Modern Day Hero

801 Words4 Pages
Modern Day Hero Being a hero doesn’t mean having super powers and saving the day all the time. Modern heroes try their best to work everything out for the people around their community no matter how hard it is. In the novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Harper Lee illustrates the point about how the protagonist in the novel, Atticus Finch tries his best to help blacks fight for rights and to help people. A real hero always has the courage to do things that are right. Courage can be portrayed as both physical bravery and strength, but fighting for what is right regardless of whether you win or lose takes more strength in character, and is ultimately more courageous. A modern day hero exhibits courage in the face of adversity. Atticus Finch chose to help Tom Robinson even though her knew that he does not stand a chance in the case. “This case, Tom Robinson’s case, is something that goes to the essence of a man’s conscience – Scout, I couldn’t go to church and worship God if I didn’t try to help that man. (Lee 116) Of all, the greatest demonstration of courage is Atticus’ fight for Tom Robinson’s life. He is wise enough to know that the prejudices of people will never allow justice to be done, at the same time, he is determined that the truth be told so that people who convict Tom Robinson will be aware that they are convicting an innocent man. Just like Mrs. Dubose, Atticus knew that he could never win the case, but he tried anyway. Again, Atticus shows his courage to his children. “ 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. (Lee 124) It is shown. Atticus’ determined efforts are shown through the things he has done. A modern day hero is defined by their actions, not their potentials.
Open Document