Courage: A Tribute to Moral Bravery Courage is not completing and succeeding at a task, but having the moral bravery to even risk the attempt. The definition of courage, according to Merriam Webster Dictionary is “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” In the book, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the value of courage outshines any other theme presented. Taking place in the 1930’s in Alabama, prejudice is still alive and thriving. This causes lawyer, Atticus Finch to take on the criminal justice case of Tom Robinson. His children Jem and “Scout”, learn about growing up, different points of view, and courage through the scenarios placed in front of them. They also learn what courage looks like alongside neighbors and friends along the way. Atticus Finch, Mrs. Dubose, and Jem Finch show the
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The most courageous people are not those without fear, but those who act in spite of their fears. Atticus Finch shows the ultimate acts of courage throughout the book. Although he has a low opinion of criminal law and does not choose to practice it, he willingly accepts the case of Tom Robinson, a black male accused of beating and raping a young woman named Mayella Ewell. Atticus knows even before he begins the trial that he's going to lose but that does not stop him from giving Tom his strongest defense. He could've easily turned down the case and watched from the back like the rest of the town, but he chose to actively partake in the trial. It has been established Atticus is not fond of criminal law, “...there was nothing much Atticus could do for his clients except be present at their departure, an occasion that was probably the beginning of my father's profound distaste for the practice of criminal law.” (Lee 5) Atticus has also taken harsh and critical remarks of hate concerning the trial. In teaching Jem and Scout lessons on prejudice when Cecil claims he defends “ni***rs” he remarks,
The most courageous people are not those without fear, but those who act in spite of their fears. Atticus Finch shows the ultimate acts of courage throughout the book. Although he has a low opinion of criminal law and does not choose to practice it, he willingly accepts the case of Tom Robinson, a black male accused of beating and raping a young woman named Mayella Ewell. Atticus knows even before he begins the trial that he's going to lose but that does not stop him from giving Tom his strongest defense. He could've easily turned down the case and watched from the back like the rest of the town, but he chose to actively partake in the trial. It has been established Atticus is not fond of criminal law, “...there was nothing much Atticus could do for his clients except be present at their departure, an occasion that was probably the beginning of my father's profound distaste for the practice of criminal law.” (Lee 5) Atticus has also taken harsh and critical remarks of hate concerning the trial. In teaching Jem and Scout lessons on prejudice when Cecil claims he defends “ni***rs” he remarks,