Atticus Shows Courage In To Kill A Mockingbird

Courage is a very common theme and can be seen throughout a variety of different novels. Many characters show acts of courage even though they might not be for the right reasons. In the book To Kill A Mockingbird, Jem and Scout grow up in a small town that has racial prejudice towards blacks. The children are taught courage by the way people in Maycomb act and as they grow older they learn to distinguish what is right and what is wrong.
The first character who teaches Jem courage is Atticus. He teaches Jem courage by standing up for Tom Robinson at the jail for Jem then stands up for Atticus when the men come. “Son, I said go home. Jem shook his head”(202). Another way Atticus teaches Jem courage is when he tells him the true meaning of courage. “Its when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what”(149). Atticus also defends Tom Robinson in the trial even though he knows the outcome which leads to Jem further understanding what Atticus said about true courage. “It ain't right Atticus, said Jem. No son, its not right.” Over all, it is clear that Atticus makes a huge impact on Jem's life by teaching him courage through a series of different events.

She teaches Scout to not be afraid of being different as they went to the all black church. “I wants to know why you bringin white chillun to nigger church.” “They’s my comp’ny”(158). Another way Scout learns about courage is when Aunt Alexandra was talking about offensive things in front of Calpurnia. “Don’t talk like that in front of her”(156). Scout also goes to the missionary circle and she shows courage that she learned from standing up for Calpurnia. “Excuse me Mrs. Merriweather” I interrupted, “are you all talking about Mayella Ewell”(310)? As can be seen above, Calpurnia teaches Scout to be courageous even when she was different from everyone