preview

How Does Atticus Finch Show Courage

Decent Essays

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines courage as “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird flawlessly fulfills this definition of courage by depicting everyday people carrying out acts of bravery in spite of their dangers, fears, or difficulties. To Kill a Mockingbird centers on Scout Finch and her experiences growing up in a small Alabama town during the Great Depression. Throughout the story, Scout’s wide-eyed view of society changes as she realizes other people’s morals do not coincide with her own ideals. Several variations of courage are shown throughout the book, including Atticus Finch’s defense of Tom Robinson, Mrs. Dubose’s decision to give up morphine, and Boo Radley’s rescue of Jem and Scout. …show more content…

In To Kill a Mockingbird, he defends Tom Robinson, an African-American, in a rape trial against a white woman. During the early 1930s, sympathetic feelings toward African Americans could make “reasonable people go stark raving mad” (Lee 117) and “think somebody’s favoring Negroes over and above themselves” (Lee 144). However, Atticus puts his reputation and safety in jeopardy to uphold his moral obligations. Atticus knows he will not win Tom Robinson’s trial, yet pursues the case “because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not try to win,” (Lee 101). Atticus’ fortitude in taking on a such a controversial case makes him “the bravest man who ever lived” (Lee

Get Access