How does Scout Finch exhibit courage in To Kill a Mockingbird?

One could argue that Scout shows courage in refusing to take any nonsense from anyone. A prime example occurs when her cousin Francis starts saying unpleasant things about Atticus. Whatever Aunt Alexandra might want her to be, Scout's not a sweet, demure little lady who'll ignore such slights against her father's character. Instead, she attacks Francis and gives him a good hiding.

Now this is not to say that Scout's behavior is in any way acceptable. It most certainly is not. However, one can still admire the courage that Scout displays in defending her father's honor against an outrageous slur. Though the manner in which she chooses to defend Atticus may be unacceptable, there's no doubt that Scout's heart is in the right place.

In such a situation it takes an awful lot of courage to stand up and be counted, though if Scout had refrained from resorting to fisticuffs to make her point, her courage would've been even more admirable. As it is, we can deplore Scout's actions while still recognizing her bravery in defending her father's good name.

To some extent, it also takes a fair amount of courage for Scout to challenge her new teacher, Miss Caroline, when she attempts to give Walter Cunningham a quarter for his lunch. Scout could've kept her mouth shut, but she did the right thing in pointing out that Walter's too proud to borrow money. Although all she got for her trouble was a rap across the knuckles, she still showed considerable bravery in challenging her new teacher.

How does Scout Finch exhibit courage in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Scout, though young, demonstrates tremendous courage throughout the story. There are several instances which describe her courage well, but perhaps none more so than when she intervenes with the mob threatening her father, Atticus.

Some people argue that this doesn’t display much courage, since Scout is somewhat unaware of the danger she and her father are in during this scene. However, she is clearly afraid in the situation, even if she doesn’t understand quite how dire it is. When she intervenes and begins talking with the men in the riot, she shows that she is unafraid and able to stand up in frightening situations. While she seems confused as to what is occurring or what she should actually do, her instincts drive her to action, encourage her to try to talk the men out of any adverse action. It is very telling that her instinct is to act, and this shows her underlying courage.

How does Scout Finch exhibit courage in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Towards the beginning of the novel, Scout demonstrates small acts of courage by following Jem and Dill as they impersonate their reclusive neighbor, Boo Radley, and attempt to get a look at him by peeking through his windows at night. Scout is terrified of Boo Radley and views him as a "malevolent phantom," which is why following Jem and Dill on their raids demonstrates her courage. Scout also depicts her courage by defending Jem in front of the Old Sarum bunch in chapter 15. After Scout runs into the lynch mob surrounding Atticus, one of the men grab Jem by the collar and Scout defends her brother by kicking the man in the groin. Scout also demonstrates her courage by attending the Tom Robinson trial. Scout is aware that the majority of Maycomb's community opposes her father's decision to defend Tom but she still attends the trial with her brother and Dill. During the trial, Scout witnesses the prosecuting lawyer argue against Atticus's case and does not get offended when Mr. Gilmer attempts to discredit her father. She also witnesses the traumatic verdict and once again demonstrates her courage by handling the tragic loss with maturity and composure.

How does Scout Finch exhibit courage in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Author Harper Lee manages to mix a bit humor--both bawdy and surreal--into what is potentially a deadly situation on the night that the lynch mob arrives at the jail. With the men speaking in whispers so as not to awaken the man they plan to hang, Scout sees this "sickeningly comic aspect of an unfunny situation" turn more dangerous when one of the men try to manhandle Jem. It was Scout to the rescue.

I kicked the man swiftly. Barefooted, I was surprised to see him fall back in real pain. I intended to kick his shin, but aimed too high."  (Chapter 15)

This courageous act was followed by another when Scout unknowingly subdued the mob with her innocent small talk. She had previously shown small acts of courage when she faithfully joined Jem and Dill on most of their Boo Radley-related excursions. And Scout should be applauded for her patient silence on the day in which she joins the ladies of the missionary circle for tea.

What are some examples of how Scout Finch is courageous in To Kill a Mockingbird?

In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, there are several examples illustrating that Scout Finch is courageous even though, at times, she appears impetuous, as well. Many of the scenes involve Boo Radley or an attempt to get a glimpse of him. For instance, early on in the novel, there is a scene in which Scout, Jem, and Dill are debating whether to approach the Radley house to leave a note for Boo in chapter 5. Scout even tells the two boys that "anybody who’s brave enough to go up and touch the house hadn’t oughta use a fishin' pole." She asks, “Why don’t you just knock the front door down?” Scout, who is younger than Jem and Dill, watches lookout for them.

Shortly after this, in chapter 6, in another attempt to get a peek at Boo, Scout gets dragged along with the two boys even though she does not want to join them. Jem tells her:

“Scout, I’m tellin' you for the last time, shut your trap or go home—I declare to the Lord you’re gettin' more like a girl every day!”

With that, I had no option but to join them …Then I saw the shadow. It was the shadow of a man with a hat on. At first I thought it was a tree, but there was no wind blowing, and tree-trunks never walked…Halfway through the collards I tripped; as I tripped the roar of a shotgun shattered the neighborhood. Dill and Jem dived beside me. Jem’s breath came in sobs:

“Fence by the schoolyard!—hurry, Scout!”

Jem held the bottom wire; Dill and I rolled through and were halfway to the shelter of the schoolyard’s solitary oak when we sensed that Jem was not with us. We ran back and found him struggling in the fence, kicking his pants off to get loose. He ran to the oak tree in his shorts. Safely behind it, we gave way to numbness…

Another example of her bravery involves Boo Radley and comes at the end of the book in chapter 31. It is after Boo rescues Jem and brings him home. The doctor has been to see him, and Boo knows that Jem will be okay, so he wants to return to his home but he is afraid to go by himself. He asks Scout to take him home.

His hand tightened on mine and he indicated that he wanted to leave. I led him to the front porch, where his uneasy steps halted. He was still holding my hand and he gave no sign of letting me go.

“Will you take me home?”

He almost whispered it, in the voice of a child afraid of the dark.

I put my foot on the top step and stopped. I would lead him through our house, but I would never lead him home.

“Mr. Arthur, bend your arm down here, like that. That’s right, sir.”

I slipped my hand into the crook of his arm. He had to stoop a little to accommodate me, but if Miss Stephanie Crawford was watching from her upstairs window, she would see Arthur Radley escorting me down the sidewalk, as any gentleman would do.

In the prior chapter, chapter 30, which describes Boo's rescue of the children, Mr. Tate says to Atticus that “Scout is eight years old” and that "she was too scared to know exactly what went on.” To this, Atticus responds, "You'd be surprised."

This is both a commentary on her courage and her powers of observation. Other instances of her bravery are shown when she is defending either her father or her brother. For example, at the key scene in front of the jail when Atticus is guarding the jail and the mob of men comes for Tom Robinson, one of the men roughhouses Jem. Scout will not stand for that. In chapter 15, the narrator writes:

…a burly man said, and grabbed Jem roughly by the collar. He yanked Jem nearly off his feet.

“Don’t you touch him!” I kicked the man swiftly. Barefooted, I was surprised to see him fall back in real pain. I intended to kick his shin, but aimed too high.

“That’ll do, Scout.” Atticus put his hand on my shoulder. “Don’t kick folks. No—” he said, as I was pleading justification.

“Ain’t nobody gonna do Jem that way,” I said.

That she is both brave and impetuous is seen in something that her father says to her. When Jem cuts the flowers in Mrs. Dubose’s flower garden in retaliation for her speech against Atticus, Atticus says to Scout in chapter 11, "I never thought Jem’d be the one to lose his head over this—thought I’d have more trouble with you." This shows that Atticus views her as someone who will stand up for those she loves even if it means doing something foolish or dangerous.

In punishment for Jem’s defiant action, Mrs. Dubose asks Jem to come to her home to read to her. Even though Jem describes the house as "all dark and creepy" with "shadows and things on the ceiling," Scout accompanies him every day. In fact, after the first visit to Mrs. Dubose, Atticus asks whether she frightened the children. Jem responds that she did not frighten him, but Scout says that she was frightened:

“She scared me,” I said. Atticus looked at me over his glasses. “You don’t have to go with Jem, you know.”

Nevertheless, the narrator says that she went again the next day and the day after and presumably throughout Jem’s entire punishment.

What are some examples of how Scout Finch is courageous in To Kill a Mockingbird?

 Several times in To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout displays courage when faced with fear.

Early in the narrative, Scout speaks of a "malevolent spirit" that dwells in a house down the street from her. She lives in fear of this purportedly restless spirit. But, when Dill Harris arrives in the neighborhood to stay at his Aunt Rachel's for the summer, he is intrigued with this spirit called Boo Radley. So, he designs a small drama around Boo. Jem agrees to role play with Dill and suggests that Scout pretend to be Mrs. Radley. Scout contradicts Jem, "I declare if I will. I don't think—" Interrupting, Dill taunts her, "'S'matter?....Still scared?" Scout argues, "He can get out at night when we're all asleep..." With no sympathy for her, Dill turns to Jem and tells him, "You and me can play, and Scout can watch if she's scared." Despite her fear, Scout bravely plays the role of Mrs. Radley. To her relief, "all [she] had to do was come out and sweep the porch" (Ch. 4).

Another courageous act of Scout's occurs when she, Jem, and Dill approach the jailhouse where Atticus is accosted by a mob. When Scout hears her father tell Jem to go home, a "burly man" grabs her brother and shakes him roughly, saying, "I'll send him home." Scout courageously intervenes for her brother by kicking the man swiftly and telling him, "Don't you touch him!" Then, Scout sees Mr. Cunningham. Unafraid of the other men, she speaks to him. "Hey, Mr. Cunningham. How's your entailment gettin' along?" Discomfited by this direct address to him by Scout, who has singled him out from the mob, Mr. Cunningham becomes uneasy with the situation. Scout bravely continues to talk to Cunningham despite "the sweat gathering at the edges of [her] hair" (Ch. 15).

After this uncomfortable situation, Mr. Cunningham feels shame that he has accosted Mr. Finch, who has always treated him fairly and has graciously accepted food as payment for his services. Bending down and taking Scout by the shoulders, Mr. Cunningham addresses her as "little lady." Then he tells the other men, "Let's clear out." The men return to their cars and depart. Scout's courage has diffused a dangerous situation.

What are some examples of how Scout Finch is courageous in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Scout Finch is courageous throughout the book. Being pegged a tom-boy from the beginning, readers see this in her willingness to fight any boy that comes along or even any adult that questions her. Part of her courage though comes from the naivety of being a child. She doesn't always know or understand the danger around her.

In chapter 2, Scout represents the voice of reason from the children to their new teacher Miss Caroline. She speaks on their behalf, which  took courage since she ultimately gets in trouble for most everything she says to Miss Caroline:

Impatience crept into Miss Caroline’s voice: “Here Walter, come get it.”

Walter shook his head again.

When Walter shook his head a third time someone whispered, “Go on and tell her, Scout.”

I turned around and saw most of the town people and the entire bus delegation looking at me. Miss Caroline and I had conferred twice already, and they were
looking at me in the innocent assurance that familiarity breeds understanding.

I rose graciously on Walter’s behalf: “Ah—Miss Caroline?”

“What is it, Jean Louise?”

“Miss Caroline, he’s a Cunningham.”

I sat back down.

In chapter 15, Scout bursts into a mob of men potentially about to hurt Atticus: 

This was the second time I heard Atticus ask that question in two days, and it meant somebody's man would get jumped. This was too good to miss. I broke away from Jem and ran as fast as I could to Atticus.

Jem shrieked and tried to catch me, but I had a lead on him and Dill. I pushed my way through dark smelly bodies and burst into the circle of light.

"H-ey, Atticus!"

I thought he would have a fine surprise, but his face killed my joy. A flash of plain fear was going out of his eyes...

Here Scout demonstrates her courage as she runs to Atticus, and reveals the danger within as she narrates Atticus' reaction to her presence.

In chapter 31, Scout meets Boo face-to-face. She treats this man like a child. She acts like a parent leading a child throughout their exchange. Courage is modeled in this scenario because she has feared Boo for so long, and now, her fear is a real friend:

Boo had drifted to a corner of the room, where he stood with his chin up, peering from a distance at Jem. I took him by the hand, a hand surprisingly warm for its whiteness. I tugged him a little, and he allowed me to lead him to Jem’s bed.

How does Scout Finch exhibit courage in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Mrs. Dubose is a feisty old woman who has suffered from an illness for a very long time. She knows that she is going to die soon, so she has Atticus draw up her will. While discussing the will with him, Mrs. Dubose tells him about her desire to kick her morphine addiction before she dies. Atticus thinks that is a very courageous goal; so when Mrs. Dubose achieves it, Atticus tells Jem about it to teach him about courage. Mrs. Dubose shows courage by fighting her illness for years, conquering her addiction to morphine, and dying free of any drugs.

First of all, Atticus tells Jem that Mrs. Dubose had been very sick for many years. That's a tough battle to fight alone. Sure, she had her servant Jessie, but really, she had no family to support her during her many years of illness. Rather than give up, Mrs. Dubose kept on living. Next, the doctor put her on morphine as a pain-killer for many of those years. As a result, she became addicted to it. Atticus explains Mrs. Dubose's goals, as follows:

"She said she was going to leave this world beholden to nothing and nobody. . . She said she meant to break herself of it before she died, and that's what she did" (111).

In the end, Mrs. Dubose died free "as the mountain air" from her drug addiction. Atticus tells Jem that he thinks she is one of the most courageous people he ever knew because she never gave up on her goals. He explains that courage comes from making and keeping a goal even though you know you might lose. Furthermore, Atticus wants Jem to know that a courageous person doesn't need to use a gun. A brave person sees his goals through to the end, no matter what, and through whatever peaceful ways he knows.

How does Scout demonstrate courage in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Scout is depicted as an outspoken, charismatic girl who continually demonstrates courage and is not afraid to take a stand for what she believes in. On Scout's first day of school, Walter Cunningham Jr. refuses to accept Miss Caroline's quarter but is too timid to explain why he will not accept it. Scout demonstrates courage by sticking up for her friend and speaking on his behalf. When Scout feels that Miss Caroline is being unfair, she loses her composure and raises her voice.

Scout also demonstrates courage in chapter 6 by tagging along with Jem and Dill as they raid the Radley yard. Despite the fact that Scout is terrified of Boo, she shows courage by entering his spooky backyard at night. Scout also demonstrates courage in chapter 15 when she runs out into the middle of a lynch mob. Although Scout does not recognize the gravity of the situation, her decision to sprint into the group of men indirectly saves Tom's life.

One could argue that Scout also demonstrates courage by attending the Tom Robinson trial. Scout, Jem, and Dill are well aware that the majority of Maycomb's community hopes that Atticus will lose the case but decide to attend the trial. Despite the hostile nature of the environment, Scout watches from the Negro balcony as Tom becomes the tragic victim of racial injustice.

Scout also displays courage in chapter 24 by participating in Aunt Alexandra's missionary circle. Although Scout feels extremely uncomfortable, she quietly sits among the local ladies and takes note of their blatant hypocrisy. When Atticus interrupts the missionary circle, Scout follows Maudie, Alexandra, and Cal into the kitchen and listens as Atticus describes Tom's recent death. Scout once again demonstrates courage by composing herself, entering the living room, and continuing to participate in the social event without letting her emotions get the best of her.

How does Scout demonstrate courage in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Scout is a scrappy, courageous little girl (although she is afraid of Boo Radley). One place she shows courage comes near the end of the novel. Jem and Scout know they are being stalked as they return in their Halloween costumes from the pageant. They are aware Bob Ewell wants revenge for Atticus humiliating him at the Tom Robinson trial, though they don't know who is tailing them: they simply call him Shuffle-foot. It is a very dark night. As he comes running for them, they can tell he is not a fellow schoolmate and that this is no Halloween prank. Jem shouts to Scout to run. She does so until she hears Jem scream:

I ran in the direction of Jem’s scream and sank into a flabby male stomach.

Scout shows courage in turning around and running towards their pursuer to help her brother at a very dangerous moment. She is not the type of person to leave him to fend for himself or even to go for help. She is right there with him, despite the danger.

Although she tries to shrug it off as habit, Scout shows courage at the end of the novel too when she interacts with Boo. Initially, she runs aways from him, to Jem's bed, but is ashamed of herself. When her father wants her to lead Boo to the porch, she does so, saying:

“Come along, Mr. Arthur,” I heard myself saying, “you don’t know the house real well. I’ll just take you to the porch, sir.”

She talks to him and shows sensitivity to his needs. Given the context of how frightened she has been of him, this takes some nerve—and shows her growth in being able to shed a prejudice, another form of courage.

How does Scout demonstrate courage in To Kill a Mockingbird?

One way in which Scout demonstrates courage is through her nonconformity.  Scout never capitulates to what others do and withstands the tendency for "groputhink" that is so much a part of Maycomb society.  When Scout shows this in front of others, it is evident that there is courage in her actions:  "I had leaped triumphantly into a ring of people I had never seen before… 'Don't you touch him!' I kicked the man swiftly. Bare-footed, I was surprised to see him fall back in real pain."  For Scout, being able to stand up for that which she sees as right is a part of her courageous essence and identity.  Scout embodies courage in how she is able to challenge the larger contingent of society and stand up for what she believes is morally right.  In this, Scout shows courage. While it might be argued that she is simply doing her job, it is clear that she has a choice.  She could choose to be part of the group that she knows is wrong or remain distinct from it.  In choosing to be distinct from it, she shows courage in the conviction of her actions and in standing for her beliefs.  

Scout also shows courage in being able to listen and heed the words of her father.  Over the course of the story, she shows courage in resisting the temptation to fight:  "I drew a bead on him, remembered what Atticus had said, then dropped my fists and walked away, 'Scout's a coward!' ringing in my ears. It was the first time I ever walked away from a fight."  In "walking away," Scout shows courage because she shows the willingness to learn and grow.  In maturing and appropriating it as a part of her own identity in the world, she shows courage because she embraces what can be instead of what is.  Through such a transformation, courage is evident.

How does Scout demonstrate courage in To Kill a Mockingbird?

I'm not sure that I would call Scout particularly courageous in To Kill a Mockingbird, but some of her actions would be considered courageous if not for her reasons for initiating them. The fact that Scout is willing to duke it out with any boy who rubs her the wrong way could be called brave, but it is Scout's temper who pushes her into these scrapes--not a sense of honor. When Scout intercedes between Atticus and the lynch mob, it would be considered a particularly brave act--if Scout had understood what was going on between the men. Scout had no idea that Tom's and Atticus's lives were in jeopardy: She simply began making innocent conversation after recognizing Mr. Cunningham. Of course, her temper led her to take on yet another male--this time an adult one--when she defended Jem when one of the lynch mob grabbed him by the collar.

I kicked the man swiftly. Barefooted, I was surprised to see him fall back in real pain. I intended to kick his shin, but aimed too high.

Perhaps Scout's most courageous moment came at the Missionary Circle tea when she managed to hold her tongue after Miss Stephanie made fun of her. She listened to Mrs. Merriweather's hypocritical diatribe silently, and then watched her Aunt Alexandra and Miss Maudie recover from the news of Tom's death and return to serving refreshments, as if nothing had happened. Although Scout hated the idea of becoming a lady,

... if Aunty could be a lady at a time like this, so could I.

How does Scout demonstrate courage in To Kill a Mockingbird?

In Chapter 9, Scout displays courage at school by refusing fight Cecil Jacobs after he made negative comments about her father. Throughout the novel, Scout has a short temper and tries to solve all of her problems by fighting. She assaults Walter Cunningham Jr., Dill, and Francis for various reasons. Atticus attempts to teach Scout that fighting will not solve her problems. He says,

“You just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anyone says to you, don’t let ‘em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change…it’s a good one, even if it does resist learning.” (Lee 76)

This lesson is easier said than done. When Cecil Jacobs says that Scout's father is a disgrace and calls her a "coward," Scout is tempted to punch him in the face. Scout displays courage by walking away, which is a very hard thing to do. She knows that she has just lost the argument, but does the right thing. Atticus tells his children that real courage is

"when you know 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." (Lee 149)

Scout knew that she had lost the argument by not defending her father, but showed real courage by walking away.

In To Kill a Mockingbird, what does Scout learn about courage?

Above all, in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" Scout's lessons in courage teach her that the attribute of courage is quiet.  For, often Atticus Finch's acts of courage are unobtrusive and subtle.  Quietly and methodically, Atticus places his glasses upon his forehead, takes aim, and kills the rabid dog.  Just as quietly, he sits firmly in front of the jail when the mob of men come to demand Tom Robinson. 

Courageously defending Atticus against the other townspeople and Boo Radley's right to remain inside his house,  the Finches' neighbor, Miss Maudie, exhibits great fortitude when her house burns, she says that she hated it, anyway. Another neighbor, Mrs. DuBose battles morphine addiction quietly in her bed. The courage that Atticus Finch and Boo Radley and Miss Maudie and Mrs. DuBose exhibit is a humble trait, not one that is theatrical like the hypocritical missionary teas of Aunt Alexandra.

In To Kill a Mockingbird, what does Scout learn about courage?

In To Kill a Mockingbird Scout learns that there are many different kinds of courage.   Let me remind you about some of them, and you can see if you can find some more.  There is courage in the face of danger, such as Jem protecting Scout as they try to return home in the dark.  There is also courage in standing up for what you believe in. Atticus Finch demonstrates such courage by defying society's rules about race when he represents Tom Robinson.  Atticus is brave in defending Tom Robinson because he stands up for what he believes in, even though his decision might make him an outcast.  He demonstrates courage in the face of physical danger when he stands up to an angry mob, and when he faces a rabid dog and shoots it.  Atticus is also brave in smaller ways.  He is brave because he raises his children on his own, without the assistance of a woman.  This was unheard of.  Throughout the novel, Scout also witnesses Boo Radley’s acts of courage, including the hugely courageous act of leaving his house to rescue Scout and Jim.  She comes to realize that Boo’s leaving gifts in the tree is also a smaller act of courage.  Some characters demonstrate bravery in some instances and cowardice in others.  Mayalla Ewell is brave when she shows affection for Tom but not brave when she lies about the relationship.  Jem was not courageous enough to admit to his father that he snuck into the Radley house, but he is courageous enough to return to retrieve his torn pants.  Now see if you can identify other examples of courage in this novel.

In To Kill a Mockingbird, how is Scout courageous throughout the book?

Scout demonstrates courage several times in the story. Scout courageously challenges anyone who criticizes her father and even gets into a physical altercation with her cousin after he calls Atticus a "nigger-lover." The fact that Scout is willing to defend her family members at all cost is an admirable trait, which emphasizes her courage. Scout also demonstrates courage by facing her fears and following Jem and Dill into the Radley yard during their nighttime raid. Despite being terrified of Boo Radley, Scout refuses to back out and participates in the nighttime raid. Scout's most courageous moment takes place in chapter 15 when she runs into the middle of a lynch mob and tries to strike up a conversation with Mr. Cunningham. Even though Scout does not comprehend the seriousness of the situation, she comes to Jem's defense by kicking a man in the groin. Scout also demonstrates courage by challenging her Aunt Alexandra when she disrespects Walter Cunningham. In chapter 24, Scout once again demonstrates courage by participating in the missionary circle and attempting to socialize with the local ladies. As a rough tomboy, Scout feels extremely uncomfortable but maintains her composure during the stressful event.

In To Kill a Mockingbird, how is Scout courageous throughout the book?

Scout's most courageous act in To Kill a Mockingbird comes in Chapter 15 when she and Jem arrive at the jail while Atticus is confronting the lynch mob. Scout senses that something is wrong, but she doesn't really understand the implications of the gathering until the next day. Her innocent banter with Walter Cunningham shames him, and he directs the other men to "Let's get going."

Scout shows courage when she stands up for Walter Cunningham Jr. on her first day of school. She tries to explain why Walter has no lunch money, but she instead gets in trouble with Miss Caroline. She shows courage when she accompanies Jem and Scout into the Radley's back yard, and she shows her speed when she runs back to safety after Boo's shadow appears on the porch. She shows courage (or is it her foolish hot temper?) each and every time she fights a boy in the schoolyard, and her bravery is evident when she runs to the sound of Jem's screams during the attack by Bob Ewell.

When does Scout show courage in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Scout is not one to back down from a fight. She will often use her fists as a way to solve problems. However, there are examples of times when Scout acts courageously without involving her fists. In chapter 24 of To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout carries a pitcher into the room of ladies participating in Aunt Alexandra's tea. Aunt Alexandra asks Scout to stay and visit with the ladies. It becomes clear that Miss Stephanie Crawford attempts to bait Scout by asking her if she plans to be a lawyer since Scout "already commenced going to court." A gentle touch from Miss Maudie keeps Scout in check. Scout is aware of Miss Stephanie's motives. The reader sees evidence of this when Scout recalls being more comfortable around men. She says that "People like Mr. Heck Tate did not trap you with innocent questions to make fun of you." Scout shows courage by maintaining her composure among the ladies although she knows they are making fun of her.

Another example of Scout showing courage is when she hears of Tom Robinson's death. Scout begins shaking as she thinks about what happened. Miss Maudie says, "Stop that shaking," and Scout stops. Together, they join the ladies again and Scout helps serve cookies. She says, "if Aunty could be a lady at a time like this, so could I." Scout shows courage by again keeping her composure and helping her Aunt Alexandra.

When does Scout show courage in To Kill a Mockingbird?

In Chapter 15, Atticus leaves his home to sit outside of Tom Robinson's jail cell to prevent anyone from attempting to harm Tom before the trial. Jem, Dill, and Scout search for Atticus and find him reading the newspaper in front of Maycomb's jailhouse. Suddenly, several cars arrive from the Meridian highway and a group of men begin to surround Atticus. Scout sneaks out from their hiding place and runs into the middle of the group of men. Unaware of the dangerous situation she has just entered, Scout tries to make casual conversation. Jem and Dill follow Scout and Atticus tells Jem to go home. However, Jem refuses to go home and leave his father's side. One of the men from the Old Sarum bunch grabs Jem by the collar of his shirt and says, "I'll send him home" (Lee 94). Scout yells, "Don't you touch him!" and kicks the man in his groin (Lee 94). Atticus then tells Scout to calm down and not kick folks. Scout responds by saying, "Ain't nobody gonna do Jem that way" (Lee 94). Scout acts courageously by defending her brother to the best of her ability. She saw that Jem was being harassed and she came to his aid by kicking a much older man as hard as she could. 

When does Scout show courage in To Kill a Mockingbird?

For a child of her age, Scout Finch show an exceptional amount of courage. She is the first one to stand up to her teacher and try to explain that the Cunninghams don't like to take charity. She confronts Mr. Cunningham when he is in the midst of the lynch mob that is threatening Atticus and Tom Robinson. She even kicks another of the men in the mob (aiming for his shin but actually connecting rather higher). That said, though, there are times when Scout lacks moral courage. This is not surprising, considering her age, and it makes her a relatable character, one that we can connect with and understand.

Scout's greatest lack of courage surrounds Boo Radley. Boo is the local recluse, and Scout is terrified of him. Of course, she is far more terrified of the picture of Boo Radley she has created in her mind than of the real person. To Scout, through, Boo Radley is a dangerous man who could hurt her, and she doesn't even like to walk past his house for fear that he will jump out at her. When she accidentally rolls into the Radley yard in a tire, she is so frightened that she runs back to safety without the tire, and Jem has to go get it. Scout's fear is real, even if it is unfounded.

Scout also lacks courage when it comes to going to school (at least until Atticus intervenes). Scout is excited to start first grade, but her first day does not go well. Her teacher actually scolds her for being able to read and tells her that her father must stop teaching her, for he is doing it all wrong. This shakes Scout's confidence. She has been reading for as long as she can remember, and she does it very well. She cannot understand why her teacher doesn't want her to read anymore, and she certainly doesn't want to give up her evening reading sessions with Atticus. The

prospect of spending nine months refraining from reading and writing made me think of running away,

she remarks. That evening, Scout tells her father that she doesn't want to go to school any more. She doesn't think she can face another day. Atticus helps her by making a bargain. They will continue reading if she goes back to school and doesn't tell her teacher. Scout's courage rises with the help of her father.

Finally, Scout shows a lack of moral courage when she fails to control her temper and gets into fights. She just cannot stomach insults, so she lashes out. Atticus tells her that she is getting too old for such things, and she tries to stop. Sometimes she is successful, but sometimes she fails mightily, as she does when her cousin Francis insults Atticus one too many times. Scout forgets her good intentions, hauls off, and hits Francis right in the mouth. She gives in to her temper yet again, and her moral courage gives way to her anger.