How Does Atticus Show Courage

“The aim of education is the knowledge, not of facts, but of values” William Seward Burroughs once stated. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch, a man of great virtue teaches his children important life lessons by setting an example for them. He shows restraint when he is insulted and embraces others when they need help. Atticus stands up for the weak and disabled, no matter their gender, age, or even race. Atticus Finch educates his children on the values of tolerance, courage, and equality. Atticus gives guidance to Jem and Scout by demonstrating tolerance when he lectures to them about recognizing other people’s position, and when he is mercilessly verbally abused by Mrs. Dubose. In chapter 3, when Scout is having trouble

When Tom Robinson is accused of rape, Atticus is asked to defend him. Scout asks why Atticus has to defend him, and in response, Atticus says “The main one is, 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” (Lee 75). This excerpt shows just how devoted Atticus is to the case; he is trying his best so Tom can receive an acquittal. He grasps the concept that Scout looks up to him, and will imitate his footsteps, so he tries being an upstanding man. Despite the entire town disproving of Atticus defending a Negro, he continues with his decision, stating “... before I can live with other folks, I’ve got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience” (Lee 109). Utilizing the best of his abilities, Atticus wants to defend Tom, otherwise he would not be able to look at himself in the mirror and properly teach his children. Protecting a black man is a risky thing, as Maycomb is a racist and prejudice place; not only is he risking his reputation and career, but he also endangers the safety of his family. Furthermore, the most important lesson that Atticus teaches his children is about true courage. “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” (116). He wants Jem and Scout to understand the idea that even if the whole world turns against them, they should always strive to deliver justice. Atticus’ stature as a pillar of support of Maycomb faces the uncertainty of the bleak future, yet he continues so he can guide his children onto the correct