Courage. It is a seven-letter word that has accumulated various different definitions over time. Put simply however, courage is the capability to go out and accomplish something, disregarding one’s personal fear and the opinions of others. It is putting aside thoughts of fear, disrespect, hatred, persecution, and delusion to attain success and accomplishment. Acts of courage have been displayed variously through literature, media, and history. Specifically, Atticus Finch from award-winning novel To Kill A Mocking Bird, and peaceful political activist Mahatma Gandhi both demonstrate courage, as well as having unique similarities and differences between themselves. Initially, Atticus Finch displays fair amounts of courageousness throughout …show more content…
Gandhi led a peaceful protest against British rule. During the early 1900’s, the living conditions of his country were poor and unacceptable. Disappointed with the state of his country, Gandhi became involved. To begin, his first courageous act was in February of 1919 where he protested against a law allowing the British to imprison Indians without trial. In 1922 he was arrested for disobedience and released six years later. Additionally, he led the famous salt- tax reform in March of 1930. The march was acclaimed to be very successful protest, but it imprisoned over 60000 people. Later in September of 1932, while imprisoned, led a fast, protesting Brittan’s decision to segregate the lower classes of citizens. The fasting caused a major emotional uproar within the country and eventually affected the economic state of many citizens. Gandhi once again became politically active when war fledged around the world for a second time. This time, he tried to enact peace within the fighting nations, as well as instilling new ideas and reforms into India’s political system. Eventually, the war subsided and in August of 1947, India was divided into two smaller independent portions: Pakistan and India. Gandhi’s courageous efforts eventually lead to India’s independence from Europe. Therefore, it is easy to comprehend why Gandhi is portrayed as …show more content…
To begin, there are countless reasons why they are considered similar. Both Atticus and Gandhi approached their issues in a non-violent manner. Both showed maturity and self-control. Although matters tended to become hectic and out-of-hand, Mahatma and Atticus chose to be stern and fight with the pen, rather then with the sword. Additionally, both men were acclaimed to be highly intelligent and astute. Each man made sage advances when trying to benefit themselves or the people around them. This intelligence often gained them respect and honor. Moreover, each of these men was supported when attempting their heroic actions. The African- American community supported Atticus, while Gandhi was backed by his followers and citizens willing to rebel against the government. Although these men are particularly alike, the do differentiate in certain areas. For example, both men are showing courage for different reasons. Atticus stands up for the unjust behavior toward African- Americans, and Gandhi is fighting for independence within his country. Additionally, they differ in how they approached their actions. While Gandhi led protests in streets, and organized peaceful protests, Atticus chose to defend an African- American. Furthermore, Atticus’s actions did not impact society as much as Gandhi’s. He was able to reform India’s entire political system, whereas
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.
Courage is the ability to do something that frightens one. Nelson Mandela once said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” To accomplish anything, one must overcome his fears. Atticus Finch thinks courage is to know that you are going to lose, but continue follow through the entire way. His mindset is to never give up, even when you know and everyone else knows you are not going to succeed at what you are doing. I agree with Atticus Finch’s definition of courage of that even though all odds are against you, you have to follow through and persevere.
Webster's dictionary defines courage as "mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty." According to Atticus Finch, one of the main characters in To Kill A Mockingbird, "Courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what." (Chapter 11, Page 124) No matter how you define it, Harper Lee definitely portrays the theme of courage in this book. It is one of the most predominant themes and is shown in many of the characters. All of the characters have a different view as to what courage is and they all show it a different way, however they do show courage in their everyday lives.
Courage is when you know you’re beaten. The character Atticus, for instance, who was a seasoned lawyer acted courageous defending Tom Robinson. Tom Robinson was a black man who was accused of raping a white girl. Atticus was appointed to defend him. Jem was happy because he thought his father had won the case but Reverend Sykes loathed telling Jem “Now don’t you be so confident, Mr. Jem, I ain’t ever seen any jury decide in favor of a colored man over a white man…”(Lee 208). Atticus was sure he wasn’t going to win the case, nevertheless he gave it a try. That didn’t stop Atticus from trying to defend his client Tom Robinson. Another part in the novel when Atticus was courageous was when he shot at the man street dog. Heck Tate the Maycomb Sheriff was not as courageous as Atticus so he handed Atticus the air rifles and with one shot Atticus took down the street dog. Miss Maudie says “I saw that, One Shot Finch” (Lee 97). Atticus was referred to as one-shot finch because of his shooting skills. The other incidence in the novel when Atticus portrays courage was when he was not scared when Bob Ewell threatened him. Bob Ewell was the man who accused Atticus’ defendant Tom Robinson of raping his daughter Mayella. Atticus thought Bob Ewell threatened him as some sort of revenge, but unfortunately Atticus was wrong because when Bob Ewell said ...
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.
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
"Courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what" According to Atticus Finch, an honest lawyer in Harper Lee's novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" courage is not a man with a gun in his hand. "Real courage" is when you fight for what is right regardless of whether you win or lose. Atticus fits into this definition of what "real courage" is and demonstrates it several times throughout the novel.
Mohandas Gandhi was a non-violent promoter for Indian independence.He was married young at 13,and went to London to go to law school.Gandhi got his degree there and was on his way to being a lawyer.He went to his first case,but couldn't even speak. Gandhi then got invited to South Africa from a businessman. Gandhi’s luck their was no good either.European racism came to him,after he got kicked off of a train,because he was “colored” and was holding a first class ticket.When Gandhi fought back because of it,was arrested and was sent to jail.After this, he became know as as a leader.Gandhi returned to India in 1896,and he was disgusted by it.British wanted them to wear their clothes,copy their manners,accept their standards of beauty,but Gandhi refused.Gandhi wanted people to live free of all class and wealth.Gandhi tried so hard and was more successful then any other man in India.They won independence in 1947. Gandhi’s non-violent movement worked because,Gandhi used clever planning, mass appeal, conviction, and compassion to win independence for India.
“Courage - a perfect sensibility of the measure of danger, and a mental willingness to endure it.” Courageous people understand the danger that they face when they act how they do. That is what courage is all about. Many historical events occur due to people having the courage to do what they think is right, or because of those who use their courage to do what they want. Having the courage to stand alone in one’s beliefs may be one of the hardest thing a person can do.
Within the novel "to kill a mocking bird" the character Atticus finch defines courage as, "Courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what." Atticus takes the first step by being courageous to take the Tom Robinson case, defying the towns liking of prejudice, even his own sister thinks that he is disgracing the family by taking the case he explains with concern
Courage, courage is accomplishing something that frightens someone else. In life people aren’t afraid of the same thing those people that aren’t afraid are the courageous ones. To Kill A Mockingbird is a wonderful story that is all about courage of how there is a crime that was said done by black man and a white lawyer is covering his case. The lawyer goes through this battle to win this case, but also at the same time teaching his children about life. In To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee characterizes Atticus as a man who has a lot of courage.
The world’s greatest innovator Steve Jobs once said, ”Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” Whenever someone explains what courage is, a person’s definition would be about overcoming fear or having bravery. Despite that, courage can be an individual handling what society is asking from them and going by what their hearts say and dealing with their own problems. This concept comes into play in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, where several of Lee’s characters experience courage by going against societal means. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee connects the characters going through their own conviction to show her theme that courage is going against society’s beliefs and handling one’s situation.
Courage is a state of mind that enables a person to overcome fear, pain, danger, or hardship. Although different from one another, all aspects of courage involve taking risks.
Gandhi is motivated by religious means; he believes that everyone is equal in God’s eyes. He gets involved in several movements for equality, and he stresses non-violence very strongly. The Indians are very mad because British rule continues to limit their rights. They are supposed to all get fingerprinted, and their marriage laws are invalid. Gandhi’s followers vow to fight their oppressors to the death, but he discourages them from violence.
Gandhi was inspirational for many people. As General George C. Marshall, the United States secretary of state from 1946 to 1949, said at Gandhi 's death, “Mahatma Gandhi was the spokesman for the conscience of mankind.” (Bio.com.) He is only one of many who believed in what Gandhi was fighting for. Many people not only believed in what Gandhi stood for but they also follow in his footsteps and try to do what Gandhi accomplished. (“Gandhi, Mahatma”)