TKAM Essay

Courage is a praised characteristic in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Many characters embody the true meaning of courage, although different aspects of courage are illustrated throughout the course of the novel. Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose, an elderly ill-tempered woman, shows admirable determination by kicking her morphine addiction on her deathbed. Atticus Finch, a lawyer in a Southern town plagued by racism, defends a colored man in the South without submitting to social pressures. A reclusive, yet benevolent Boo Radley confronts his fear of the outside world and leaves his home in order to save the lives of two children from a murderous drunk. Scout and Jem’s interpretation of courage continues to change through the course of their experiences, and they begin to understand the perspectives of those who demonstrate courage. By adhering to strong moral convictions, and demonstrating incredible willpower and determination, each of these characters proves to be courageous in his or her own right.
People who demonstrate great courage are often driven by the unwavering determination in their hearts. Mrs. Dubose, an elderly neighbor of the Finches, is a cantankerous ill-tempered woman who continually insults Scout and Jem as they pass by her house. One day, Jem destroys Mrs. Dubose’s camellia plants in a fit of rage, and must read to her every day as his punishment. Over the course of the month, Jem and Scout are forced to endure Mrs. Dubose’s constant tantrums during their reading sessions. After her death, Atticus tells Jem that Mrs. Dubose had been heavily addicted to morphine, and that her reading sessions were part of her successful efforts in overcoming her addiction. “’She said she meant to break herself of it...

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...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.