To Kill a Mockingbird Group

Question:

jackie-mohawk
jackie-mohawk
Student
High School - 9th Grade

In "To Kill a Mockingbird," why does Atticus call Mrs. Dubose a model of real courage as opposed to “a man with a gun in his hand”?

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Posted by jackie-mohawk on Monday July 28, 2008 at 7:01 PM and tagged with atticus, mrs dubose, quotes, themes, to kill a mockingbird.

Answers:

  1. semoody
    semoody Teacher
    Elementary / Primary

    eNotes Editor

    Mrs. Dubose has the courage to end her addiction to morphine before her death, a feat she does quietly while confined to her bed, listening to Scout reading aloud to her for longer and longer sessions.  A "man with a gun in his hand" may sport a weapon, but real courage is an inner quality, rather than an external possession.

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    Posted by semoody on Monday July 28, 2008 at 10:56 PM

  2. mjush
    mjush Teacher
    College - Senior

    eNotes Editor

    Best answer as selected by question asker.

    Atticus knows that holding a gun does not make you brave. He never tells his children what a sharp shooter he is because he does not see this as something worth bragging about even though his children are impressed and the neighbors seem impressed by this skill as well. But, Atticus realizes that real courage is being able to have inner strength and not just outer strength. Anyone can hold a gun and appear brave. However, not everyone can have the strength to overcome morphine addication. This was an inner battle that she was able to win where most people may not have the strength or courage to enter this fight.

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    Posted by mjush on Tuesday July 29, 2008 at 1:00 PM