How Does Atticus Finch Show Courage

Several people may define courage as a simple act of bravery or stepping out of one’s comfort zone. In To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses Atticus Finch, Mrs. Dubose and Arthur Radley, to define courage. Atticus Finch, the protagonist’s father, presents courage as he defends Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman, despite what others in the community say. Mrs. Dubose, an elderly neighbor, shows audacity in her fight against morphine and battle with death. Arthur Radley, the reclusive neighbor, reveals bravery in his protection of the protagonist, Scout and her brother Jem. Through Atticus Finch, Mrs. Dubose, and Arthur Radley, Lee establishes courage as a deep moral integrity and the willingness to do what is right, even

though it may be more of a loss than gain.
Nobody wishes to enter a battle knowing they will lose.

Atticus Finch, however, did just that when he agreed to defend Tom Robinson. Knowing he was not going to win the case, he still defended Tom wholeheartedly, and did not accept defeat until the truth was told. He wanted to teach his children the true meaning of 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. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see through it no matter what” (Lee 149). Atticus knew with no substantial evidence it would be a black man’s word against a white man’s and there was no chance of winning. He knew that defending Robinson would bring hard times upon his family, as people in Maycomb would not accept the fact that any white man would go against his own race to advocate for a black man. His own family did not support him and cared more about sustaining their family name and reputation, than doing what is lawful. Atticus however, did not let anything sway him from his moral integrity and continued showing courage as he fought for Tom even after the case had

ended.
Knowing one’s time is limited encourages one to take part in new experiences and to achieve certain accomplishments before their time is up.

Mrs. Dubose had a certain goal and was determined to break her morphine addiction before she died. Even though she was sick and the morphine helped manage her pain, Mrs. Dubose wanted to be free when she passed, revealing her true courage, “Mrs. Dubose won, all ninety-eight pounds of her. According to her views, she died beholden to nothing and nobody. She was the bravest person I ever knew” (Lee 149). She went through a period of withdrawal that was difficult to survive. Mrs. Dubose could have easily made the decision to die a relatively peaceful death free of pain, however she chose to die free from the control of addiction. The morphine kept her alive as her aliment killed her, taking a great deal of courage in order for her to stray from a life support. The novel defines courage as one who keeps fighting even though they know they have lost, and that is exactly what Mrs. Dubose had done. Atticus believed she was the bravest person he knew due to the fact that she was willing to face her own demons before dying, although it would cost her a great

deal.
Strength can be depicted not only through physical attributes but also through mental superiority. Arthur ‘Boo’ Radley is said to never come out of his house, and is blamed for all wrong in Maycomb. Boo, however does not let that prevent him from watching over Scout, Jem and Dill, protecting them as they play. Boo's ultimate act of courage, took place when he saved Scout and Jem's lives, “Thank you for my children, Arthur"(Lee 370). Boo had detached himself from the outside world and knowing the scrutiny he would face from the public, it took courage for him to leave the safety of his house after being shut-in for so long. Before he had no purpose to leave his house, nevertheless he was concerned about the children's safety that he risked leaving the house, making a public appearance to rescue them. Boo used his strength to defeat Bob Ewell, however deep beneath the surface of the matter, it was Boo's determination that was exceptional. He willingly did what was right, even though his civil act may have brought inconveniences in his life.
Courage is defined in To Kill A Mockingbird, as a deep moral of honest and good human quality, where one is keen to do what is right, even though it may be more of a loss than gain. Atticus did not let anything sway him from his moral integrity and continued showing courage as he fought for Tom even after the case had ended. Boo willingly did what was right, even though his civil act may have brought inconveniences in his life. Mrs. Dubose was willing to face her own demons before dying, although it would cost her a great deal. All three characters in Lee’s novel, show an abundance of courage as they fight until the end and do what is fair, despite the result.