Courage In To Kill A Mockingbird Essay

, Research Paper

Courage

Harper Lee based many characters from her Pulitzer Prize winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, on important people in her own life. Her father, a southern lawyer, served as a model for Atticus Finch. Her older sister shared many of the same reclusive qualities as Boo Radley. It can be understood that these people in Lee s life were only foundations for the characters in To Kill a Mockingbird in view of the abundance of courageousness found in the novel. It would be very difficult to conceive that real people were actually as courageous as Atticus and Boo. To Kill a Mockingbird, a novel that Lee only regarded as a simple love story, is much more than that. This American classic incorporates powerful themes, one of which is courage. Throughout the novel, Atticus Finch is the most prominent figure of courage, displaying his bravery in nearly the entire length of the novel. Atticus black client that is accused of rape, Tom Robinson, also portrays courage in his composure and disposition. Though only appearing in flesh once, Boo Radley exhibits much courage with his valiant acts. These three major characters show tremendous courageousness from what they do and what they don t do and they teach each other the true meaning of word.

Atticus Finch, the central figure of the plot, is the most noble and courageous character and this is easily seen through his actions. His stance against the townsfolk s prejudice beliefs is a major reason for why he is the portrait of courageousness. Atticus puts all his heart into defending Tom Robinson even though everyone in Maycomb is against Tom because he is black. The citizens of Maycomb carry their disapproval of Atticus into verbal scorn and extreme actions. Despite this, Atticus goes on because he recognizes Tom Robinson s innocence and he has deeply rooted values of what is right and wrong. His understanding that racism is wrong during the 1930 s in a small town in Alabama and his willingness to go against the consensus of the people shows his genuine courageousness. Atticus stands behind what he truly believes and takes the next step by also instilling his morals in his children, Jem and Scout. Because he shares his ethics with his children, he prevents outsiders from manipulating them. Outsiders such as Cecil Jacobs, Francis, and Mrs. Dubose convey their disapproval of Atticus towards Jem and Scout, who learn to hold their heads high and maintain the same courage they see in Atticus.

Almost all the citizens of Maycomb resent Atticus for his position on racial issues yet they still have respect for him because they always count on Atticus to muster up courage to do Maycomb s dirty work. This is best portrayed from the incident when Tim Johnson, a rabid dog, is loose on the streets. Take him, Mr. Finch, says Heck Tate, the police chief, as refers to Tim Johnson. Heck, afraid to shoot the rabid dog, wishes to hand the gun and thus the responsibility to a hesitant Atticus Finch. Mr. Tate justifies his stance by saying that this is a one-shot job because the Radley house will be hit if his own marksmanship is off and he knows Atticus was the deadest shot in Maycomb County in his time. Atticus doesn t believe in shooting anymore but he realizes that Heck Tate is right and that he must take the responsibility. He successfully shoots Tim Johnson in one shot after a refrain from shooting a firearm for more than thirty years. This responsibility is very heavy and difficult to bear, but Atticus understands and fulfills his role of doing the dirty work because he has the courage to do so. He bears this responsibility throughout the novel and he does not change much as he always upholds his values and bravery. He is not afraid to stand in front of the Maycomb County jail and protect Tom Robinson from a lynching mob because Atticus always does his best to do what s right. Atticus recognizes that it is his duty to protect Tom Robinson, so that is what he does. He won t let the Old Sarum bunch kill Tom, so he doesn t hesitate to gather his courage and do what he s supposed to do. When others accost him, he keeps his composure and always acts like a gentleman. After a disgruntled Bob Ewell spits in his face and makes threats, Atticus keeps his composure and does not let Bob Ewell get under his skin. He understands that he has more class than Mr. Ewell and if he did something to retaliate, he would lower himself to Bob s standards and become a coward. The citizens of Maycomb realize these qualities of Atticus, either consciously or unconsciously, and therefore they have respect for him. Because they respect him, the townfolk reelect him to his position as a county attorney so he can continue his role in doing what others fear to do.

Mr. Finch isn t the only reason why To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel that well portrays people and their acts of courage. Tom Robinson, a victimized black man, also upholds much bravery and valiancy. Tom Robinson is the ultimate victim in the novel. When Tom tries to be a good neighbor to Mayella Ewell, he is rewarded with a rape trial and consequently death. He shows much courage and integrity to help out Mayella, who has absolutely no friends and has never been respected by anyone. When she calls Tom to come inside the Ewell property and help her fix the door, Tom does so, seeing that Mayella never has anyone to help her. The door doesn t seem to be broken to Tom and as he