To Kill a Mockingbird: Themes of Courage and Heroism

In the Novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, there are several themes that are shown; however, one of the most exceedingly valued is courage. Courage is shown by assuredly every character in this book, but just a few examples are Boo Radley, Scout Finch, and Atticus Finch.

In the novel, Boo Radley showed a plethora of courage and heroism. In one situation Boo saved Scout and Jem from Bob Ewell, who assailed them while they were on their way back from the Halloween festival.

The novel states, Bob’s arms were like steel. He slowly squeezed the breath out of me. I could not move. Suddenly, he was jerked backward and flung on the ground. (262). This exhibits valiancy on Boo Radley’s behalf, considering that he pulled Bob Ewell off of Scout and saved both Scout and Jem’s life, putting his life in jeopardy. Ultimately, Boo Radley knew that if he got caught, then he would have to pay extreme consequences, but he still took the risk.

Throughout the book, Scout withal shows a surplus amount of courage and intrepidity in many situations. For example, when Atticus verbalizes with Scout about not fighting anyone for incoherent reasons, Scout promises him that she won’t fight anymore. In the book, Atticus states, “You might hear some ugly talk about it at school, but do one thing for me if you will: you just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don’t let ’em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change . . . it’s a good one, even if it does resist learning” (76). After this, Scout promises Atticus that she won’t fight with her fists anymore. This shows Scouts courageous character because of Atticus asking her to transmute how she mundanely would deal with a problem; consequently, she is changing who she is as a person for Atticus and not for herself.

Scout did this so Atticus wouldn’t be disappointed in her and to prove everyone else erroneous. Atticus Finch as well showed an abundance of courage throughout the book, whether that’s with the Tom Robinson case or just in certain situations with his kids. During the novel, Atticus states, “Before I’m through, I intend to jar the jury a bit I think we’ll have a reasonable chance on appeal, though. I really can’t tell at this stage, Jack.” (91). This is expounding how Atticus will do whatever it takes to ascertain that Tom Robinson is found not culpable, even though Atticus already believes that the Jury will optate racism against equity; however, he is still going to fight for what he believes is right. Another example of Atticus exhibiting courage is in chapter 11 when he is verbalizing with Jem about what courage is. Atticus states, “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 when you know you’re licked before you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.” (115). This shows that Atticus is an extremely sapient and courageous character because he verbalizes with Jem about courage, which is acutely arduous to verbalize with your son about that certain topic; Furthermore, that quote relates to Atticus’ case with Tom Robinson because he already knows he’s licked afore he begins, but he will still fight for Tom. Atticus Finch demonstrates courage throughout this book in several situations.

Throughout the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, many characters show courage as well as intrepidity, in their own perspective, whether that’s fighting for equity, transmuting your way of life for someone else, or putting your life in peril to forfend other people. These are just a few examples of courage in this novel. All in all, courage plays an immensely colossal role in transforming and perplexing different situations throughout this book.

List some quotes when Boo Radley killed Bob Ewell in To Kill a Mockingbird.. enotes.com. Enotes, 7 Dec. 2014. Web. 22 Nov. 2018.

Lee, Harper. A quote from To Kill a Mockingbird. goodreads.com. goodreads, 23 May. 2006. Web. 22 Nov. 2018.

What are some examples of courage in the book To Kill a Mockingbird?. enotes.com. enotes, 21 Apr. 2012. Web. 22 Nov. 2018.

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