The theme of courage in to kill a mockingbird
The story, To Kill a Mockingbird highlights some of the extraordinary events witnessed by many families living in the southern parts of the US during the 1930s. The story presents how the main character undergoes significant changes in their lives due to different prevailing circumstances. Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird talk about courage as the main theme; the author presents the life of a small family living in the south, struggling through the effects of the great depression. The family has to fight racial discrimination, showing courage.
Courage is evident through the innocent eyes of a young child and events through the novel. To Kill a Mockingbird has several scenes of courage. For instance, Mrs. Dubose trying to fight her addiction to morphine, to Atticus’s determination to fight racism, a common occurrence in Alabama. Most characters in the story demonstrate the ideas of courage amidst fear, especially where racism is widely practiced. Atticus Finch shows courage and acts bravely, despite fears of what would happen to him, he remains strong.
Atticus was appointed by Judge Taylor as a representative of the African American people. This was a time when racial segregation was rampant in his town. Many people would not have the courage to defend any man, but Atticus did. He defended Tom Robinson stating, “It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway, and you see it through no matter what.”
Mrs. Dubose rose against her fear; she fought against her addiction and eventually died without any traces of drugs in her veins. Mrs.Dubose was addicted to morphine, but managed to overcome her addiction before she died. Mr. Dubose shows tremendous strength she decided not to spend the last days of her life as a drug addict despite all the pain she was undergone she eventually succeeds. Courage takes many forms in To Kill A Mockingbird, the children in the novel stand up to face their fears to overcome adversity, courageously. Jem and Scout are presented as childish characters when the story begins. Out of experience, they become mature.
Jem and Scout courage and bravery are noticeable in one scene where they follow Atticus to see how he is standing in front of men to protect Tom Robinson. Jem helps his father and refuses to leave even when ordered to do so. Jem faces his fear by standing on his ground while Scout displays heroism when addressing Walter Cunningham without realizing the levels of courage she is showing. This is evident in the story when the author states that “‘Jem, go home. Take Scout and Dill with you. I said go home.’ Jem shook his head…” It was obvious that the children matured immensely and were willing to fight their fears inside them.
Having courage could not have been possible without the experience they witnessed from their father and Mrs. Dubose. Courage is a recurrent theme in the story, whether it was Atticus defending Tom Robinson, to Mrs., Dubose facing one of her greatest obstacles in life. Jem and Scout are experiencing new morals. However, courage did not come without the feeling of fear. The story presents many lessons of courage, especially for the children. The story also highlights different morals Harper uses his characters, including Atticus, Mrs. Dubose, Jem and Scout to present what courage entail. The story proves how the characters had hope and overcome their fear, as they believed that one-day goodness would prevail over the evils of racism. The novel shows the reader how courage can impact on others.