Atticus Courage In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is set in the small city of Maycomb, an interesting town with quiet folk, and a place where prejudice and racism run high. The people of Maycomb accept classical Southern traditions and have no desire to change their ways. In this city lives Atticus Finch, a middle-aged lawyer with two young children. Atticus challenges the racist traditions of Maycomb by defending Tom Robinson, a black man, and treating everyone with undeserved respect. Through his humility, wisdom, and courage, Atticus demonstrates a strong commitment to morality and desire to establish justice in his community. Atticus' moral compass influences his everyday actions, and his admirable qualities make him a popular figure in Maycomb. Although …show more content…

He strongly believes in following his conscience, no matter the cost. For example, Atticus defends Tom Robinson, a slave, knowing that he cannot win the case and that he will get ridiculed for defending a black man. Nevertheless, he persists in defending Tom to the best of his ability, telling Jem that "Courage is . . . when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what" (149). Another example of Atticus' courage occurs in Chapter 15, when he goes to the county jail to defend Tom from a mob seeking to lynch him. Unarmed and completely defenseless, he attempts to reason with the mob before Scout appears and amazingly disperses them. Atticus shows that true courage requires standing up for what is right, no matter the circumstances and no matter the consequences. Throughout the novel, Atticus retains the same basic characteristics and core values. His ideas challenge the existing traditions of Maycomb, and his actions prompt real change in the city. His humility, wisdom, and courage make him a principled hero in a callous community. Atticus proves that leading by example inspires action. He proves that one man can have a profound impact on others. Most importantly, he proves that high morals and integrity can change the

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