To Kill Mocking Bird Essay free essay sample

Symbol of Courage In some ways, courage is demonstrated through an individual’s determination to fight for what is right. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee shows the courage of Atticus through his struggle with the racism of the town as he attempts to defend Tom Robinson in a court of law. Tom Robinson, a black man, is a victim of the racism that is rampant in the town of Maycomb. Atticus is well known for his good character, and is often expected to do the right thing. To uphold his sense of justice, Atticus agrees to defend Tom Robinson. His moral code often leads to conflicts with fellow members of the town of Maycomb. Despite this, Atticus continues to defend Tom, knowing if he doesn’t do it an innocent man will be falsely charged. Harper Lee suggests courage is shown when the individual with integrity will rise to the occasion to do the right thing, even if it means going against society. We will write a custom essay sample on To Kill Mocking Bird Essay or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Atticus demonstrates courage by defending Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of rape, despite the criticisms from the residents of Maycomb. Atticus knows that he will not be able to win as he is â€Å"licked† before he begins. He struggles with the racism that it is persistent in the town of Maycomb. Nevertheless, Atticus knows that Tom Robinson is innocent, and he must defend him, since no one else will. Even though the situation is bleak, Atticus wants the town of Maycomb to hear the truth about Tom Robinson, saying, â€Å"that boy might go to the chair, but he is not going till the truth’s told†. It is his strong sense of morality and justice that motivates him to defend Tom Robinson no matter what. He understands that taking the case would make him an object of scorn and ridicule. Throughout the novel, Atticus is called various names such as â€Å"nigger-lover† by many members of the community as well as his family. Even his sister is opposes his decision of defending Tom Robinson, saying that Atticus was a disgrace for the family, that he would never be able to walk the streets of Maycomb. Despite what is said about him, Atticus continues to defend Tom Robinson. The courage of Atticus can be seen in the novel, where in the face of danger he stands up for what he believes in. This is clearly shown when Atticus was confronted by the lynch mob in front of the Macomb jail, without  any weapon or protection from Heck Tate. Walter Cunningham threatens Atticus, saying, â€Å"Get aside from the door Mr. Finch†, but Atticus does not stand down. The author demonstrates Atticus’ courage, saying, â€Å"you can turn around and go home again, Walter’†. Even though his life is in mortal danger, he is unwilling to throw away his moral beliefs. Atticus is not obligated by law to protect to his client, but does so through his own conviction. Furthermore, Atticus displays courage when being spat on by Bob Ewell while leaving the post office. Bob Ewell threatens Atticus, saying, that he will get Atticus back â€Å"even if it takes the rest of his life†. Even after being threatened by Bob Ewell, Atticus continues to defend Tom Robinson because he knows it is the right thing to do and he would not back down only for his good. This is clearly shown when Atticus says â€Å"so if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that’s something I’ll gladly take†. Atticus sacrifices himself to prevent an innocent individual from getting hurt. It is Atticus willingness to sacrifice him in order to carry out his sense of justice that demonstrates the courage of Atticus. The courage of Atticus leads to a change in the prejudiced beliefs in the town of Maycomb. Atticus’ sense of morality and justice results in â€Å"baby steps† towards change. This is clearly shown during the trial of Tom Robinson, where it would usually take only a few minutes for the jury to make an decision, but the jury took a couple of hours. Through this, Harper Lee shows a change in the perspective of the citizens of Maycomb. One example of this would be Walter Cunnningham. After the incident at the Maycomb jail, Walter Cunningham respects what Atticus is doing for Tom Robinson. It is later revealed that Walter Cunningham is picked to be on the jury to defend Tom Robinson, demonstrated when Scout says, â€Å"one minute they’re trying to kill him and the next they’re trying to turn him loose†. No matter how far his reputation is ruined, Atticus still defends Tom Robinson. Atticus does â€Å"what they’re afraid to do themselves†. No matter what obstacles he faces, Atticus will rise up to the occasion to do what is right. Throughout the novel, Atticus has been a symbol of moral courage. Even though taking the case will cause him to go against all of Maycomb, he does so because he is fair and just. Atticus faces many difficulties as he tries to convey the truth of Tom Robinson. In some cases, Atticus puts his life at risk to do what is right. Despite this, Atticus continues to defend Tom Robinson, since he knows that it is the right thing to do. In the novel, Harper Lee demonstrates the courage of Atticus as he fights for what is just.