To Kill a Mockingbird Courage Essay free essay sample

What is your definition of Courage? In the story To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, there are several themes and symbols that occur throughout the story. The one that stood out the most to me is Courage. Atticus Finch fits into the definition of what courage is and demonstrates it several times throughout the story. Attics demonstrate courage when he is explaining the definition to Jem, and when he undertakes the task of defending Tom Robinson. He knows he’s licked before he begins but he begins anyway. Atticus Finch spreads his wisdom about courage to his son, Jem. Atticus said to Jem I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s knowing youre licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. We will write a custom essay sample on To Kill a Mockingbird Courage Essay or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page You rarely win, but sometimes you do (61). Atticus taught his son the true meaning of courage. Courage is when you know you’re in a tough situation but you don’t back down, you might fail but you would never know if you don’t try! Atticus teaches Jem this because it is a good life lesson to know and he’s trying to prepare his kids for the real world. Atticus is determined to defend Tom Robinson, the innocent black man accused of a crime he didn’t do. Atticus determinedly states â€Å"That boy might go to the chair, but hes not going till the truths told† (77). Atticus knows Tom Robinson is innocent and he wants the people of Maycomb to know, not caring about the consequences. He has the courage to stand up there defending a black man when the rest of Maycomb think he is guilty. Atticus is explaining the reason he defended Tom Robinson. He also is teaching Scout to be smarter than the people around her and don’t feed into them. Atticus says to Scout â€Å"You just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anyone 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† (49). A little before this he was explaining to Scout the reason he defended Tom Robinson. He’s also telling her don’t mind the talk or what other people has to say about it! He is showing her you can be smarter than those people and react in a nonviolent way.