Why Does Atticus Show Courage In To Kill A Mockingbird

In To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus exhibits courage throughout the whole book. Atticus is the lone parent of two who live in the South. In Maycomb, a fake district in Alabama, many of the citizens are prejudice against African Americans. In the 1930’s, Maycomb was devastated by poverty and unemployment because of the Great Depression. Atticus overcomes all the obstacles and threats he faces, however, he demonstrates courage by taking Tom Robinson as a client, standing up to racists in the town, and shooting the mad dog.
Atticus exhibits bravery when he decides to take Tom Robinson’s case. Tom Robinson is an African American man who is accused of attacking and raping a white women. Tom Robinson has little to no chance in the trial if he survives that long. Atticus said, “I’m simply defending a Negro… there’s been some high talk around town to the effect that I shouldn’t do much about defending this man”(86). Atticus has …show more content…
A rabid dog appears on Atticus’ street. The dog is a danger to the whole neighbourhood. Atticus used to be the deadest shot in Maycomb, but he gave up on shooting because he has an “unfair advantage” over others. Harper Lee wrote, “We saw his body go rigid… The rifle cracked”(110). The mad dog represent two things in To Kill A Mockingbird. Firstly, it represent all the chaos Atticus has to deal with by taking Tom’s case. Atticus threatens many Southerners beliefs, and they do not like him or Tom. He has to face countless dangers to fight a lost cause. Secondly, the mad dog symbolizes Atticus’ strength and desire to take care of his family. Furthermore, Atticus has to deal with all the chaos in town; he also has to deal with his family's safety. Consequently, Atticus has to kill mad dog despite wanting to keep his talent hidden. Atticus killing the mad dog is not just physical bravery; it is also mental because killing the mad dog means standing up to everyone who is against Tom