Examples Of Unlikely Heroes In To Kill A Mockingbird

There are heroes who have super strength, heroes that can fly, and then, there are the unlikely heroes. However, the latter group can often be marginalized because of social class. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Calpurnia, Boo, and Tom, fit this description flawlessly. These three characters demonstrate the qualities of an unlikely hero through their compassion for others, their humility, and their courage; but for various reasons are still marginalized.

Each of these characters exhibit compassion for others throughout the novel. This compassion, may not always be clear, but it can be interpreted through the characters dialogue. Calpurnia makes it clear that “I don't want anyone sayin’ I don’t look after my children”(Lee

We can draw conclusions about Calpurnia's character from this, and confidently state that Calpurnia has great compassion for others. In addition, this quote also has a more important significance. Calpurnia is clearly proud of her care for the children, but she explains how she does not want anyone saying she does not take good care of them. This is a perfect example of how this character is marginalized in this book. She clearly takes good care of her children but does not receive enough credit because of her class. In Calpurnia's case, it is her race that holds her back from the recognition. A similar example can be noted in Tom Robinson's instance. Tom justifies “I felt sorry for her, she seemed to try more’n the rest of them-”(Lee 264). This clearly demonstrates Tom’s compassion for others, because of how he feels bad for Mayella and wants to help her. Again, despite Tom’s compassion, His race tears down his great acts, which should not happen. In the context, Tom is on trial. Directly after he

One example of this is not what Boo Radley says, but rather what he does not. Scout exclaims “Why there he is, Mr. Tate, he can tell you his name”(Lee 362). Scout is calling out Boo Radley for saving Jem’s and Her life. Boo Radley has not said anything the whole time, in fact, he modestly stands behind the door in the corner, hoping not to be noticed, but rather to see if Jem is ok. This act is remarkable. Not only is he acting out of the compassion in his heart, but he is completely humble and does not seek any recognition. This one example in itself is proof that Boo is an unlikely hero. A very unlikely one. Throughout the whole novel, Boo is conveyed as a mean, lonely, scary man, as mentioned by the kids. This shows, how such a great hero can be marginalized, just because of their class. Boo is marginalized because of the way he lives his life and the type of house he lives in. He lives a low key, modest life, and he should not at all be sorted into any category because of this, but, he