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How Does Lee Show Courage In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Have you ever done something that you never thought you would? Or that took a lot of courage? This idea is strongly suggested in Harper Lee’s historical fiction novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. This story follows Atticus, Scout, and Jem Finch in Maycomb County during the Great Depression. It carries you through the struggles the Finch family faces while Atticus defends Tom Robinson, a black man who is being falsely accused of rape. It brings you along the journey of Scout and Jem, who face harder challenges that no six or ten year old should go through. Being that they are so young, it takes a lot of courage to get through these hard times. They have interactions with other characters such as Mrs. Dubose and Boo Radley to help them learn about these things. Throughout the novel, Harper Lee shows that courage is not …show more content…

Atticus takes on the case of Tom even though all odds are against him. Tom Robinson is a black man who is falsely accused of raping a white woman. The people in the town are taking out their anger and frustration over the case on Atticus. During this time, the color of Tom's skin is what is making people think he was guilty. Atticus knows that he will get a case that will affect his home life eventually, and this case was it. He does his best to teach Jem and Scout how to handle it and be strong. "Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started, there is no reason for us not to try to win." (Lee 87). Going into this case, Atticus knows that he is going to lose. He knows that all odds are against him and that there is very little chance of winning, but he knows that he has to try. Atticus taking this case just proves how brave and determined he is. Taking this case could be life changing for him in the worst way, but he takes it anyway. Everyone is being discriminative towards him and his whole family but he continues to hold his head

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683 Words | 3 Pages

In To Kill A Mockingbird courage is a very apparent in Harper Lee’s message in the book. A good example of this is, according to Atticus Finch, one of the main characters in To Kill A Mockingbird, "Courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. " This is exemplified when Atticus takes the trial of Tom Robinson, but we’ll get into that later. Also when Boo Radley fights Bob Ewell in the woods for Scout and Jem, and my last example of when Mrs. Dubose dies in pain to not become a morphine addict. In To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee proves that you should always fight for something you believe in, even if it is destined to fail.

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916 Words | 4 Pages

This shows that Atticus isn’t afraid to stand up and fight through the challenges the court system throws at

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516 Words | 3 Pages

Atticus honestly tried his best to win the case for Tom, but the town had already made their decision when they first heard of the case. It took incredible courage to defend a black man in the 1930s. He tells Scout “ Simply because we are licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.” Atticus also displayed courage when he stood in front of the jail and protected Tom. He knew a mob of drunk countrymen would try to pull something and he was right.

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769 Words | 4 Pages

I mean everything.” ( 195) He knew that he had to take the case and defend Tom Robinson in court because it was the right thing to do, and he had to set an example for his kids, he had to show them that even though orders may not like it, you have to stand for what’s right and what you believe in. Another example of Atticus showing courage is when he goes to the prison cell to guard Tom Robinson’s sell from the Lynch mob, since in Page 194, Officer Tate was informing Atticus that trouble was most likely to go down, he decided to go alone at night in an attempt to stop the mob from getting to Tom Robinson, who he knew was innocent, in order to teach his kids that racism is

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1079 Words | 5 Pages

He explains how it is not fair to Tom that just because he is black, he is unjustly accused of something. Atticus understands and tries to point out the fact that if it was a white man in Tom’s position, the jury would have a different opinion on the situation. Atticus displays a prime example of how someone should try to achieve social justice, even when the situation is unfair. Also, while saying his statements, Atticus exclaims how Tom felt sorry for a white woman, Mayella, and that he had been forced to put his own word against two white people. Here, Atticus reinforces the thought of how this jury is unfair to Tom.

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693 Words | 3 Pages

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.

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1052 Words | 5 Pages

Scout comes to realize that the world is not as it seems and that it takes true courage to do the right thing with the help of her brother Jem, her dad Atticus, her Mysterious neighbor Boo Radley, and her

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1070 Words | 5 Pages

Atticus has been asked to defend Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman. It is a case he cannot hope to win, but he tells Scout

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1056 Words | 5 Pages

In fact, he seems to develop a sense of superiority over Scout whenever he notices her being hesitant to join because it makes him feel like he is better at hiding his anxiety. Additionally, Jem finds it very heroic of Atticus to have shot the aggressive dog almost effortlessly. It surprises him to the point that he tells Scout out of excitement, “’d you see him,

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1166 Words | 5 Pages

Despite racial inequalities in the South, Atticus sticks to his own morals and agrees to be the defending lawyer for Tom Robinson, a black man being accused of raping a white woman. Although Atticus’ defense in court was thorough and clearly proved Tom’s innocence, the jury was prejudiced towards black folks and convicted Tom as guilty. Nonetheless, Atticus is still a hero despite losing the case. He has the courage to stand up for what he believes in, fights with reason rather than guns, and has utmost determination, making him a hero despite being just an average human being. Ultimately, his thoughts and actions set the stage for major changes in the meaning of equality throughout Maycomb County, changing lives of numerous people.

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1082 Words | 5 Pages

Atticus took the Tom Robinson case, which prosecuted Tom for the raping of a young white female. Atticus knew that the case would be very difficult to prove he is not guilty but took it anyways. Many people questioned his actions and many disapproved of the example he was setting. But when his children asked, Atticus said “ The main one is, if I don’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this county in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem to do something again”(Lee 73).

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1114 Words | 5 Pages

Atticus clearly knew what he was getting into when he took the case, he knew how it would affect him and his children. He implied that he loved his children so much that he wouldn't be able to be the best parent to his ability if he did not take the case. Moreover, taking the case means he has to sacrifice the early innocence and security of his children. Scout and Jem would be faced with the reality of racism and learn about Maycomb’s usual disease. They would face people who disapprove of Atticus defending a Negro, and have to face the insults directed at him.

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612 Words | 3 Pages

Knowing he will lose the case because he is black, Atticus knows Tom is innocent and still tries his best to defend him at his best ability. In this story, stereotypes are a big part of it. The racism of the whites towards the blacks give unfair vibes. The theme changes the characters by causing them to judge each other based on their skin color and reputation.

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854 Words | 4 Pages

He bravely attempts the case which bounds to fail and stands on the opposite side of the folks and society. Moreover, he firmly believes in Tom and does not terrify affecting Finch Family’s reputation, begetting folks’ hatred, or Ewell Bob's immoral revenge. He handles this affair fairly and without any prejudice to Tom. The reasons are mere that he believes his decision is justified. Atticus employs his courage to complete a lawyer’s obligation, defend citizens' legal rights and honor the laws.

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628 Words | 3 Pages

Even though he knew he would lose the case, he pushed on. As Scout said during the trial, “It was like watching Atticus walk into the street, raise a rifle to his shoulder and pull the trigger, but watching all the time knowing the gun was empty.” (282) From the very beginning, Atticus expected he would suffer defeat, but he persevered to the end, showing a courage that many people would not soon forget.

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