William Schmitt
Mr. Ellison
Honors English 9
20 April 2023
In To Kill a Mockingbird, we are shown many details about multiple characters and how to find the good side in each one of them. It is revealed that even though someone may not seem like a good person at the time, they have motives for all of their actions. However, one main focus of this book is the courage some characters show. To Kill a Mockingbird shows courage can be found in those that appear least courageous through Atticus’ perseverance in the court case, Mrs. Dubose’s drug addiction, and even Mayella Ewell’s testimony.
First, courage is shown by the way Atticus goes about dealing with Tom Robinson’s case. Even though he believes that he will fail due to the injustice towards black people at this time. When confronted at the jailhouse, by the mob, about releasing Tom to be lynched, Atticus stands up for Tom. When told to move over Atticus responds with “You can turn around and go home…”(Harper Lee 172) This shows he cares and wants to protect Tom even in the face of adversity. Atticus also raises his kids to hold the same views and values as himself. When talking about black people Atticus says, “Don’t say nigger, Scout.” (Harper Lee 85)
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Dusbose’s attempt to quit drugs. At the time, Scout and Jem viewed Mrs. Dubose as a cranky, uptight, rude lady. We don’t realize until later that there was more to the story behind the scenes. When talking about Mrs. Dubose’s situation after death, he says, “...Courage is… when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.” (Harper Lee 128) This shows Mrs. Dubose’s courage because she was willing to sacrifice social skills to regain her health. Atticus later expresses further his thoughts about her when he states, “She was the bravest person I ever knew.” (Harper Lee