How Does Lee Use Moral Courage In To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird, is a powerful, classic piece of literature which heavily influenced readers through its enduring concepts since its initial publication. Written in 1960’s by Harper Lee, the passage is set in 1930’s America in the southern state of Alabama. A prominent period of racial segregation, in which most experienced horrendous brutality, political exclusion, and legal segregation. Harper Lee endeavours the key concept of moral courage through the practice of common racial cultural assumptions, beliefs and values present in 1930s America. Lee employs stylistic devices and aesthetic features to provide an insight into the characters mind, and therefore, provide a marginalised perspective of the racial segregation of blacks during

Much like Atticus’s experience with moral courage, Mrs Dubose exercises this by choosing to face her pain without reward. Calpurnia being a victim of segregation herself, chooses to open up about her culture and beliefs even with the expected source of judgement.

The characterisation of Atticus Finch, whose morals defies the racist ideology of Maycomb, best represents the concept of moral courage of Southern America in the 1930s. Atticus’ cultural values and beliefs are demonstrated through his ongoing support, and faith to defend his client, Tom Robinson, a black man who has been accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white-women. These qualities are reflected through a conversation between Atticus and Scout, about the forthcoming: “Atticus, are we going to win it? No, honey. Then why? – Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win” (P.101). The word “licked” is an allusion or reference to the deep-seated racial prejudice that existed in Southern society. Lee successfully utilises this allusion to invite readers to become more familiar and connected to

This is made clear when she teaches Scout on how to treat Walter Cunningham during dinner, "There are some people who don't eat like us, but you ain't called on to contradict 'em" (P. 27). Through this quote, Lee employs characterisation. African Americans were denied the freedom to criticize to whites in 1930s America. This quotation captures Calpurnia's courage in speaking up for what was right and wrong even if she lacked the legal authority to do so. Readers are encouraged by this moment to fight for what is right in their own lives. As she brings Scout and Jem to her coloured church in chapter 12, Calpurnia also exemplifies the fundamental idea of moral courage by speaking openly about her culture and values. Luna, an African woman in the church, challenges her about why she is bringing "white chillin' into a nigger church." Calpurnia retorts emphatically, "It's the same God, ain't it? (P. 158). Here, Lee presents Calpurnia as a moral role model through the use of an aphorism. Everyone thought white people were superior to African people in the 1930s.Lee’s use of aphorism here portrays Calpurnia as a righteous role model. Through this quote the audience is encouraged to view Calpurnia as an active role model for the children and displays moral courage by opening up about her cultural attitudes and values. This excerpt demonstrates how Calpurnia exhibits her moral