To Kill a Mockingbird Courage Essay
Josh Nevett 9A
MOCKINGBIRD ESSAY
To Kill a Mockingbird is a book about courage in many different situations from many different characters. The definition of courage is “the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.” There are so many instances of courage in the novel that it is impossible not to consider it as one of the key themes of the novel. From childhood perceptions of courage such as completing a dare to the monumental examples of courage from Atticus defending Tom Robinson, all forms of courage were displayed.
Atticus Finch shows continuous and unwavering courage whilst defending Tom Robinson’s rape charge. Atticus knows that Tom is not guilty and despite Maycombe’s ‘Usual disease’ he defends Tom willing to put his reputation and life on the line. Throughout the case Atticus knows that in the end his reputation will be tarnished and as Link Deas says he had “everything to lose”. To have the mental courage and strength to continue to fight a losing battle like his is incredible and this shows the difficulties aspect of courage. Atticus also faced extreme physical threats throughout the duration of the novel exemplified by the situation at the Jailhouse where Atticus is threatened by a mob trying to take Tom. Atticus shows true courage by remaining calm and not backing down in the face of physical harm. In response for the mob’s calls for Atticus to step aside he replies, “You can turn around and go home again, Walter”. Atticus knows that he could not win a fight against this mob but he just won’t back down showing both courage and stubbornness. Atticus is just one of the many characters that are a prime example of courage in this novel.
Jem is a character that shows courage but in different situations and in a more childlike sense of the word in To kill a Mockingbird. At the start of the novel Jem considers courage to touching the side of the Radley house, but as the novel
MOCKINGBIRD ESSAY
To Kill a Mockingbird is a book about courage in many different situations from many different characters. The definition of courage is “the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.” There are so many instances of courage in the novel that it is impossible not to consider it as one of the key themes of the novel. From childhood perceptions of courage such as completing a dare to the monumental examples of courage from Atticus defending Tom Robinson, all forms of courage were displayed.
Atticus Finch shows continuous and unwavering courage whilst defending Tom Robinson’s rape charge. Atticus knows that Tom is not guilty and despite Maycombe’s ‘Usual disease’ he defends Tom willing to put his reputation and life on the line. Throughout the case Atticus knows that in the end his reputation will be tarnished and as Link Deas says he had “everything to lose”. To have the mental courage and strength to continue to fight a losing battle like his is incredible and this shows the difficulties aspect of courage. Atticus also faced extreme physical threats throughout the duration of the novel exemplified by the situation at the Jailhouse where Atticus is threatened by a mob trying to take Tom. Atticus shows true courage by remaining calm and not backing down in the face of physical harm. In response for the mob’s calls for Atticus to step aside he replies, “You can turn around and go home again, Walter”. Atticus knows that he could not win a fight against this mob but he just won’t back down showing both courage and stubbornness. Atticus is just one of the many characters that are a prime example of courage in this novel.
Jem is a character that shows courage but in different situations and in a more childlike sense of the word in To kill a Mockingbird. At the start of the novel Jem considers courage to touching the side of the Radley house, but as the novel