By McKinley Miner
What is courage? The dictionary defines courage as “ the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face a difficulty, danger, pain, without fear; bravery.” Throughout the entire novel of To Kill A Mockingbird there is one man who takes courage to a whole new level. Atticus Finch is a white man who stands up for a black man in a time period when most people wouldn 't have. Atticus’s courage shows throughout the novel when he not only put himself and family in danger, but also his reputation, and did it while the entire town was against him.
Tom Robinson is a man in the novel who is accused of violence and rape towards a white women. Atticus Finch a local lawyer takes the …show more content…
Even knowing that by defending Tom he could put his entire future and reputation at risk Atticus courageously sticks by his decision. Atticus has countless people apologizing that he has to defend Tom. For the simple fact that Tom Robinson is black. The people of Maycomb can 't seem to believe it when Atticus says that he actually does think that Tom is innocent. Although he loses respect of many he only worries about the respect of the people that he actually cares for; his children. Throughout the entire novel Atticus is is trying to keep Scout and Jem from losing their innocence. He tries to hide the ugly in the world so that they can focus on the beauty. There are times when it would have been easier for Atticus to give up on the case and gain his reputation back but he knows that he must set a good example for his kids. "Courage is not a man with a gun in his hand. It 's knowing you 're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.” (Pg. 112) Atticus uses these wise words to teach his children that they must fight for everything that they believe in. That they can not give up no matter what. Atticus is willing to stand up for Tom even if it means he is standing …show more content…
He courageously stands up for what he thinks is right all on his own. Even with the danger of hurting his own family. In the end of the novel Atticus does not end up winning the case. Although he doesn 't win the case he wins so much more. Throughout the entire book Atticus wanted to set a great example for his children. He accomplished this by standing up for what he believed in no matter the circumstance. Courage is usually obtained throughout life experiences. Atticus Finch however was born a courageous man and throughout the novel displays it within everything he