Colour Blind Courage
“But there was no need to be ashamed of tears, for tears bore witness that a man had the greatest of courage, the courage to suffer.” (Viktor E. Frank) In a world where there is war, racism, violence, pain and suffering, it is important to be courageous and to stay positive even though the world is full of negativity. The greatest courage man has seen is to stay living in this world instead of taking the easy way out. The book uses memorable characters to explore the social issues in the town of Maycomb. In the story, Atticus Finch strives to prove the innocence of Tom Robinson, a man of a black race who is accused of rape. The two children, Jem and Scout Finch,
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are intrigued by their mysterious neighbour, Boo Radley, who later saves them from being killed. The meaning of courage is to be afraid, and then, with shaky knees and a racing heart, to step up anyway. Similarly, to the definition Atticus teaches Scout. In other words, it is when a person knows they are going to lose, but fights the battle anyway.
However, there is a number of examples of moral courage shown throughout the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, such as, persevering through a painful sickness, …show more content…
defending someone with a different skin colour and risking one’s life to save another. To die a peaceful death and to take a stand for themselves shows a lot of courage in a person. Even though Mrs Dubose could have kept on taking the medicine, she persevered through her sickness. She was addicted to morphine as a painkiller prescribed by her doctor. "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… She was the bravest person I ever knew." (Lee 1989, pg149) Even though the children found Mrs Dubose as a mean old lady, they failed to see what lied underneath-true moral courage. She was determined to die free as a mockingbird, even though her sickness caused her pain. Atticus didn’t want his kids thinking that courage is holding a gun or is connected with fighting, but rather standing up in the face of failure. Mrs Dubose fought for her life, regardless of her age, which showed real courage. In the novel, Atticus demonstrates how strong his moral courage is by standing up for what he believes in, not to mention, him raising his voice, even when all is surrounding him sits there silent. Atticus persevered no matter how many people judged him, he was determined to prove Tom Robinson innocent, even though he knows, he is fighting a lost battle. “Before I can live with other folks I’ve got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.” (Lee 1989 pg. 105) Atticus is a man of integrity and he has to listen to his own conscience, even though the jury voted guilty it does not mean the rest of the town finds the innocent man guilty. Although the trial was not a success there was the slightest bit of change during the decision of the jury, which is a good thing. If Atticus had not shown moral courage society today would be beyond different. However, he did show moral courage by defending Tom Robinson even though the trial was not a success. Another key thing about moral courage, is demonstrated by another mockingbird, Boo Radley, by saving his friend’s life although, he was putting his own at stake.
Boo Radley is a good person, but was harmed by the bad. He is seen as a mysterious, monster. But he was only misjudged. He hung out with the wrong crowd in the past and now he does not step foot out of his house, but was rumoured that he creeps out at night. He has seen how cruel and prejudiced the world is, so he chooses to stay inside. Even though Jem and Scout have not seen him before he has always kept an eye on them. “… taking the one man who's done you and this town a great service an' draggin' him with his shy ways into the limelight- to me, that's a sin. It's a sin and I'm not about to have it on my head.” (Lee, 1989 pg. 304) Atticus had thought Jem was the one who killed Bob Ewell and Heck Tate was trying to prove him wrong, but it was not to protect Jem but Boo Radley. Boo revealed himself to Scout in the last few pages in the novel even though he does not like the attention nor going out of his house. Just getting out of his house showed courage, but he risked his life as well for the children that he felt was like his own.
In conclusion, in the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, there are a range of examples, of moral courage that is important, because without courage, we have no control over our lives. Furthermore, there are many representations of courage shown in the novel, for example, not giving
up through an excruciating illness, be the defender of someone of a different race, and to be put in jeopardy to rescue one’s life. Therefore, courage was not something to be proved with a weapon, but rather as a moral thing.
Courage is a deed that can be portrayed in many ways. In the Historical Fiction novel To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee, there are many acts of racism and problematic cases where acts of courage are demonstrated in different and unique ways that can only be deciphered if one reads in between the lines of the words. There are three characters in particular who show courage in diverse ways. First, there is Arthur Radley who anonymously shows courage by performing tasks that cause him to face the outside world where he’s been isolated from for so long. Secondly, there is Scout Finch who demonstrates courage through her adolescent age. Lastly, there is Atticus Finch who displays courage through his selfless and kind actions. Therefore, in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses diverse characters to represent different acts of courage.
Boo Radley, also known as Arthur Radley, is the scary, evil creature that lives in the creepy old house down the street from Jem and Scout, and is misjudged at first. Jem and Scout, two main characters, first see Boo as some sort of scary monster. Jem described him in the first chapter as “...six-and-a-half feet tall, judging from his tracks...” and said “...he dined on raw squirrels and any cats he could catch, that's why his hands were bloodstained- if you ate an animal raw, you could never wash the blood off...” Jem also mentioned Boo had a “...long jagged scar that ran across his face; what teeth he had were yellow and rotten; his eyes popped, and he drooled most of the time.” Scout and Jem also call Boo a “...malevolent phantom...” As if that isn't bad enough, the kids hear and tell horrible stories about Boo. One is of how he stabbed his dad with a pair of scissors; another tells how he was locked up in the courthouse basement. Even with such a grisly initial perception at the beginning of...
Boo Radley is seen as an outcast. He is characterized by stereotypes and rumors. People assume that he is a bad guy, because of a mistake he made in the past. Rumors are passed on to children like Scout, Jem and Dill about Boo Radley that scare them to go near him. “Boo wasn't crazy, he was just high strung at times, it was alright to shut him up” (Lee 15). Mr.Radley said. Boo Radley did not act like everyone else but wasn't a crazy freak, so Mr.Radley thought it would be okay to sustain him in thehouse. Since his dad characterized him as high strung people just assume what he is like. Boo Radley never had a chance to show people what he was like he was portrayed as the bad guy by his dad, Boo is victimized by people because he can't stand up for himself so therefore he is considered the “bad guy”. Throughout the remainder of the book Boo shows his honest self when he leaves gifts for Scout and Jem, when he puts a blanket over Scout, and specially when he saves Scout and Jem from Mr.Ewell. It is obvious that he is a nice person and just wants to help, but of course his so...
Without courageous people, human society would not progress. This is evident in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, whereby a few heroic individuals inspire transformations in a racist community. One of the characters who shows bravery is Tom Robinson. Even though he knows he will most likely lose, he goes on trial and fights for justice and truth. Another person who displays inner strength is Boo Radley. He is able to break out of his comfort zone and stand up for what is right, despite his fear. The most daring character in the novel is Atticus Finch. Although most of the town is against him, he continues onward and faces hatred with dignity and respect. Each of these extraordinary individuals represent Harper Lee’s belief that real courage is doing the right thing, even if it requires standing up against the majority.
Boo Radley is first introduced as a mysterious monster-like man that doesn’t leave his house, but the truth is later revealed. Boo’s backstory was one of a misunderstood teen that hung around the wrong crowd d out the truth with a strict father. Boo was preyed upon by a couple of boys that led him to get into trouble and then seen as a creepy shameful man although he was just a harmless mentally ill person. Boo was very reclusive and possibly autistic. This explains why his father was so protective, also why he was very shy never left his house because he could be socially awkward. Boo’s possible undiagnosed autism and lack of knowledge of mental illness
Courage exists in several forms in Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. As defined by Atticus Finch, real courage is “.when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what” (149). The novel explores the how this real courage can be shown in different ways through the lives of many characters in Maycomb, particularly, Tom Robinson, Mrs. Dubose, and Atticus. Their courage is evident through their lifestyle, actions, and beliefs. One of the characters who showed real courage is Tom Robinson.
Throughout the book we watch the narrator, Scout Finch, go from a naive first grader that think Maycomb is the best place out there, to finally maturing and understanding the world around her. Throughout the book Scout is impressioned by so many people that Boo Radley is a monster that should be kept in at all times. Later we learn he isn’t, but one of the first impressions we get from him is a brute
Courage is not something that we are born with, it is a skill that takes time to learn and only a few are lucky enough to have it. To Kill a Mockingbird is not only about life in a world full of hate, it is about standing up for anyone’s beliefs being brave enough to do it. In this story, Harper Lee says “Courage is not a man with a gun in his hand. It's knowing 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” (Lee 112). In To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee illustrates courage through Atticus Finch, Mrs. Dubose, and Arthur Radley.
Think you know Boo Radley? Not many people do. Boo Radley is a shy, mysterious character from Harper Lee’s: To Kill a Mockingbird. Throughout the book, Boo is thought of as a monster within the book’s setting of Maycomb County. He’s also known to be mentally ill and violent due to many stories about his past. However, I believe he’s just misunderstood. Boo Radley is actually a caring and courageous human being. Examples that benefit this idea include: Boo Radley giving gifts to Scout and Jem and saving Scout and Jem from Bob Ewell. Furthermore, throughout To Kill a Mockingbird; Boo Radley is shown to be misunderstood, caring, and courageous.
Boo Radley is thought to be a malevolent, soulless, deceitful person, but he proves to be a caring, good-natured person. In Chapter 1, Jem offers his perception of Boo Radley to Scout and Dill: " ‘Boo was about six-and-a-half feet tall, judging from his tracks; he dined on raw squirrels and any cats he could catch, that’s why his hands were bloodstained—if you ate an animal raw, you could never wash the blood off. There was a long jagged scar that ran across his face; what teeth he had were yellow and rotten; his eyes popped, and he drooled most of the time’ " (16). Jem perceives Boo Radley as being a “monster” instead of being a man. Jem comes to this conclusion despite having never even seen Boo Radley in person. Jem’s understanding of Boo Radley is based on the rumors that he has heard about him. In Chapter 8, after the fire at Miss Maudie’s house, Scout notices that she was wrapped in a blanket that she did not have with she left the house. Scout asks Atticus who was the person that put the blanket around her. Atticus tells Scout, "Boo Radley. You were so busy watching the fire you didn't know it when he...
Courage is valued in many ways. It is measured by bravery, heroism, physical strength, and morally correct behavior. The world mostly defines courage as having physical strength and being brave. Atticus, Scout, and Jem show many acts of courage through the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. They all have different views and opinions on courage. The novel is told from the point of view of Scout. She, and her brother Jem, live with their widowed father in Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930’s. Their father, Atticus, is also a lawyer who defends his black client, Tom Robinson, who is innocent of rape. The title To Kill A Mockingbird explains that “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” because they “make music for us to enjoy” (Lee 119). In other words, the mockingbirds are harmless and have never done anything wrong. It would be considered a sin to kill a harmless and peaceful mockingbird. Similarly, accusing an innocent and
Boo Radley is the next door neighbor of the Finch’s. He is an outsider of the community, because he does not leave the house. He got in some trouble as a teenager, so his father locked him up inside the house. After his father died, his brother moved in with him. While Boo was locked up inside is house, the people of Maycomb County made up stories about him. The legend of Boo Radley was well-known to the people of Maycomb. Jem describes Boo, “Boo was about six-and-a-half feet tall, judging from his tracks; he dined on raw squirrels and any cats he could catch, that’s why his hands were bloodstained—if you ate an animal raw, you could never wash the blood off. There was a long jagged scar that ran across his face; what teeth he had were yellow and rotten; his eyes popped, and he drooled most of the time.” (Lee ). Boo is an innocent character because all he does stay inside his own house, and does not bother anybody. Yet the entire town believes that he could be a murderer. Harper Lee is showing that if you do not fit into southern society, they will make you into an outsider and a bad legend. Another example of Boo Radley being an innocent character is when he gives a blanket to Scout. Miss Maudie Atkinson, one of the Finch’s neighbors, had a house fire. Atticus (Scout and Jem’s father) woke up the kids and made them go outside, in case the fire spread to their house. While Scout was not looking someone gave her a blanket, “‘Someday, maybe, Scout can thank him for covering her up.’ ‘Thank who?’ I asked. ‘Boo Radley. You were so busy looking at the fire you didn’t know it when he put the blanket around you.’”(Lee ). Boo Radley is an innocent character because he helped warm up Scout in the cold, yet Scout was still scared that Boo had been near here. Harper Lee is showing us that Boo could do a nice thing, and yet Scout would still be scared because of his reputation. Finally, another
Scout is the narrator and main focus of the book To Kill a Mockingbird, as such Boo Radley's character devolvement is shown primarily from her point of view. He goes from being a monster to someone she understands. Boo becomes the center of the children's games and imaginations. Eventually just playing isn't enough, the boys want to see Boo. Reluctantly Scout comes along. They get close to the house in an attempt to see him but get caught and run for their lives. After their attempt to see Boo Radley by breaking on to the Radley's property Scout says “...every scratch of feet on gravel was Boo Radley seeking revenge...” she talks about Boo as if he is some beast who is out to get her. Scared that by attempting to see he will try and hurt or kill him. However, as the book progresses Boo becomes more and more of a positive figure in the children's lives. He leaves small gifts for Scout and Jem in a tree knot, but most obviously he saves their lives. This is the first and only time we see Boo. Scout fully begins to understand Boo. She begins to see Boo more as a person rather than a ghost or a
...e addiction on her deathbed. Atticus Finch, while adhering to strong moral convictions as well as his personal beliefs, defends a black man in the South at the risk of his own well being. Boo Radley overcomes his fear of the outside world and leaves his home to save the lives of two innocent children from certain death. Through their experiences, Scout and Jem learn the true meaning of courage and the importance of its influence in their community. Courage is not necessarily performing great feats of strength, but rather having the unwavering determination to pursue a goal, overcoming personal obstacles, or simply adhering to high moral standards in everyday life. Ultimately, the evolution of the true meaning of courage has a profound effect on the characters, their development, and their perspectives, which will continue to influence them throughout their lives.
To many people, courage means bravery and admiration. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, it teaches us there is a different type of courage – moral courage. Moral courage means doing the right thing even if it risks disoblige, reputation, punishment, or being laughed at. The theme of moral courage seems underlying at first in the book, but through the actions of some characters it becomes apparent. Atticus Finch a lawyer, widower, and father shows this theme by defending and guarding a black man. Another character that shows the theme of moral courage is Ms. Dubose, a frail old lady, who was a drug addict fighting a battle with morphine. Through the interactions with these characters, Scout and Jem learn that courage is different than they expect it to.