How Does Atticus Show Courage In To Kill A Mockingbird

Courage is having the strength to do something that is frightening to most people. It can be something large scale like the responders on 9/11 risking their lives for hundreds of people. Courage can also be something of smaller scale but just as significant like standing up for a black man in a town of racial prejudice. In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, many of the characters she has initiated show courageous qualities. One of those characters is Atticus Finch, father of Jem and Scout who demonstrates courage many times throughout the novel. Standing up for his beliefs, restraining from the negligent tauntings of his neighbors and defending a man whose innocence will not be proved, all show Atticus is the most courageous character

Aunt Alexandra challenges the demeanors of Jem and Scout wanting them to behave in a different way. “ ‘She [Aunt Alexandra] asked me to tell you you must try to behave like the little lady and gentleman that you are’ ”. Both Jem and Scout express confusion to their fathers words. They do not understand why their father is asking them to do such a thing. Jem and Scout were raised by Atticus to treat everyone with respect and honesty. The children are understandably in a state of shock when Atticus tells them to change how they act. Atticus then tells the children “ ‘I don’t want you to remember it. Forget it.’ ”. He then leaves the room, presumably to talk with Aunt Alexandra. Atticus realizes that he would rather have his children be themselves then force upon the behaviors Aunt Alexandra desires. Atticus shows courage by willing to possibly tarnish the Finch name and go against his sister if it means that his children are

An example of this is in the instance where following the trial of Tom Robinson, Bob Ewell spits in Atticus's’ face. “I was Miss Stephanie’s pleasure to tell us: this morning Mr. Bob Ewell stopped Atticus on the post office corner, spat in his face, and told him he’d get him if it took the rest of his life.” . Bob Ewell is understandably furious at Atticus following the trail, for Atticus did paint Mr. Ewell as an abusive, drunken father. Although Bob Ewell taunts and physically harasses Atticus, his demeanor remains non-violent and he chooses not to retaliate. Atticus explains to his kids why he handled the situation as he did, saying “ ‘So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that’s something I’ll gladly take. He had to take it out on somebody and I’d rather it be me than that houseful of children out there.’ ”. Handling Bob Ewell's rage by responding calmly shows he is mature and courageous, for rather than responding with violence he stands there not saying a word as to aggravate him further. Atticus is constantly keeping others at his best interest. Specifically Mayella, but also Bob, explaining Bob’s behavior as a result of what he had made him go through. Although in reality, there is no excuse for Bob's