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”.
Admittedly, Atticus Finch is an unrealistic character, because he is an adult who is believing in completely false statements. “Way back about nineteen-twenty there was a Klan, but it was a political organization more than anything” (147). However, Atticus is shown as a realistic character, because he has both positive and negative traits. He tries to see the best in people, and teaches his children to “climb into his skin and walk around in it”. Additionally, he also has negative traits, shown when he allows his children to be put in danger.
Courageous Characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird” Courage is a quality that can be seen in many people throughout society. In Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” the theme courage is present in multiple characters. Atticus, Boo Radley and Scout encounter various obstacles/challenges that require a great deal of courage to overcome. Atticus shows courage when he defends Tom Robinson in the court of law. When Boo protects Jem and Scout from Mr. Ewell, it reveals his courage.
WALKING WITH THE DEVIL 1 Walking With The Devil WALKING WITH THE DEVIL 2 Michael Quinn, in his book, Walking With the Devil, provides a vivid portrayal of the code of silence within the police sub-culture. He not only gives profound and impacting examples of the dire consequences which can ensue because of the police and their loyalty to the code, but provides the reader with the understanding that individuals working within the scope of law enforcement can move beyond and prove to be a leader by example and by breaking the code. Mr. Quinn comes from a long line family members, of whom, have worked within law enforcement. His father, in particular, was a police officer for over forty years and one must assume that Mr. Quinn gained valuable insight and was given a prime example of what it takes to be a productive and effective officer. It seems, as evidenced through his writing, that he whole-heartedly believes the police code of silence to be a detriment, not only to criminals, but to the officers themselves.
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).
As our country has becomes more desegregated, we learn more and more about equality, no matter what your skin color. In the movie, To Kill Mockingbird, bigotry is a huge factor that affects many lives. While watching the movie, I began to wonder how the outcome of the story would have been different had one character’s skin color been white. The movie starts off with narrator talking about a knowledgeable story from when she was little. Her father Atticus, a lawyer, had a choice to defend a black man, Tom Robison, who was being accused of raping and beating up a young white women.
Police officers must trust other officers to back them up in a struggle that could potentially be a life or death situation. Without mutual trust of other officers one’s life could be put in jeopardy in certain situations. Officers develop a brotherhood with strong bonds of loyalty that ensure they will be there for each other in life and death situations. In essence the code of silence requires that other officers stick together or face consequences from the “brother” they have betrayed. Many times officers are belittled, forced out of the department, or transferred to another precinct.
While others would say that courage is telling the truth instead of denying it. In the dictionary, courage is defined as mental or moral strength to venture, persevere and to withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. Harper Lee, the author of To Kill a Mockingbird, displays true courage as standing up for what one believes in even if it means risking something important. For one to demonstrate courage, they must have physical and mental strength and determination. But most important, they must have self-confidence.
You are not weak if you are afraid. Even the strongest of leaders or soldiers have a fear that they have to overcome. This does not make them weak, it simply gives them something to overcome. What's life without having fears to overcome? Weakness is simply a mindset created by the fear of imperfection.
In the same sense, courage is not solely the absence of fear but having the strength to move forward in the presence of fear. As Winston Churchill once said, "courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." As a leader, you must consider the ideas of others and challenge your own. Leadership comes with responsibility--the responsibility of neglecting popular consensus and making the decision that most effectively achieves the greater good.A leader without courage finds this task difficult-- separating what’s popular from what’s important. But without courage leadership loses its