The novel To Kill a Mocking Bird is written by Harper Lee in 1960. The story takes place in the tired old town of Maycomb, during the Great Depression. It is inspired by the author's own experiences growing up during these hard times. During the novel, Scout and Jem mistake physical strength for courage. However, true courage is the inner desire to do what is righteous, no matter the consequences that result from your decision. The theme of courage and strength is evident in Harper Lee's novel To Kill A Mockingbird (1960), through Mrs. Dubose's battle against her morphine addiction, Atticus' willpower to challenge Maycomb's racism, and Mr. Underwood's decision to put his racist opinions aside and do what he knows is right.
Mrs. Dubose's fight against her morphine addiction is an example of true courage and strength. She is a sick old woman, awaiting death. Nevertheless, she has one final objective to fulfill before her life comes to an end. She wishes to leave this world free of addiction. Atticus tells Scout and Jem that; "She said she was going to leave this world beholden to nothing and nobody." (Lee 148). Despite her rude, irritable, and racist personality, Mrs.
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Underwood shows courage by writing an editorial on the trial. Atticus says, " You know, it's a funny thing about Braxton. He despises Negroes, won't have one near him." (209). Yet despite the fact that Mr. Underwood is racist, he invites criticism in this editorial because it goes against common belief in Maycomb's society. Scout explains Mr. Underwood's intentions as: "Mr. Underwood didn’t talk about miscarriages of justice, he was writing so children could understand. Mr. Underwood simply figured it was a sin to kill cripples, be they standing, sitting, or escaping. He likened Tom’s death to the senseless slaughter of songbirds by hunters and children …" (323). This proves that even racists like Mr. Underwood do not approve of shooting a man like Tom Robinson, who is obviously