Many people often have a tough time facing their issues head on. This could be for an array of different reasons such as lack of confidence or poor judgment; however, most times it will be because of a lack of bravery and courage. This conflict is displayed throughout the award-winning novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Bravery and Courage is a big part of the novel. It is seen in various different characters such as Jem, Scout and even Mrs. Dubose. Without the aspect of Bravery, the characters would not be able to navigate through the everyday issues they face in the small and racist town of Maycomb. Obviously, there are many instances in part one of the novel where the characters show their courage and overcome the issues they face. One of which …show more content…
This was after Jem and Scout felt as if their father was older than most and was not able to do much besides read. They soon learn who their father truly was. Atticus was given the nickname “One Shot Finch” (Lee 111). Jem and Scout now feel so proud that their father has some sort of unbelievable talent. Atticus obviously shows bravery when he goes out of harm's way to shoot the dog and protect his neighborhood and family. Another example of Courage in Atticus is seen in the last few chapters of part one of the novel. Atticus is defending a black man in one of his cases as a lawyer. Most of the people of Maycomb despise him for it. His own family disapproves of him. People at Scout’s school cursed and insulted her father. Atticus’s social status has been completely diminished, however, he feels that he is doing the right thing. Atticus believes in equality for everyone, regardless of race. He does not care what others have to say. He sets a great example for his kids by teaching them what bravery and courage really is. “I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his
Finally, Atticus Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird is another character that displays courage throughout the book. The first way that Atticus shows courage is by shooting Tim Johnson, the mad dog. Tim Johnson had rabies and was coming towards their neighborhood. Atticus, who hadn’t shot a gun in years, had been known for his shooting skills and was told that he had to shoot the dog, if he had missed he could have harmed someone, startled the dog, or put them in danger which is why this incident was so courageous of him. Secondly, Atticus took on Tom Robinson’s case which took lots of courage because he knew how the town of Maycomb would react and the tormenting him and his family would go through. Not only this but Atticus was determined to
When Jem and Scout go running to Calpurnia because they see a mad dog down the street Atticus comes back to the house as soon as he can. The children soon discover that their father used to be the best shot in town and his old nickname was “One-shot Finch.” During this chapter the children truly separate and become more independent. Scout is always wanting to brag about how good her father is at shooting a gun while Jem interestingly enough, claims that his dad is "a gentleman, just like me!" because Atticus chose not to flaunt his gift with everyone that he saw.
In the book To Kill a Mockingbird, one theme that stands out is, courage means fighting for what is right, no matter what the cost. In the book Atticus defends an African American named Tom Johnson. Since he is African American, Atticus’ family and friends aren’t happy with him. In Maycomb, they didn’t appreciate African Americans at the time. Atticus is so protective he doesn’t tell Scout because he doesn't want her to think any different of him.
Atticus is one of the most bravest people in Maycomb. He shows true courage by defending Tom Robinson based on the principle of right and wrong. For example, on page 88, he says, “ It couldn't be worse, Jack. The only thing we've got is a black mans word against the Ewells”. At this moment Atticus explains to his brother Jack, why he had to defend Tom Robinson. Atticus influences his children by being brave enough to defend a black man. Atticus was getting ready to the next trial, by telling uncle Jack that the trial essentially boils down to Bob and Mayella's words against Tom Robinson testimony. Later Atticus shows true bravery by “ Standing outside of Tom robinson's cell, knowing that the men from the town will show up trying to kill
Another device that assists in portraying courage is through the characterization of one of the main focused characters, which during the whole duration of the novel was flat and static, Atticus Finch. In the narrative, To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus shows many daring moments, as a lawyer and father, he is a role model to not only the coloreds’ in Maycomb community but including the kids, Jem and Scout. To Scout, he speaks to her about fighting all the time because of what people say about him and he tells her a bit of advice, “… You may hear some ugly talk about it at school, but do one thing for me if you will: you just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don’t you let ‘em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change… it’s a good one, even if it does resist learning.” (76) Since his daughter, Scout, was already hearing so many negative feedback from many people in Maycomb including the kids her age, she had got into it with a classmate of hers, Cecil Jacobs, after verbalizing how Atticus “defends
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.
In the book To Kill a Mockingbird there are many acts of courage. Some displayed their courage against evil that was strong at that time and help start the recognition of the cruel outlook on African Americans. Some displayed their courage to save themselves or another. Atticus Finch, Jem Finch, Arthur Radley, and Mrs. Dubose display courage exactly as it is defined.
Mini Research Paper Acts of courage are everywhere but no one really pays attention them. Courage is a recurring theme in the book To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Atticus, Jem, and Boo are some of the characters in the story that continuously show acts of courage throughout. Atticus defends a colored man in the court of law, Jem laying hands on the terrifying and dreaded Radley house, and last but certainly not least Boo Radley Shows the most courage when he ends a man's life to save Jem and Scout.
One character who showed courage in To Kill a Mockingbird was Atticus. An example of him displaying courage is him defending Tom Robinson, even when he is looked down upon, scorned, and threatened for doing so. He knows there is basically no chance he can win this case, but he believes in Tom’s innocence, and defends him to the end. “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.” (Lee p. 87) Atticus needed courage to do what he did, even in the face of his family and him being rejected by their community.
Lastly, Atticus Finch shows both physical and emotional bravery multiple times throughout the story. He first exhibits his physical bravery by shooting down a rabid dog. “With movements so swift they seemed simultaneous, Atticus’s hand yanked a ball-tipped lever as he brought the gun to his shoulder. The rifle cracked. Tim Johnson leaped, flopped over and crumpled on the sidewalk in a brown-and-white heap. He didn’t know what hit him” (127). The towns own sheriff
In the book To Kill A Mockingbird shows us a theme of Courage . In the book To Kill A Mockingbird told through the eyes of Scout shows us life in Maycomb back in the 1930’s. When Tom Robinson was accused of raping a white woman named Mayella causing a lot of events in which the characters had to show courage in some shape or form to help the society become a whole. Atticus, Boo Radley and Jem show courage and created positive a change in their society.
It’s not until more than halfway through the plot that Jem realizes the legitimate importance of his father's actions in both of their lives. An event that Scout remembers quite vividly is the Tim Johnson incident. When they saw Tim Johnson, Heck Tate and Atticus were discussing who would take the shot, and Heck Tate made the final argument that Atticus has the better shot out of the two of them. It is important that is only takes one shot to wipe out Tom Johnson, because if he does not go down with one shot, the do not know how he will react. Heck Tate shortly exclaimed, “Mr. Finch, this is a one-shot job. … I can’t shoot that well and you know it! Mr. Heck Tate almost threw the rifle at Atticus. I’d feel mighty comfortable if you did it now” (Lee 127). Heck Tate was really trying to get Atticus to take the shot, even though Atticus was reluctant about it. It then occurred to Atticus that they dog needs to be taken care of, for everyone’s safety. This took an immense amount of courage from Atticus. This also shows how Atticus is civilized at heart. He did not shoot the dog until he had too, which you can not say the same about many of the townspeople in Maycomb. Atticus had the courage to do something no one else wanted to do, while risking himself at the same
This quote shows that,when Jem realises his dad wasn’t what he portrayed to be and that he was a real courageous person. It also shows the courage that Atticus has to shoot the dog when he knows his family is watching him and will be surprised,but for the sake of maycomb county he shoots the dog anyway.
In the book To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, there are many instances and events where characters show great amounts of courage. In the novel, courage is shown in many ways: people facing hardships of the depression, standing tall against oppression and reprimandation, and facing their own fears and demons. Some characters show more courage than others, but in the story overall many characters have their own examples of how courage can be shown in small ways.
Lastly, Atticus shows his kids how to show courage throughout the book. Atticus was a good example of showing courage when he took the Tom Robinson case. He knew Tom Robinson needed help and Atticus showed that it is always right to help anyone. He said “This case, Tom Robinson’s case, is something that goes to the essence of a man’s conscience, Scout. I couldn’t go to church and worship god if I didn’t help that man (Lee 139).” Another example of Atticus showing courage is when he shoots the dog so it doesn’t hurt anyone. Atticus did not want to shoot anything,