How Does Lee Show Courage In To Kill A Mockingbird

“ To Kill a Mockingbird” is a story about a county in Alabama in the 1930’s, drawing attention to the the different social classes in the South and the racism that occurred during that time. Characters in difficult situations unexpectedly showing courage is one of the major themes in this book, and is shown through many of the actions that people take in this story. In the book, the word courage can be defined as the ability to withstand hatred and judgement with a high head and a grateful heart. This book has many courageous characters, including but not limited to Atticus Finch, Reverend Sykes, Boo Radley, and Dolphus Raymond.

One character in “To Kill a Mockingbird” who embodies this definition of courage is Atticus Finch. Atticus

One of his first acts of courage is when he boldly decides to take a court case defending a black man, which at the time was not something to be praised for. Scout asked why he took the case and he responded with“For a number of reasons. The main reason is, if I didn’t I couldn't hold my head up in town, I couldn’t represent this county in this legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again” (Lee, 100). This quote explains that many people in this town would not be brave enough to take this case, because many people in Maycomb are racist, meaning that Atticus would be judged and hated on for doing this. Atticus is doing what he knows is right, despite potentially risking professional and personal relationships to do so. Acting on his morals rather than conforming to the expectations of the town proves that Atticus is one of the most courageous characters in the story. Another act of courage Atticus performs is when the lynch mob is trying to kill Tom Robinson, however he tries to stall by talking them out of killing him when

He was present during Tom Robinson's trial. Although he knew he was not going to win the trial and he knew that most of the jury was racist, he still had faith in Atticus. While Atticus did not win the trial, Reverend Sykes was still grateful that he fought the good fight, tried his hardest, and represented the people who are the least respected. This means a lot to Reverend Sykes and the black community in Maycomb county. Sykes shows his gratitude when the trial is over as Atticus walks down the aisle where he is sitting, he says to Scout “Miss Jean Louise, Stand Up, Your father's passin’ “( Lee, 283). This quote is such an important representation of courage because even though all of the odds were against Tom and Atticus, and most of the black community in Maycomb knew they were going to lose this case, they still had faith in Atticus and were proud that he tried his hardest and gave his all. Even though that court case did not change the social status of African Americans in Maycomb they still had the decency to stand up for