Another device that assists in portraying courage is through the characterization of one of the main focused characters, which during the whole duration of the novel was flat and static, Atticus Finch. In the narrative, To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus shows many daring moments, as a lawyer and father, he is a role model to not only the coloreds’ in Maycomb community but including the kids, Jem and Scout. To Scout, he speaks to her about fighting all the time because of what people say about him and he tells her a bit of advice, “… You may hear some ugly talk about it at school, but do one thing for me if you will: you just hold your head high and keep those 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… it’s a good one, even if it does resist learning.” (76) Since his daughter, Scout, was already hearing so many negative feedback from many people in Maycomb including the kids her age, she had got into it with a classmate of hers, Cecil Jacobs, after verbalizing how Atticus “defends …show more content…
She later talks about the conflict with him and he gave her some advice on how to handle the situation, for the next time it comes up again, that instead of fighting for him, for her to still stand tall and be the better person even if it doesn’t help those who are depicting their ignorance. Atticus shows Scout the meaning of courage instead of being like everyone else, a coward and ill-mannered. Another quote to compliment Atticus as a very brave character would be when they experienced the passing of Mrs. Dubose, he used her as an example of courage, “…I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his
A striking example of this is Atticus, who despite knowing that he will be insulted and hated on for taking Tom Robinson’s case, still goes ahead with it, stating that “before I can live with other folks, I’ve got to live with myself”. Scout sees how living by one’s beliefs and words is what constitutes courage, and that even though Atticus “hated guns and had never been to any wars”, he is one of the bravest men in Maycomb. When Miss Maudie’s house burns down, Scout is introduced to a different aspect of courage; the quality of resilience and selflessness. Despite the terrible tragedy of Miss Maudie’s house and garden, she continues to have an optimistic outlook on life and tells Scout “don’t you worry about me”. Miss Maudie stays strong and refuses to feel sorry for herself, instead continuing on about her ways and acting as if nothing is wrong. Additionally, Mrs Dubose’s death also teaches Scout how “the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand” is not right; but rather, bravery is when you know you are going to fail but you still push on and do not let the inevitable consequences hinder you. As Atticus puts it, “it’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and…see it through”. We can see Scout’s growth and her understanding of courage when she listens to Atticus’s advice and absorbs insults about him, “walk[ing] away from a fight” for “the first time”. Clearly Scout has learnt a very valuable lesson about how it is not a gun or a weapon that constitutes true courage, but rather personal values such as resilience, tolerance and
“Real courage is when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.” Atticus Finch. This quote is proved to be true in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee as it demonstrates the true definition of courage. The book takes you along the journey of young girl, Scout Finch, during a time where colored people are thought less of. She experiences this first hand as her father, Atticus Finch, has been assigned to defend a colored man who has been accused of raping a white female. Scout along with her elder brother Jem, learn the definition of courage through some of the characters and how they act to the events that occur before and after the trial. In Harper Lee’s, To Kill a Mockingbird, many characters are great examples of trusting yourself when all odds are stacked against you. Throughout the novel the characters that display courage are Atticus Finch, Tom Robinson and Boo Radley.
"Courage isn't an absence of fear. It's doing what you are afraid to do. It's having the power to let go of the familiar and forge ahead into new territory." ~John Maxwell. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout (Jean Louise Finch), Jem (Jeremy Atticus Finch), and Atticus Finch display acts of valor that contribute, and in some cases encourage their rectitude. Harper Lee demonstrates that acting courageously can lead to an improved, sustained, or newly developed personal integrity.
Bravery and cowardice are both significant to the overall development of To Kill a Mockingbird and the characters that it consists of. There were many brave characters in the novel that did a variety of things to display bravery and courage. Similarly there were also a couple of characters who showed cowardice in ways that would disgust readers. Mrs. Dubose Lafayette and Atticus Finch were two of the bravest characters in the book, while Mr. Bob Ewell was the biggest coward of the book.
Finally, Atticus Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird is another character that displays courage throughout the book. The first way that Atticus shows courage is by shooting Tim Johnson, the mad dog. Tim Johnson had rabies and was coming towards their neighborhood. Atticus, who hadn’t shot a gun in years, had been known for his shooting skills and was told that he had to shoot the dog, if he had missed he could have harmed someone, startled the dog, or put them in danger which is why this incident was so courageous of him. Secondly, Atticus took on Tom Robinson’s case which took lots of courage because he knew how the town of Maycomb would react and the tormenting him and his family would go through. Not only this but Atticus was determined to
Given the fact that Scout is the main role in To Kill a Mockingbird, how does Atticus show the most courage? Atticus’ courage grows throughout the story when he ignores racist remarks and rude treatment as he takes on Tom Robinson’s unbalanced trial. During To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch is given a trial case in which he has to defend an African American man. The novel takes place in Alabama, during a time where the majority of the South strongly promoted racist beliefs. Although he had no choice in the matter, Atticus Finch shows the most courage when he goes along with Tom’s trial in an effort to decrease the racism in Maycomb County.
Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird shows courage and respect throughout the novel. The book proves that even the smallest of characters can have the most courage. During the trial of Tom Robinson Atticus, Scout, and Jem face the depressing matter of Tom’s death and discrimination of the town’s people, but they stay strong in their beliefs and family.In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee demonstrates courage through the use of characters. In To Kill A Mockingbird, there are many examples of courage.
The following quote said by Atticus, shows who he really is and what he wants to do. Jem looks up to his father like children look up to police officers. I like the way Atticus teaches his son what real courage is. Like the common saying "actions speak louder than words", Atticus shows his character usually through his action rather than speech. By telling this to gem, he gets rid of the idea in Jem's head that having a gun in your hand isn't courage.
In To Kill a Mockingbird , a novel written by Harper Lee, two siblings named Scout and Jem Finch live in a time full of segregation and prejudices between the people in their small town of Maycomb. These two children value those who show their courage and strength through physical attributes. However, Boo Radley and Atticus Finch show their courage and heroism through their ability to go against others beliefs to help the greater good of those around them. The novel ultimately demonstrates that greater courage resides in those who summon inner strength to fight battles for themselves and others. Throughout the book this is demonstrated quite often but mostly through these characters.
“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of thinking 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 see it through to the end. You sometimes win, but rarely you do” (Lee 116). According to Dictionary.com, courage is defined by the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, or pain without fear; bravery. Atticus implements his morals by facing the difficulty of fighting an all-white jury in Tom Robinson’s case, not fearing the outcome because he knows what will come.
In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee’s use of various characters emphasises that change is caused by people who dare to challenge social expectation. Atticus’ determination to test Maycomb’s opinions on people who are from a ‘different’ ethnicity and background, shows his bravery to change cultural stereotypes. Scout’s growth throughout the novel into a well-educated woman is the outcome of brave and courageous choices. Furthermore, Lee uses Boo Radley to emphasise the effect of societies expectations on an individual, and how courage is needed for them to bring about change.
Courage The novel To Kill A Mockingbird has many courageous characters and is based around courage strongly. Yet courage is a hard thing to understand, it’s difficult for one to show another how to be courageous yet let alone, to be courageous. Atticus Finch, The father of Jem and Scout Finch, is a courageous person. Atticus believes in himself and others, He tries his hardest to show his children what it is to have courage, and does a good job at it.
Most people fail to do what Atticus is saying. Also, people judge people on how they do things because they may do them different from others. But courage is one thing you will need, but there are many ways of having and showing courage. Overcoming obstacles in your life no matter what they may be is one way how courage is defined in this novel. Atticus wants his son to be a strong man with a power and that people can see he has courage in everything he does.
Scout’s courage is evident when describing her attitude towards Boo Radley and her father’s defense for Tom Robinson For example, Scout usually confront those who criticize her family members, but when Atticus to her: “You just hold your head high and keep those fists down, no matter what anybody says to you, don’t let ’em get your goat” (Lee 101), Scout unwillingly agreed. This act acknowledged Scout’s courage, as the next day when Cecil Jacobs taunted Scout’s father for defending and African American, she followed her father’s advice and walked off without a fight.
During the book Jem Finch shows a lot courage. “My sister ain’t dirty and I ain’t scared of you…” (118) Here, Jem bravely confronts Mrs.Dubose about her prejudice against scout. The quote from the book was able to affect the reader by demonstrating how a brother should treat their siblings. Atticus is brave to defend a black man in the face of a criticism and threats of violence. Evidence showing his bravery on page 107, “I certainly am. I do my best to love everybody...I'm hard put, sometimes- baby, it’s never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name. It just shows you how poor that person is, it doesn't hurt you.” Not only does Atticus gives Scout a lesson about racism but also to the readers. Atticus points out that he's arguing for equality and loving everybody the same. Courage is put into the characters to make them more interesting, meaning that the readers would want to continue reading. Overall Atticus and Jem are both confident and have the courage to say these powerful