Real courage is often seen as the ability to face danger and overcome fear. However, Harper Lee, in her novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird', suggests that real courage is the ability to stand up for what you believe in, even when faced with opposition. In this essay, I will examine the idea of courage as depicted in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and argue that standing up for one's beliefs, despite the potential consequences, requires true courage.
Initially it is clear that in Harper Lee’s 'To Kill a Mockingbird' courage can be in the form of standing up for what you believe in. This is shown within Atticus Finch's decision to defend Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman. Atticus, a white lawyer in a racially divided town, knows that taking on this case will put him and his family at risk of being ostracized by the community. However, he decides to take the case because he believes in the fundamental principle of equality and justice for all. As Atticus states, "Courage is not a man with a gun in his hand. It's knowing you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what". Atticus' decision to stand up for what he believes in, despite the potential consequences,
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Scout, a young girl, faces constant pressure from her peers and society to conform to gender norms and act like a lady. However, she refuses to give in to societal expectations and stands up for herself and her beliefs. For example, when her teacher reprimands her for knowing how to read before starting school, Scout does not back down. Instead, she continues to read and pursue her education. As Scout states, "I never loved reading until Jem showed me how. It was like unlocking a door that I had been trying to get through all my life" . Scout's determination to pursue her passion and resist societal pressure demonstrates true