To Kill A Mockingbird Quotes To Show Courage

In “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Harper Lee demonstrates the power of courage in Atticus Finch and Mrs. Dubose, showing that true courage is continuing on the path of what is right no matter the consequences, humiliation, or difficulty along the way. Mrs. Dubose exhibits courage by fighting her morphine addiction in order to die free, a seemingly impossible task. Though it may be difficult, even painful at times, she pushes through, facing her problems rather that ignoring them in hope that she can die with dignity and pride in the person she was. When Atticus explained her situation and goal to his children, he told them that Mrs. Dubose “said she was going to leave this world beholden to nothing and nobody. Jem, when you’re sick as she was,

She said she meant to break herself from it before she died, and that’s what she did” (148). Mrs. Dubose pushed through the pain; she could have made it easy on herself, continued on the path she was on, and just let go, but she didn’t. Because she wanted her dignity – she wanted to like herself – she kept fighting all the way through when many would have given up long before. Atticus also told Jem and Scout, to explain the courage of Mrs. Dubose after her passing, that he “wanted [them] to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do” (149). Atticus saw the courage that Mrs. Dubose had because she kept fighting until her final breath. She was the kind of person who

Atticus knows that “there’s been some high talk around town to the effect that [he] shouldn’t do much about defending [Tom Robinson]” (100). However, even though his family and friends my disagree, may even think less of him, Atticus’ interaction with this case gives his cause to think greater of himself because he is fighting for what he believes in. This kind of situation is difficult when you’re opposing you’re enemies, but even harder when you are up against your friends. Even so, Atticus on the path he knows is right, risking his popularity and status among the town. Atticus tells Scout, “you just hold your head high and keep your fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don’t you let ’em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change” (101). Not giving in to emotion right away also shows courage. There’s courage in going about things the right way – rather than the easy way – and sticking with it; in avoiding being impulsive even when you know you aren’t likely to win the civilized way. There’s courage in standing up for what you believe in, and further, taking pride in it, holding your head high, and not reacting harshly to those who see things another