Essay On Atticus Heroism

Many people would agree that a hero is not necessarily someone who saves lives, but someone who is courageous enough to help people in need no matter what their situation is. In the literary work, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the reader is introduced to a character named Atticus, a lawyer and a father of two children. Throughout the novel, Atticus teaches his kids, Jem and Scout, life lessons through his heroic actions. Despite living in Alabama during a racist time period, Atticus decides to full take on the task of defending a black man in court against a white woman. Atticus displays heroism and courage before, during and after the Tom Robinson trial in order to set an example for his children and the town of Maycomb.

Towards the

After the trial, Atticus is confronted by Bob Ewell who then spits on him and Atticus tells Jem and Scout, “He had to take it out on somebody and I’d rather it be me than that houseful of children out there” (249). This shows us that Atticus wants his children to be willing to sacrifice themselves in order to save other people from harm. Furthermore, Atticus displays courage when he believes that Jem killed Bob Ewell and he states, “nobody’s hushing this up. I don’t live that way” (313). The fact that Atticus is willing to risk his son possibly going to jail demonstrates the amount of courage and integrity Atticus has as a person since he wants to do what he believes to morally right.

Atticus taking on the Tom Robinson trial and risking his reputation, protecting Tom Robinson from the mob, and revealing the truth about Bob Ewell are all evident ways that Atticus demonstrates courage in order to set an example for his children and the town. Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird Atticus actions influence the town in positive ways and emphasizes the lessons he teaches his children through his actions. Ultimately, Atticus helps steer the town in the direction of having less intolerance and being more open