How Does Lee Show Courage In To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee is a domestic fictional novel that portrays the awakening to racism and prejudice through the eyes of a young girl named Jean Louise Finch, Scout. Growing up in the “tired old town” (9) of Maycomb, the protagonist Scout matures through many encounters in a world that evolves from pure innocence and fun to a world of segregation and injustice. Throughout these trials, Harper Lee illustrates Scout’s innocence, maturity, and courage. Lee provokes the theme of courage through the literary devices of conflict and symbolism. Atticus Finch and Aunt Alexandra are also characters who illustrate symbols of moral courage. These characters highlight the very basis of what it means to be courageous. Courage, in To Kill

Atticus is Scout’s father and a lawyer who demonstrates the values of compassion, thoughtfulness, honesty, and morality, “I couldn’t go to church and worship God if I didn’t try to help.” (109) Atticus symbolizes courage for Tom Robinson through the values that make Atticus an outstanding defender. This is why “the court-appointed Atticus to defend him [Tom Robinson].” (166) Atticus believed that everyone, black or white should be given a chance to be proven not guilty. Atticus knew it was “the right thing to do at the time.” (235) Despite Atticus Finch’s valiant effort to defend Tom Robinson, Tom was found guilty and placed in the “Maycomb County jail” (9). Tom knew his life was over and therefore he tried to escape. As he was scaling the prison wall “they shot him, said Atticus. He was running.” (238) Atticus felt responsible for Tom’s death, “Cal, I want you to come out with me and help me tell Helen.” (238) Atticus shows real courage defending Tom Robinson despite all of the adverse opinions from Maycomb County. He fought for what was right regardless of whether he won or

Alexandra is Scout’s aunt, she is bold, blunt, and brusque “given the slightest chance she would exercise her royal prerogative: she would arrange, advise, caution, and warn.” (131) Like Atticus, Alexandra stays within bounds but follows her own code. She invites women from her “missionary circle” (231) to have tea with her. The women gossip for a time, talking in particular about Mayella Ewell and how their black servants have been acting angry since the trial. “Thought they were doing the right thing a while back, but all they did was stir’ em up.” (235) The ladies even go so far as to allude to Atticus in their small talk although, for once, Alexandra silently sticks up for him. “I mean this town. They’re perfectly willing to let him do what they’re afraid to do themselves.” (239) Aunt Alexandra symbolizes courage at the Tea Party because, despite her cold demeanor, she represents and protects the viewpoints of her