To Kill A Mockingbird Courage Essay

Courage is the ability to do something that frightens one. It is one of the recurring and essential themes shown throughout Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Three characters in particular demonstrate their courage and bravery multiple times throughout the story. Most of the characters could be described as courageous and brave, but these three stand out the most. These bold, fearless and valiant characters are Atticus Finch, Boo Radley, and Mrs. Dubose. Atticus is one of the main characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird” who defines courage and bravery by attempting to do something that seems nearly impossible. He decides to defend Tom Robinson, a black man accused of assaulting and raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell. By taking this case,

He gave gifts to Jem and Scout and also protected and saved them when they were being attacked by Bob Ewell. Scout says, “Neighbors bring food with death and flowers with sickness and little things in between. Boo was our neighbor. He gave us two soap dolls, a broken watch and chain, a pair of good-luck pennies, and our lives” (278). Boo and the Finches have never talked before, yet he risked his life for Jem and Scout. He managed to step out of his comfort zone for the benefit of others. Boo Radley, also known as Arthur Radley, is not recognized well enough for his heroic and valiant actions in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Every person has more than just external bravery. Mrs. Dubose demonstrates this by fighting her internal battle of her morphine addiction. She had enough courage and determination to become free of her illness before she died. She asked Jem to help her by reading to her every night. She believed it would be a distraction from her addiction and also made her happier when she was bed ridden. Atticus says, “Mrs. Dubose won, all ninety-eight pounds of her. According to her views, she died beholden to nothing and nobody. She was the bravest person I ever knew”