Essay/Term paper: To kill a mockingbird: courage of atticus finch

Essay, term paper, research paper:  To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird: Courage of Atticus Finch


In the story To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, Atticus is a very
courageous character. In the novel Atticus tried every way to help others, who
were in the need of it. First of all it is courageous of Atticus to take the Tom
Robinson case. Even his own family disagreed of taking the case. The reason was
because of the bias. He risks in many was when taking the Tom Robinson case. He
risks the chance of critization by the people that live in the Maycomb county.
Mrs. Dubouse criticizes him when she said, "Atticus is a Niger lover!" (100).
With many prejudice people living in Maycomb county Atticus also risks the
chance of not being re-elected for legislature. Secondly it is courageous of
Atticus when he shoots the mad, rabid dog. At this scene he also takes many
risks. Atticus risks the chance of missing, and the dog running up, and
attacking them. He also risks the chance of shooting a non rabid dog. Atticus
could miss the dog, and cause damage to a living, and or a non-living thing.
Thirdly it is courageous of Atticus to be willing to charge Jem with Bob Ewell's
death. He risked the loss of Jem in the process. He also risked the chance of
Jem getting mad at Atticus, and never talking to him. Also It was courageous of
Atticus to teach his children not prejudge others until they really know what
they are really going through. There is a quotation that Atticus said "Never
judge anyone, until you have been in their shoes, and walked around in them."
(86). When saying that to Jem, and Scout he risked the chance of them not
listening to him. Lastly it is courageous of him standing up to the individuals
at the jail house. Atticus risked the chance of the individuals getting him, and
Tom, and killing, or hurting them physically. Through all these examples, of
courage, and risk we can see how extremely courageous Atticus was during this
novel.