Comparing the Subject of Courage In To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee and The Colour Purple by Alice Walker

An Essay Comparing The Subject Of Courage In To Kill A Mockingbird by

Harper Lee and The Colour Purple by Alice Walker

The dictionary states that "Courage" is bravery/boldness or to nerve

oneself to a venture. This idea is shown in both The Colour Purple and

To Kill A Mockingbird in similar and in different ways.

The Colour Purple involves courage to stand up against certain people,

rather than morals and ideas, which is the main issue in To Kill A

Mockingbird. Celie is the central character who has the most examples

of courage although there are other people. In To Kill A Mockingbird,

every character has his/her own views on courage which are expressed

widely throughout the book.

In To Kill A Mockingbird, Scout, who may be seen as the narrator, has

her first chance to show her courage when she has to stand up to the

new teacher and try to explain to her about the different pupils and

what happens in the school. All the other children urge her to say

something, as they are too afraid themselves.

In contrast, in The Colour Purple, there is no courage when Celie

knows that her father has taken her child and killed it in the woods,

yet she does nothing about it, as she is scared of him.

"He took it while I was sleeping. Kilt it out there in the woods."

Scout, always tries to understand other's views - which is why she

goes to read to Mrs. Dubose with Jem and finally understands her. On

the other hand, in The Colour Purple, Harpo (the oldest son), never

tries to understand how much work Celie has and takes her for granted.

It is only when Mr.___'s (his name is never mentioned) sister comer to

visit, that Celie gains support, but even then, she loses. It took

courage for Kate (the sister) to stand...

... middle of paper ...

...even has to take away any

proudness and apologise to her for chopping off her plants. But he

helps Scout fight Bob Ewell and even when they have to escape from

Boo's house, he lets Dill and Scout go first. This shows the extent of

his maturity and courage.

Similarly, Mr. ___ shows courage, but only once. He admits to Celie

that he's been scared and that she has taught him to be a better

person. This is hard for him as he had beaten her and treated her

badly, yet he fell to courageous defeat as he told Celie the truth.

In conclusion, I feel that courage, although not always easy to see,

played an important role in both The Colour Purple and To Kill a

Mockingbird. It linked in well with both books and shows how courage

is portrayed in different and similar ways.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

The Colour Purple by Alice Walker.