Courage: Harper Lee’s Commentary on the Effects of Rebelling for the Sake of Justice In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird from 1960, she uses details in order to portray that Atticus’ heroic character encourages us to stand up for what we believe in, no matter the obstacles. Lee’s use of details portrays the act of compassion through Boo, revealing that compassion takes courage by refusing to conform to the status-quo that our public creates for us in order to show kindness to other around us. Boo’s humanity is acknowledged when “‘…he put the blanket around you’”, {referring to Scout}(pg. 96). Atticus’ tone is almost whimsical, in the way of teasing Scout for not noticing Boo after spending so much time trying to get a glimpse at him, expecting a monster of a person. Boo Radley’s actions symbolize that being brave in the act of compassion is far more important than the cowardice of hiding in shame from the eyes of society. He proves that, even though he has been all, but shunned, he still has a pure enough heart to go out and give warmth to Scout. …show more content…
Atticus told Scout that they “‘…could not operate a single day without Cal…’”, which is a perfect example on how Calpurnia took on a heavy role when Scout and Jem’s mother was not alive to do so (pg. 33). When telling this to Scout, Atticus’ tone is one of being appreciative of Calpurnia and her motherly capacity. Calpurnia has a home and a family of her own to take care of, but she sees this family in need and takes them on as a ‘mother’, knowing that Atticus gives her freedom to leave. Because of Calpurnia’s courage to ‘mother’ these children, she validates that taking charge over a situation during a time of need when no one else can or will is just as heroic as fighting for