Examples Of Courage In To Kill A Mockingbird

As its definition asserts, moral courage is the courage to take action and show integrity in the face of personal harm or danger for a greater cause despite the risk of adverse consequences. Back in the 1930’s, people lived by what is now socially unacceptable morals such as racism. These times were hard; the Great Depression leaving many broken and poor, forced to do hard work for little reward. People's principles were not exactly what they are now, many enslaving African Americans to do hard work without pay, and blaming them for their misfortunes. Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird is a great example of this period and lifestyle, but at the same time exemplifies how there were people who had courage to show their personal morals,

There are several reasons Atticus takes the case, even though the odds of winning are slim due to the notion that in the courts of the 1930’s “ when it’s a white man's word against a black man's, the white man always wins.” (Lee 220) Atticus defends Tom for two reasons: out of respect for his own moral belief in racial equality and to be an example to his children. Atticus shows great courage when he takes the case, knowing his belief in racial equality is not accepted by the community. His whole family suffer the consequences and his children are exposed to the harsh reality of the racist justice system. To Atticus, it would not be fair for him to deny what he lives by just for his children, people he is raising to be morally upright like himself. He makes it clear that “He’s the same in the courtroom as he is on the public streets”(Lee 203). Even in the most unfair situations like Tom Robinson's trial, Atticus shows how difficult acting on moral courage can be for himself, but also the importance it has for him and his

Gandhi, after studying law in England, took many opportunities to publicly show his beliefs in nonviolence, through nonviolent rallies. He was later imprisoned for two years after acting on his morals. It took him courage to make these decisions, and take a stand, knowing and facing the consequences. Gandhi made it clear that “True morality consists not in following the beaten track, but in finding the true path for ourselves, and fearlessly following it.” Himself and Atticus follow this example in their actions. Moral courage is still seen today in politics and particularly in the 2016 presidential election. While many beliefs and ideals clash, many people stand up for what they think is best and right for themselves and others. Our country works, even though there are many disagreements and differing views. This connects to Harper Lee's, To Kill a Mockingbird and main character Atticus in how the town of Maycomb is unfairly divided by racism, similar to how our country is divided on political beliefs. Atticus hopes that by defending Tom Robinson the best he can, he is setting an example for not only his children, but for the rest of Maycomb, living by Gandhi's words “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Atticus, Gandhi and many others show how to be morally courageous even in the face of