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Courage is defined as "that quality of mind or spirit enabling one to meet danger or opposition with fearlessness." According to Atticus, "Courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.” Younger characters, like Jem and Scout, revere the physical aspect of it, whereas Atticus believes this to be a rather shallow form of courage. He believes in the mental quality of courage; he admires Mrs Dubose for attempting to rid herself of a morphine addiction and regain control, even as she died. Atticus himself displays this true courage when he takes on Tom Robinson’s case, despite knowing that he was doomed to fail. Physical courage is not to be simply discarded, however, as it is Boo Radley’s courage that ultimately saves the children’s lives.

Mrs. Dubose is an extraordinary courageous woman, and is a prominent example of great emotional courage. Even as she approached death, she fought valiantly to overcome a morphine addiction. Although the victory did not save her from death, it was of vital importance to her as she wished to “leave this world beholden to nothing and nobody”. She had the opportunity to die without any pain but instead chose to break her dependence on the drug. She suffered horribly under the pain of withdrawal, however, not once did it break her resolve to succeed. It was the “one thing out of order” in her life and she was determined to set things right, regardless of the temptation to take the easy way out. This is what Atticus regards as true 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 hand. Courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.” Mrs Dubose’s exceptional courage, bravery and willpower allowed her to face her demon and then die with full control, “as free as the mountain...