Examples Of Courage In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Courage is displayed not only in the real world, but in the world of fiction as well. This concept of fearlessness is portrayed in various novels throughout history. Harper Lee’s, To Kill a Mockingbird, is no exception. Courage is the underlying theme that is evidenced all through this novel. The main characters Atticus, Jem, and Scout Finch exhibited courage when facing the inevitable problems of life. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch displays courage when he simultaneously stands up for what he believes in and accepts the Tom Robinson case. Atticus knew that he would lose the case from the beginning; it was a white man’s word against that of an African American man. During the 1930s, racial prejudices were extremely strong at the time. In spite of being aware of this, Atticus defends Tom Robinson and insists on his innocence. He believes that “courage is not a man with a gun in his hand”(112). It takes a great deal of courage for him to do the right thing when he knew that he and his family would be targeted because of his actions. Atticus even has to stand up to his sister, who strongly believes that his actions would result in disgrace to the family name.…show more content…
In the beginning of the novel, Jem interprets courage as being able to face every dare that he was challenged with, including being able to touch the Radley place. However, one can see that he views bravery in a completely different later in the book. When Jem realizes that the enraged group of people at the jailhouse might possibly kill Atticus, he refuses to leave his father’s side, at the same time, openly disobeying Atticus for the first time. When his father attempts to make him leave, Jem stubbornly responds with a simple, “I ain’t going”(153). This act of defiance reveals an immense amount of courage and
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