Throughout the book, Jem is known for having courage, just in different ways. "Go home, Jem," he said. "Take Scout and Dill home." We were accustomed to prompt, if not always cheerful...show more content...

She said she meant to break herself of it before she died, and that's what she did,'" (148) This is the primary example of Mrs. Dubose being courageous. She had enough strength and desire to die free of her addiction to morphine. The most recognizable source of courage is found in Atticus. He always knows what to do and is an example to Scout, Jem, and the town of Maycomb. Atticus stood up to sister Alexandra'sbullying tactics when she tried to force him to fire Calpurnia, telling her that their black housekeeper was a "... faithful member of this family and you'll simply have to accept things the way they are." (Ch 14) He also puts his foot down about Scout's use of the "N" word is which she feels as though she is justified in using such a derogative term because it is " 'common' ". Atticus shows moral courage just by accepting to defend a black man accused of raping a white woman since "... I'd hoped to get through life without a case of this kind..." (Ch 9). Atticus then attempts to shame the all–white jury when he reminds them that it is an "... evil assumption that all Negroes lie, that all Negroes are basically immoral beings... (Ch 20) and that Tom's skin color should not matter in a courtroom where " 'all men are created equal.' " He implores them "In the name of God, do your duty... "In the name of God, believe him." (Ch 20) These specific examples in the text prove to show light in the time

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