Jem Finch Courage

There are many different definitions of courage. In this novel courage is defined as an act of kindness that most would not display, that is appreciated or admired. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a story set in the 1920’s during a time of racism. It takes place in a small town of Maycomb. Atticus Finch is a lawyer in Maycomb, where he lives with his two children, Jem and Scout. Atticus is one of the few people in the community who is not racist and believes in treating others equally. Mrs. Dubose is a grumpy and sick old woman who lives by the Finches. Jem Finch starts out as a ten year old boy. He is very curious and matures greatly throughout the story. He takes care of Scout and keeps her out of trouble. The characters of Atticus,

The only human contact he has had is with his brother Nathan. All of the townspeople made rumours about him and viewed him as a menace. In the end readers come to understand that he is a shy and innocent character who doesn't experience the world like everyone else. Atticus quotes,”You never really understand someone until you consider things from his point of view. Until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”(33) Boo Radley's episodes of courage are very important to recognize. It was courageous of Boo to see Jem’s pants even though they were invading his space and property. Boo also reaches out to the children and put gifts in the tree for them. Both of these reasons are not deliberately stated in the text but the reader can justify. For Booch even reach out to the very scary outside world is very courageous. Boo monitors and watches over the children every day. He gets to know them without actually making contact. They are Boo’s only friends even though the children do not know what. The night Bob Ewell attacked the children Boo heard their creams and forgot about himself and his isolation and rushed to help them. He pulled Bob off of Scout and saved their lives. Some may argue Boo is not courageous because he stayed in his house his whole life and did what anyone else would do in this situation and saved the children but Boo risked of his life and exposed himself and risked his future all for these children. He put Jem and Scouts lives before his own even though they are not his own children. All of Boos acts of courage are always out of protection of those two children. Scout said to Atticus at the end of the novel, “Atticus, he was real nice.” “Most people are Scout, when you finally see them.(323) It not only took courage to defend the children from Bob Ewell, but it also took courage for Boo to be in the presence of others. Despite his need for privacy he was ready to answer his good deed