Free Essays,College Free Essays,Free College Essays at Anti Essays

To Kill A Mockingbird - What is Courage?

During To Kill a Mockingbird, many themes are represented. One of the predominant themes is courage. Courage can sometimes be over-looked in comparison to the other major topics in the novel - e.g. prejudice, racism and innocence, however is consistently present.

Scout Finch is the main character of the novel. Although she is young, Scout is a very courageous character and most of the time is unaware of her bravery. For instance, Scout defends herself and her family throughout the novel. She gets in her fair share of fights but does not realise how much guts it actually takes to beat up a boy. Physical courage is the most common form of courage and this is what Scout continues to present throughout the novel.

Jem Finch is Scout’s older brother and during the novel he is a strong, courageous character. He continuously has to step in when Scout’s anger gets the better of her, something a coward would not do. A notable moment for Jem regarding courage and bravery is when he stood up to Atticus at the jailhouse. Atticus told Jem to go home with Scout and Dill but he refused. Jem knew that Atticus was in a danger but he daringly stood up to him bearing the consequences that followed. Jem consistently shows moral courage throughout the novel.

Mrs. Dubose is a minor character during the novel however, she is a major example of emotional courage. Even as Mrs. Dubose faced death, she was determined to overcome her ever lasting morphine addiction. She was constantly in pain as she struggled to defeat the drug but preserved as it was her wish to “leave this world beholden to nothing and nobody.” Mrs. Dubose had exceptional willpower and emotional courage and this enabled her to leave the world in full control of her body. Emotional courage is a highly respected kind of courage and Mrs. Dubose truly represented this.

Tom Robinson was accused and charged of a...