Courage among Some Within To Kill a Mockingbird

Who qualifies as courageous? According to Webster's dictionary courage is "mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty" (Webster's dictionary). Similarly, Nelson Mandela once stated, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” (http;//www.brainyquote.com/quotes/bravery.html). The definition and quote both demonstrate true courage. In the novel, “To to Kill a Mockingbird, the author, Harper Lee explores several forms of courage depicted through characters within the story. Several characters qualify as courageous; however, the main characters that present true courage are Atticus, Jem, and Scout. The main forms of courage her explores are mature and childish courage.

To begin with, Jem presents a courageous young man throughout his experiences. Numerous acts justify Jem as courageous. In the beginning of the novel, Jem presents childish courage. Jem exhibits childish courage through his act of “never declining a dare” (Lee pg. 21) Scout explains Jem’s foolishness of performing anything asked as “stupidity, and childish” (Lee pg.22) Next, Jem displays a courageous act as he touches the Radley house because he overcome the fear of the Radley’s house. Jem’s perception of courage indicates a childish and foolish approach; however, as the novel progresses Jem begins to mature, which reflects his courageous acts. For instance, when Jem discovers that Dill has ran away from home, his first instinct is to inform Atticus of the issue. This act of maturity demonstrates courage because the action requires Jem to stand up to Dill and Scout who are against him in this decision and “want [him] to listen up and follow what [they] say” (Lee pg.32) Despite Dill and S...

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...Despite the obstacles that appear in Atticus’s attempt for justice, he is able to summon enough courage until the end. Atticus seeks to teach the people of that “[He is] simply defending a Negro—his name’s Tom Robinson. He lives in that little settlement beyond the town dump, because of one reason...” (Lee pg.49) Most fail to understand Atticus; however, Atticus does not fail to continue striving for his goal of quality. Atticus' determination and courage is evident throughout the novel.

In conclusion, the courage characters display results in strength and develops their self-understanding. There were winners and losers; however, there is no regret afterward. Harper defines courage as the desire to perform the righteous act at any cost. Scout, Jem, and Atticus understood the risks and results of their actions; however, they continued because they were determined.