Courage in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus serves as an example of someone who lives his life idealistically. He makes choices with integrity, and believes what is true, not simply what others deem to be so. Atticus also displays courage in important ways, choosing to fight with his words and values instead of with his fists. His honesty and bravery lead him, his children, and readers to believe in the idea that “there's just one kind of folks. Folks” (page 304).

When Atticus Finch is asked to defend Tom Robinson he immediately accepted, not caring about how others would look at him (Asimow 96). By not being concerned about what others think, Atticus is able to show his children the courage of standing up for what you believe in regardless of the social consequences. Later, Atticus reveals his courage to the town when he ... ... middle of paper ... ...uth in the face of all the lies being told about him in court. He continued to show his morality and courage even when he refused to call Mayella a liar but said she did not remember the truth correctly. Finally, Boo “Arthur” Radley was found to be the unexpected courageous character that saved the lives of the children.

He did what was right by not caring about what anyone said, because he has a strong moral code. He knows and understands that it would be wrong if he didn’t represent Tom, only because of his race. Also, he continuously visits Tom’s family, to see how they are doing. This shows that he cares about the welfare of the people, and that he does not care about what anyone in town has to say about him behind his back. Having the conce...

Many of the characters in Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird display various forms of courage, but Atticus Finch is clearly the most courageous due to the fact that he refuses to give up a fight no matter what the losses or circumstances it may bring to himself or to his family, and because of his determination to fight for what he believes in and to “see it through no matter what” (Lee, 149). In the novel, Atticus tried every way to help others who were in need of help themselves. First of all, it is courageous of Atticus to take the Tom Robinson case. Even Atticus’ own family (such as Aunt Alexandra) disapproved of him taking the case. The reason was because of the bias.

He stands up for what he believes in, supports truth and justice no matter what the potential outcome, and is not afraid to face compromising situations to prove it. He is strong, steadfast, and unwavering to others’ protests, threats, and ridicules...This is the true definition of real courage. When he takes Tom Robsin’s case, he knows full well he’s in for a bumpy ride and will most likely fail despite any of his most fervent efforts. Yet he refuses to be deterred or daunted, he is determined to do the right thing, something that can’t be said for the rest of the population of Maycomb. Even when he’s in the midst of a mob (of sorts), he sets his fears, doubts, and newspaper behind him to defend Tom Robinson.

Maturity, in Atticus’ view, refers to having a sense of conscience and seeking to protect those who remain innocent. As these definitions show, Atticus Finch displays a strong sense of ethics. His goal as a parent remains to pass his values on to his children. This paper will argue that Scout and Jem learn the true meanings of courage, prejudice and maturity through the influence of their father and the example he sets for them. In To Kill a Mockingbird, the author depicts courage in terms of doing that which serves as right, even when there exists little chance of success.

These morals are bound to the “impartiality” and “fairness” taught to people as children, but become unavoidably invisible though selfish actions. The characters in To Kill a Mockingbird express audacity along with resilience in the face of cowardice. In the novel, one of the main characters is the father of the narrator, Atticus Finch. He is portrayed as a just character with common social grace. As the novel develops, Atticus begins to portray courage and sacrifice that goes against all common propriety.

Nothing in life that is worth having, is easy to obtain. Nelson Mandela acknowledged the dispute for flexibility which was worth having and went for the greater good of his people. John f. Kennedy, former leader of the United States who furthermore battled about equality composed about the profiles of bravery. He stated that “ A man does what he must—in spite of personal consequences, in spite of the obstacles and dangers and pressures—and that is the basis of all human morality” ( Kennedy, 225, 1956). A man of bravery does anything he can to make a distinction or to fight for what they believe in regardless of the rough penalties that are to come.

As he states, "this I hold firm;/ Virtue may be assail'd but never hurt,/ Surpris'd by unjust force but not enthrall'd," because it is founded upon the "will and arm of Heav'n" (588-600). Milton's argument in the "Areopagitica" holds true to these ideas also, that we must have confidence in virtue and its ability to triumph over all trials and temptations because-if it is truly of God-it will stand predominant over all evils. In outlining his argument, Milton reminds his audience over and over of the duty they have to trust in the virtue of their fellow men; just as God allowed Adam to have the choice to err, so must the state give men the right to choose, to try their own ideas of virtue. The Spirit describes: Great Comus . .

It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what” (112). Courage, as defined by Atticus Finch, doesn’t mean that you have to do something beyond your capabilities and fears, but simply means following through with something you know will not be going in your favor. He demonstrates this in Tom Robinson’s case when even though the prejudice townspeople and jury were not in support of him, he followed his conscience and persevered through the fight. In addition, when Scout, Jem, and Atticus talk about this one-sided case and the prejudices involved, Atticus simply states, "Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try and won" (76). The best thin... ... middle of paper ... ...for equality and a non-prejudiced society in the minds of most African Americans.