Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird examines the idea of courage, both physical and the courage of your convictions. Physical being the usual perceived form of bravery, while courage of your convictions Atticus calls the second type of courage real courage, and tries to teach his young children the meaning of courage. Atticus believes that real courage is standing up for what you believe in, and following through with your goals even when there is no hope, because “you rarely win”. Jem and Scout learn about courage from Mrs. Dubose, Atticus Finch and Arthur “Boo” Radley.
Mrs. Dubose is a character used by Harper Lee to portray a “different” type of bravery, and according to Atticus, “she was the bravest person I ever knew.” Mrs. Dubose speaks
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In the beginning of the book Jem and Scout do not think of Atticus as courageous. They think that Atticus is not anything special since he does not play any sports, he was not in any wars, and he just sits and reads. When the rabid dog is threatening the town, Mr. Tate gives the gun to Atticus, remembering that he was the deadest shot in town. This shows the original and perceived form of courage, shooting a dog that could give you or the town rabies. As the children start to respect Atticus they realize that there are other types of courage. A turning point in the novel, is where Atticus and the gang first defend Tom Robinson from the Lunch Mob, then Atticus defends him at his trial. Atticus is almost certain that the jury will favor the lying Mayella and Mr. Ewell over an innocent black man. Atticus has the courage to stand up for what is right, even at the risk of physical danger and his reputation in the town. Even though Atticus usually does not seem outwardly like the courageous type of person, he is one of the bravest people in Harper Lee’s novel.
Arthur “Boo” Radley is one of most misunderstood characters in this book. Many theories and rumors circulate about the mysterious Boo, like that he “dines on squirrels” (16) or that “his hands [are] bloodstained”(16) These rumors only are fueled more by Arthur’s personality as a recluse. As he never comes out of his house. Mr. Radley shows courage particularly near