Heroism Shown in To Kill a Mockingbird
“I was in uniform for four years, and I know heroism doesn’t occur from taking orders, but rather from people who through their own willpower and strength are willing to sacrifice their lives for an idea”, said Thor Heyerdahl. Thor Heyerdahl was an author, an explorer, and someone who liked to create quotes. Thor’s quote means that true bravery and heroism isn’t someone who does what they are told, but instead someone brave enough to help others and fight for an idea knowing the possible consequences. Heroism was shown in this quote, but is also shown in the book To Kill a Mockingbird. In the book, the theme of heroism is illustrated through Atticus, Jem and Boo Radley.
I will first talk about Atticus and the ways that he showed heroism. The first example is when Scout asks, “ If you shouldn’t be defendin’ him, then why are you doin’ it?” (Lee, 75). Atticus says he took the trial because if he didn’t he wouldn’t be able to hold his head up or represent the county in the legislature. The reason this shows heroism is because he stood up for what he believed
…show more content…
“ Boo Radley. You were so busy looking at the fire you didn’t know it when he put the blanket around you,” said Atticus ( Lee, 72). Boo risked being seen for the first time just to help out Scout by putting a blanket around her. He stayed out of sight for all of that time and went out into the cold with the possibility of being seen. That showed bravery because he risked what he believed in to help somebody out. Another example is “ Bob Ewell fell on his knife. He killed himself,” said Heck ( Lee, 273). Boo Radley saved the kids the night that Bob Ewell attacked them. Boo killed Bob and Heck knew it, but he told Atticus Bob killed himself. If Boo hadn’t killed Bob then Scout and Jem would have probably died that night. Boo took a life to save two young lives and that is why Boo showed heroism in the