To Kill a Mockingbird Group

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a12345
a12345
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 In "To Kill a Mockingbird" it took Attitcus courage to shoot the dog What other forms of courage have you noted in the book so far?

Give 2 examples.

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Posted by a12345 on Saturday January 17, 2009 at 4:32 PM and tagged with atticus, courage, dog, themes, to kill a mockingbird.

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  1. mrs-campbell Teacher
    High School - 11th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Atticus taking Tom Robinson's case required a lot of courage, integrity, and humanity.  Him taking the case opens himself, and his children, up to all sorts of ridicule, ostracism, and even danger.  Atticus is aware of this; he knows that the kids "will have to absorb some ugly things" because of his decision.  But, he does it anyway, because "if I didn't I couldn't hold my head in town, I couldn't represent this county in the legislature, I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do something again."  The case is a matter of integrity, and to take the easy way out and simply pass it up, would be cowardly.  

    Another example of courage is Miss Maudie's reaction to her entire house being burnt down.  The average person would have been devastated, shocked, and overwhelmed with the tragedy of it all.  Instead, she optimistically states, "Always wanted a smaller house...give me more yard.  Just think, I'll have more room for my azaleas now!", and then goes on to tease that she's thought of torching it herself several times.

    Jem and Scout are lucky to have such uniquely brave people in their lives, who set an example of courage and integrity for them to follow.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/mockingbird
    http://www.enotes.com/mockingbird/chapter-10-summary-anal...
    http://www.enotes.com/mockingbird/chapter-8-summary-analysis

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    Posted by mrs-campbell on Saturday January 17, 2009 at 5:25 PM