Courage of To Kill a Mockingbird
...t caught and had to run away, Jem realized he forgot his pants. He had to go back to get his pants so he wouldn’t disappoint Atticus. He was scared and it was dangerous, but the fear of facing Atticus was greater. Jem and Scout showed great courage in many points in the book, but they weren’t the only ones. Atticus shows courage throughout the book, but mainly when defending Tom Robinson. When Atticus defended Tom Robinson, he showed courage both inside and outside of the courthouse. Atticus went to the jail to protect Tom Robinson from the mob of “country folks” that were coming for him. Although he was alone against several men, Atticus would not budge until the children showed up. When the kids showed up, Atticus became afraid because they were in danger. Atticus’ courage failed him in this scene but Scout’s complete innocence saved them all. A second scene outside the courtroom when Bob Ewell threatened Atticus after court showed Atticus’ great courage. Atticus was unaffected by Bob Ewell’s threat because he thought Bob would not do it. He felt once Ewell had threatened him in public, he had done all he would do. Unfortunately, he was wrong. Although Atticus shows much bravery and courage outside the courtroom, he shows just as much inside the courtroom. Atticus shows courage when he takes Tom Robinson’s case despite knowing his own people would turn against him and his children. Racial issues are brought up during the case and Atticus shows his true colors and views on racism. He does not have any. Atticus realizes that he has no chance of winning the case yet he still tries wholeheartedly to defend Tom. This shows his great courage given the times and views. He gives Tom the ultimate chance for his situation, the chance to tell the truth in court. Atticus brought courage out of people. Scout, Jem, Tom, and Mrs. Dubose’s courage were all directly influenced by Atticus. Mrs. Dubose was a morphine addict and showed great courage at many points in the book. She is suffering and Atticus knows it, so he goes out of his way to be polite and kind to her. She says horrible things and is mean to the children, but people are kind to her because s...