Jesse Owens: An Example Of Courage In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Four-time Olympic gold medalist, Jesse Owens, noted that “The battles that count aren't the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself-the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us- that's where it counts” (Olympics.org). In this statement Jesse Owens, an African American track and field athlete, was acknowledging the courage displayed from fellow German Olympian Luz Long as he gives up his gold metal in the 1936 Olympic games to help Owens succeed at the long jump. Jesse stated this recognizing the unexpected courage his fellow Olympian demonstrated considering the circumstances. In 1936, not only was it unexpected and courageous for a white man to help a black, but also have the german team give up gold to help the american. …show more content…

“Boo” Radley is a strong example of unexpected courage because the people of Maycomb see him as a “ghost” or a freak who has not left the house in 20 years, so when he stabbed Bob Ewell to save Scout and Jems lives, readers couldn't see the courage coming. “Boo” Radley showed this unexpected courage strongly by not only by stabbing Bob Ewell but also by risking being sent away to prison for the rest of his life, and never escaping the rumors that haunt his past. Although “Boo” Radley does not know how to acknowledge this courage, Officer Heck Tate does by breaking the law and covering up the crime for him. As officer Heck Tate is managing to explain the situation of the stabbing to Atticus, he says “ ADD QUOTE HERE ABOUT HECK TATE COVERING UP BOO STABBING BOB” (lee pg #). “Boo” Radley can not recognize the courage he's portrayed for himself, but others can, showing the true unexpected courage that comes from Arthur “Boo” …show more content…

Scout Finch is courageous many times throughout To Kill A Mockingbird, but the most unexpected time was when at just nine years old, she looked beyond what “Boo” Radley's past was and turned his life around, therefore brightening his future. Soon after Officer Heck Tate explained the situation of how Bob Ewell died to Atticus, “Boo” Radley asks Scout to walk him home. In this case, Scout's courage is spoken through actions rather than words. “ADD QUOTE ABOUT SCOUT GRABBING BOOS ARM AND WALKING HIM HOME” (lee pg #). Scout, again, at just nine years old stands up to the entire town of Maycomb, showing the person Arthur “Boo” Radley really is, even through something small like linking arms and walking him home. An act of kindness and courage is not unexpected from Scout Finch, but something as dramatic as standing up to an entire town to do what is right is, for anyone of any

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