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How Does Atticus Show Courage

Decent Essays

Depending on the person, the idea of courage has many different meanings. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird's, the definition of courage is “when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do” (149). The novels definition explains that one needs to do the right thing even if one doesn’t win. One of the main characters, Atticus Finch, has to make the right decision for a trial even if he knows he may not win. Atticus shows courage by respecting others decisions, being truthful to himself, and treating all people equally.
Atticus also shows courage through respecting and honoring others’ decisions. When the jury decided Tom Robinson was guilty, Atticus didn’t get upset. He handled the situation with courage and integrity. He wasn’t bitter about it because he knew he tried his best and there was nothing else he could do. If Atticus had gotten upset at the jury that might have affected the way the town of Maycomb thought of him. Atticus was a civilized person and showed integrity. Jem and Scout looked up to Atticus as a role model and him getting upset may have given them second thoughts. …show more content…

Atticus has the choice to defend Tom Robinson. Atticus accepts the case and the town of Maycomb shames him. In the novel, Atticus says “But do you think I could face my children otherwise? … I hope and pray I can get Jem and Scout through it without bitterness, and most of all, without catching Maycomb’s usual disease. Why reasonable people go stark raving mad when anything involving a Negro comes up… I just hope my children come to me for their answers instead of listening to the town.”(117). Atticus knows if he doesn’t take the case he wouldn’t be able to face his children and be honest with them because he wants to show them the right thing. Atticus needed to have the courage to be truthful and believe

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