The Presence of Courage in To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

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What is Courage? If you looked in a dictionary you would find that it would say, "courage is a quality that enables one to face danger or pain without showing fear". Harper Lee, in her book To Kill a Mockingbird, truly understands courage and all of its many different forms. There are many different characters in the novel who commit courageous acts of both big and small. Whether it be ancient Mrs.Dubose, wise Atticus Finch, or mysterious Boo Radley, the theme of courageous acts even with great opposition is displayed numerous times throughout this story.

The first example of unlikely courage is seen in the foil character, Mrs. Dubose. Though at first seeming to be one of the many examples of the town folk's hostility and abuse towards the Finch's Mrs. Dubose's character quickly reveals it's true purpose. Jem, due to a vandalizing incident, has been forced to read, by Atticus, every day to Mrs. Dubose. The children loathe her, however, as they are subjected to her constant racist remarks and insulting barbs about their father. Their opinion changes once they learn that Mrs. Dubose ...

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