How Does Atticus Show Courage

“The aim of education is the knowledge, not of facts, but of values” William Seward Burroughs once stated. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch, a man of great virtue teaches his children important life lessons by setting an example for them. He shows restraint when he is insulted and embraces others when they need help. Atticus stands up for the weak and disabled, no matter their gender, age, or even race. Atticus Finch educates his children on the values of tolerance, courage, and equality.

Atticus gives guidance to Jem and Scout by demonstrating tolerance when he lectures to them about recognizing other people’s position, and when he is mercilessly verbally abused by Mrs. Dubose. In chapter 3, when Scout is having trouble

adapting to school because of her new teacher, Atticus tries to make Scout see things from another perspective. “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view - until you climb into his skin and walk around in it” (Lee 30). Scout’s teacher, Miss Caroline is in a new environment and does not understand the town’s customs and traditions. Atticus teaches Scout the ability to be understanding of others, and the skill to view others as if they were a reflection of herself. Furthermore, this concept of seeing things from another perspective is reinforced when Atticus tries to halt the children bothering Boo by saying “... stop tormenting that man” (Lee 49). The children view Boo as an abomination, whereas Atticus understands that Boo is just like everyone else; a human. He tries to teach the kids that Boo wants to be left alone, that he is not a freak. Additionally, Atticus’ lessons towards his children never subside throughout the novel. Moreover, when Mrs. Dubose calls Atticus foul names and insults his social views, but he decides to use the opportunity to teach his children a lesson. “She’s an old lady and she’s ill. You just hold your head high and be a gentleman. Whatever she says to you, it’s your job not to let her make you mad” (Lee 104). Atticus understands that if he wants his children to grow free from Maycomb’s “usual disease”, he has to be a proper role model for them (Lee 117). Despite Mrs. Dubose belittling comments towards Atticus, he not only compliments her by saying “she was the bravest person I ever knew”, but he also sends Jem to read to her. (Lee 108, 121). He is sympathetic towards her; he knows that she is at death’s door and he wants to help her in any way possible. Atticus teaches his children tolerance when he wants to he sets an example for them, and when he shows empathy towards Mrs. Dubose.
Atticus tutors his children about courage by defending a black man in court, and standing up for the Negro community.

When Tom Robinson is accused of rape, Atticus is asked to defend him. Scout asks why Atticus has to defend him, and in response, Atticus says “The main one is, if I didn't I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this county in the legislature, I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do something again” (Lee 75). This excerpt shows just how devoted Atticus is to the case; he is trying his best so Tom can receive an acquittal. He grasps the concept that Scout looks up to him, and will imitate his footsteps, so he tries being an upstanding man. Despite the entire town disproving of Atticus defending a Negro, he continues with his decision, stating “... 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 109). Utilizing the best of his abilities, Atticus wants to defend Tom, otherwise he would not be able to look at himself in the mirror and properly teach his children. Protecting a black man is a risky thing, as Maycomb is a racist and prejudice place; not only is he risking his reputation and career, but he also endangers the safety of his family. Furthermore, the most important lesson that Atticus teaches his children is about true 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 it through no matter what” (116). He wants Jem and Scout to understand the idea that even if the whole world turns against them, they should always strive to deliver justice. Atticus’ stature as a pillar of support of Maycomb faces the uncertainty of the bleak future, yet he continues so he can guide his children onto the correct

path.
Atticus points out the racial bias that is prevalent in Maycomb to his children, and in doing so, teaches his children the importance of the virtue of equality. Atticus explains how “As you grow older, you'll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don't you forget it-whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that white man is trash” (Lee 223). Educating his children on the evils of the world, he mentions how he hates those that pick on others for no good reason, how he despises the scum of society. Taking advantage of the weak and feeble is the sole thing Atticus hates, so he tries raising honourable children as to balance out the community. In addition, he understands that humanity as a whole is racist and prejudice, but he strives to create at least one place free of social bias. “But there is one way in this country in which all men are created equal—there is one human institution that makes a pauper the equal of a Rockefeller, the stupid man the equal of an Einstein, and the ignorant man the equal of any college president. That institution, gentlemen, is a court” (Lee 209). Atticus understands that through society, people become evil. Atticus defended Tom Robinson with every fiber of his being, to demonstrate the value of equality to his children.
Throughout the novel, Atticus demonstrates the qualities of tolerance, courage, and equality to guide Jem and Scout on the correct path. Despite the controversial choices of Atticus, and while he is constantly disparaged for his beliefs, Atticus is the epitome of morality. He takes a dangerous and harsh approach to teaching his children, but ultimately he believes that what he is doing is the correct choice. Atticus educates Jem and Scout about the troubles of the world, and the racism that hides behind the guise of tranquility. Through trials and tribulations, Atticus Finch slowly teaches his children and reminds the reader of the importance of altruism and justice.