Courage in To Kill a Mockingbird
In the coming-of-age novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, published in 1960, Harper Lee introduces the small town of Maycomb, Alabama. The reader experiences the point of view of a young child during the great depression. The town of Maycomb has all different kinds of people and shows their way of living. The narrator, Jean Louis Finch, also known as Scout, grows in knowledge of her hometown and her beliefs. In the novel Atticus defines courage as when one knows he or she is licked but continues with the activity anyway. Harper Lee demonstrates courage when Atticus takes on the Tom Robinson trial, Mrs. Dubose puts an end to her morphine addiction before she dies and when Scout stands up to the mob to help Atticus.
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In the novel Atticus defends Tom Robinson because he felt and knew that was the right thing to do. Even though Atticus knows he has little to no chance of winning the case, he still proceeds to defend Tom. While Atticus explains to Scout why he is taking on the case he states, “I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this country in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again,” (Lee 100). Atticus takes on the case knowing he may not win but does it anyways because it’s what he feels is the right thing to do. No matter what other people may do or say he does it anyway. Atticus’ belief of equality helps him demonstrate