Adversity In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

Courage in the Face of Adversity

From Susan B. Anthony fighting for women’s suffrage to Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on a bus, many of the most prominent figures in history have shown tremendous courage. Courageous acts and people are not only part of history but are also central to the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The novel includes a variety of themes, but the most significant is that courage is not the lack of fear but rather perseverance and integrity in the face of insurmountable adversity and possible repercussions, which Lee reveals when Atticus, along with Scout, Jem, and Dill, faces a lynch mob. Atticus defends Tom Robinson against the mob and Jem stands up to his father when he stays to protect him, while

Scout describes when Atticus unexpectedly leaves to go to Maycomb’s jail, where Tom Robinson is being held: “[Atticus] came into the living room carrying a long electrical extension cord. There was a light bulb on the end. ‘I’m going out for a while,’ he said,” (201). Atticus knows that a mob will come to lynch Tom Robinson, so he goes to the jail late at night to protect him, putting himself at risk. He doesn’t bring any weapons or anything he could use to defend himself, instead choosing only to take with him a lightbulb, to allow him to read in the dark. Although the mob is planning violence, Atticus is a man of virtue and he refuses to sink to their level, despite the danger to himself. After the lynch mob arrives at the jail, Atticus tells the group that Heck Tate, Maycomb’s sheriff, will not let them do anything to harm Tom, but the mob was prepared: “‘Called ‘em off on a snipe hunt,’ was the succinct answer. ‘Didn’t you think a’that, Mr. Finch?’ ‘Thought about it, but didn’t believe it. Well then,’ my father’s voice was still the same, ‘that changes things, doesn’t it?’” (202). Even after he learns that Heck Tate, Maycomb's sheriff, has been tricked and will not be there to help him, Atticus does not abandon his defense of Tom Robinson or give in to the mob. He perseveres, disregarding the fact that he has no protection

When Atticus find out that Jem, Scout, and Dill followed him into town, he demands that they go home, but Jem refuses: “We were accustomed to prompt, if not always cheerful acquiescence to Atticus‘s instructions, but from the way he stood Jem was not thinking of budging,” (203). Jem is maturing, and he is starting to understand the situation that Atticus is in because of his defense of Tom Robinson. While he would normally obey Atticus, he realizes that protecting his father against the lynch mob is more important. Jem displays his courage even in his stance, emphasizing that he is doing what he thinks is right in spite of the challenges he faces. As Scout interacts with the mob, Atticus continues to demand that the children go home: “‘Atticus stood trying to make Jem mind him. ‘I ain’t going,’ was his steady answer to Atticus’s threats, requests, and finally, ‘Please Jem, take them home,’” (204). Atticus communicates the dangers of the situation to his son as he begs Jem to bring Scout and Dill home, but Jem understands the risks and believes that they are outweighed by the need to protect Atticus. Jem’s integrity in protecting his father reveals how courageous he is becoming as he gets