E.E. Cummings once said, "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are," this is true according to Harper Lee as represented in her only novel. To Kill a Mockingbird is a great example of loss of innocence but the most paramount theme remains to be; true courage. True courage is the main theme throughout the novel and its represented within the characters: Jem, Scout and Atticus. Courage is shown within the characters of To Kill A Mockingbird in several situations; Jem, Scout and Atticus are challenged to face agony and danger without fear throughout the novel. The courage they display gives them strength and deepens their self-understanding as the novel progresses. Jem shows courageous bravery in the very first chapter. Dill…show more content… Being labeled a tom-boy from the beginning, readers can see this in Scout's persistent ability to argue with anyone that comes along or any adult that questions her. Because Scout is a child for the most part of the novel, she is not always aware of the danger around her nor the consequences of her aid. Author Harper Lee mixes humor into what is potentially a deadly situation for Scout the night that the mob enters the jailhouse. “This was the second time I heard Atticus ask that question in two days, and it meant somebody's man would get jumped. This was too good to miss. I broke away from Jem and ran as fast as I could to Atticus...I thought he would have a fine surprise, but his face killed my joy. A flash of plain fear was going out of his eyes,” (Lee 173). The men spoke in whispers as if they didn't want to wake the man they were about to attack. Scout sees this situation turn to a more dangerous one when the men man-handle Jem. Then comes Scout courageously to the rescue. “I kicked the man swiftly. Barefooted, I was surprised to see him fall back in real pain. I intended to kick his shin, but aimed too high," (Lee 174). This courageous act was followed by another when Scout unknowingly subdued the mob with her innocent small talk. Scout accomplishes many other insignificant courageous acts, but this one is paramount to another character, Arthur “Boo” Radley. Scout meets Boo face-to-face for the very first time. Scout…show more content… Atticus shows courage many ways, one being him taking the Tom Robinson trial and defending Tom vigorously pitting himself against the actions and customs of the already prejudice Maycomb. Atticus then goes on to say, “It's when you know your licked from the start, but you start anyway and see it through. No matter what, you'll rarely win, but sometimes you do,” (Lee 112). Atticus is shown great remorse when Tom Robinson is convicted guilty by the prejudiced jury, and Tom is sentenced. He responds with a sly remark, “The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person conscience” (Lee 108). Atticus shows great courage when he positions himself in front of Tom Robinson and the mob that has come for him, without him knowing what will happen. Atticus remains unarmed throughout the meeting with the angry mob. Atticus don’t show any fear until the children suddenly show up and put themselves at risk. Atticus does not fear for his own safety but only for the safety of his children. Another display of Atticus' courage is among the rabid dog, the one he had to shoot in front of the Radley house. Atticus knowing he hasn’t fired a gun in ages, takes the weapon and courageously defends the residents from the sick animal. “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