In the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the characters Jem, Scout, and Atticus exhibit courage numerous times throughout the story. Atticus shows examples of courage through his decision to defend Tom Robinson and the values that he sets for his children. It takes a courageous person to face the negative remarks in the society that he lives in. He risks everything he has to defend a black man who was falsely accused of raping a white woman because he believes it is the right thing to do. “If I didn't I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this county in the legislature, I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do something again”.
Courage is a very important quality that many people have and try to achieve. Real courage is not only shown when a man has a gun on his hand but when you stand up to what is wrong and attempt to make it right even if there are consequences. In the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, Atticus, Tom Robinson and Boo Radley show real courage in their own way even though they know what the aftermath may look like. They face their fears for the good of themselves and others. As I have stated, real courage is when you fight for what is right regardless of whether you win or lose.
Also, Atticus standing up for black people in a very racial locality requires a great amount of courage. Atticus knows that racial prejudice is a very wrong problem, he wants his children to never be racist and treat everyone with respect. “As you grow older [one will] see white men cheat black men every day of your life [...] whenever a white man does that
I did not hear him stir again.” p. 64. The composes uses her narrator Scout to create a clear image of a young boy, visibly shaken by his ordeal of retrieving the lost pants therefore reinforcing the degree of courage it must have taken for him to even contemplate undertaking such a feat. Another character who is representative of this theme is Mrs Dubose. The audience is made acutely aware of the depth of her courage in chapter 11 when she finally passes, her death brought on more rapidly because she refused to die whilst addicted to morphine. Atticus tells his son that he wanted him to read to Mrs Dubose so he would understand that real courage was not demonstrated by a gun.
Outside of the Maycomb jail Atticus defends Tom Robinson from the group of men by standing in front of the jail-not allowing anyone to get to Tom Robinson. This is an act of courage because Atticus continues to protect him even though he is fully aware that he is standing in the face of danger. Another example of this can be seen when Atticus speaks for Tom Robinson in court, Her father saw it, and the defendant has testified as to his remarks. What did her father do? We don’t know, but there is circumstantial evidence to indicate that Mayella Ewell was beaten savagely by someone who led almost exclusively with his left.
Scout learns a major lesson which is not to kill a Mockingbird. She learns that Boo is simply an innocent mockingbird and does not harm just sings and Boo just suffered from his fathers cruel intentions which made the town see him as a harmful creature. The children and Boo never had a physical connection or chemistry but this barrier is soon broken when he saves the children form Bob Ewell. Scout now understands and see’s Boo as actually a real creature although she still points at him, which shows her transformation is still in progress she treats Boo like a real person. When Atticus fails to understand that Boo was the one who killed Bob, Scout explains Atticus a lesson which is usually visa versa, that you must never kill a Mockingbird and by exposing and giving him the negative publicity towards Boo it would be like killing him in a way.
Understanding is more than knowing a broad generalization of an idea; it is to fully comprehend complex emotions behind a situation. In Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird“, Scout is portrayed as someone who is blunt and mischievous, but as the story progresses, she begins to learn the true understanding of compassion by her surroundings. Scout is very irrational and doesn’t think before she acts, but as she experiences various events, she learns to feel compassion for people instead of being insensitive. Scout has an impetuous nature that causes her to act without thinking. A good example from the book that portrays Scout‘s nature is when she scares Walter, not thinking about how unfortunate and harsh Walter’s life is.
To Kill a Mockingbird – Courage To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a heroic tale of leadership and courage. Courage is the ability and willingness to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. According to Atticus Finch, “Courage is not a man with a gun in his hand. It’s knowing 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.” (Lee, 149).
ringing in my ears. It was the first time I ever walked away from a fight.” (9.30-31) Walking away from Cecil Jacobs was a large change in character for Scout; her fighting shows that Scout has a quick temper and lack of self-control, yet she went against her own appeal because of Atticus. Scout also states, “I could take being called a coward for him [Atticus]. I felt extremely noble for having remembered, and remained noble for three weeks.” This shows that Scout is feeling great for her self-control to make things right. Another example of morality occurs when Atticus reveals he would rather do right by him, then to keep others happy.
“’Jem, I ain’t ever heard of a nigger snowman,’ I said.” (Scout, pg. 72) It shows that Negroes aren’t important in society, but when you take a closer look at it, there would be no civilisation in Maycomb without the hard work of Negroes. “’He won’t be black long,’ He grunted” (Jem, pg.72) White men will simply be treated better and with more royalty, even if they had done the same sin as a black man has done; For instance in Tom Robinson’s case with Bob Ewell’s daughter Mayella. Everyone knows that the white man Bob, will win. A black man never has a chance up against a white man.