The Theme Of True Courage In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

As Nelson Mandela wisely said “ I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” The story centers around the Finch family and the lessons that both Jem and Scout Finch learn as their father defends a black man accused of rape. Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, we see the idea of true courage reflected in Jem Finch’s journey. With her words, Harper Lee paints a picture of what true courage as it is, and Jem Finch takes this lesson to heart as he sees examples of true courage in his life. For most of Jem’s life he had this false idea of bravery. When he was younger, he used to get teased by his sister (Scout) and their

Throughout Tom Robinson’s trial, he sees and recognizes Atticus’s bravery in standing up for Tom, not letting racial biases change his mind. Recognizing that Bob Ewell’s actions were wrong, Jem is distraught at the outcome of the trial: “It was Jem’s turn to cry. His face was streaked with angry tears as we made our way through the cheerful crowd. ‘It ain’t right,’ he muttered all the way to the corner of the square where we found Atticus waiting,” (212). Jem was upset at the fact that Tom, despite all Atticus did to try and protect him, was sent to prison. He didn’t see it as fair because his father risked so much to bring the truth out in to the open. After all of the events involving Tom Robinson, Bob Ewell threatened to get Atticus back: “Mr. Bob Ewell stopped Atticus on the post office corner, spat in his face, and told him he’d get him if it took the rest of his life,” (217). Bob Ewell followed through on his threat, which is where we see confirmation that Jem learnt the lesson of true bravery. Bob Ewell attacked Jem and Scout while they were walking and Jem protects Scout even if it meant he could