to kill a mockingbird essay about courage

To Kill a Mockingbird

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Many people in To Kill a Mockingbird confuse courage with strength and believe that courage is the ability or willingness to use strength to get one’s way. However, the novel makes it abundantly clear that this understanding of courage is immature at best and is possibly wrong altogether. Instead, the novel proposes that courage isn’t about winning. Instead, it’s about thinking about something and choosing to do what’s right, even if doing so is difficult or guaranteed to fail.

When the reader first meets Scout , she believes that she’s very courageous: she’s hotheaded and consistently gets in fights to defend what she believes is right. Though Jem is a little old for fights like this, he, too, thinks of fighting as a more or less appropriate way to demonstrate one’s courage. This is supported as time goes on and Jem in particular, who loves football, is mortified that Atticus is the only father in town who doesn’t play in the inter-church football game because of his age. In Jem and Scout’s understanding, Atticus isn’t as courageous or as admirable as the other Maycomb fathers, simply because he’s a lawyer, which means that his contribution to the world isn’t something entirely tangible, unlike other fathers who are farmers or shop owners. In this sense, Scout and Jem tie a person’s worth to what they can do, but only if their capabilities are immediately visible to others.

This understanding of what courage means and what worth is begins to break down in February, before Tom Robinson ’s trial. When Scout and Jem discover what turns out to be a rabid dog heading for their neighborhood, Mr. Tate forces Atticus to shoot the dog—which shows Atticus’s children that he can do things—he just chooses not to. At the same time, Atticus begins to encourage Scout in particular to not fight people who taunt her for Atticus’s role in the trial. Though Scout characterizes not fighting as cowardice, Atticus insists that it’s courageous to take the moral high ground and make the choice to not try to appear powerful with one’s fists, something that he embodies as he embarks on Robinson’s case.

Atticus knows full well that Robinson won’t win his case. In Maycomb, a small, Southern town in 1935, the idea that a black man accused of rape wouldn’t suffer consequences (no matter the truth) is far-fetched. Despite this, Atticus insists to Scout and Jem, and to other adults alike, that he has to take Robinson’s case and do his best to clear Robinson’s name. He feels he must do so even if he knows he’ll be unsuccessful, something that even Scout suggests at one point is actually silly and misguided, not courageous. Atticus, however, makes the case to Scout that courage doesn’t mean winning at all. Rather, courage, in Atticus’s understanding, means taking a stand for what’s right and seeing it through, even though he knows he won’t be successful. On the day of Tom Robinson’s death, Scout begins to embody this when she begins to understand that being a lady—something she previously found unappealing and boring—actually means doing exactly that. Scout begins to see that it takes courage and poise to navigate a roomful of opinionated, racist ladies, keep the conversation focused on inoffensive topics, and keep everyone’s refreshments in order, all while experiencing major emotional turmoil and trying not betraying that to her guests. In this situation, there is no winning to be had—Scout’s courage results only in a smooth meeting of the local missionary circle, which isn’t disrupted and made ugly by news of Robinson’s death. But it’s nevertheless a turning point in Scout’s understanding of what it means to be courageous, as it represents a form of courage she previously hadn’t thought worth considering.

In this sense, Mockingbird suggests that courage is playing the long game rather than focusing on immediate wins, something it illustrates clearly when Mr. Ewell , the man who accused Robinson, attempts to murder Scout and Jem. His attempt to murder children (and for that matter, his harassment and attempted crimes against Helen Robinson and Judge Taylor ) is undeniably cowardly and morally reprehensible, but it’s possible that his attempt at violence was, in his mind, an attempt to salvage his family name by bringing down Atticus. The novel offers an example of true courage, meanwhile, when Boo Radley leaves his house for the first time in 25 years to save the children, something that clearly causes him distress, even if he knows it’s the right thing to do. With this, the novel makes allowances for the fact that at times, courage does mean acting out with one’s strength, as Boo does by killing Mr. Ewell in defense of the children. But in order to be genuine courage within the world of the novel, it must still happen only in times of great need, and must be in service of the greater good.

Courage ThemeTracker

Courage Quotes in To Kill a Mockingbird

Maycomb was an old town, but it was a tired old town when I first knew it

There was no hurry, for there was nowhere to go, nothing to buy and no money to buy it with, nothing to see outside the boundaries of Maycomb County. But it was a time of vague optimism for some of the people: Maycomb County had recently been told that it had nothing to fear but fear itself.

“If you shouldn't be defendin' him, then why are you doin' it?”

“For a number of reasons,” said Atticus. “The main one is, if I didn't I couldn't hold up 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.”

"Atticus, are we going to win it?"

“No, honey.”

“Then why—”

“Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win,” Atticus said.

After my bout with Cecil Jacobs when I committed myself to a policy of cowardice, word got around that Scout Finch wouldn't fight any more, her daddy wouldn't let her.

It was times like these when I thought my father, who hated guns and had never been to any wars, was the bravest man who ever lived.

“Atticus, you must be wrong…”

“How's that?”

“Well, most folks seem to think they're right and you're wrong…”

“The one that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.”

“It's 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.”

Dill's eyes flickered at Jem, and Jem looked at the floor. Then he rose and broke the remaining code of our childhood. He went out of the room and down the hall. “Atticus,” his voice was distant, “can you come here a minute, sir?”

Beneath its sweat-streaked dirt Dill's face went white. I felt sick.

Jem was standing in a corner of the room, looking like the traitor he was. “Dill, I had to tell him,” he said. “You can't run three hundred miles off without your mother knowin'.” We left him without a word.

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To Kill A Mockingbird: Heroism & Courage of Atticus Finch

• To Kill A Mockingbird: Heroism…

Atticus is the textbook definition of a fair and courageous man. His arch throughout To Kill a Mockingbird is one that shows he not only teaches his children equality, but does whatever he can to set an example as well.

Atticus is easily the bravest character in the whole book, he took on a losing case to show his kids what true courage is. Throughout the entire book, he guides both Scout and Jem to stay away from prejudice.

Throughout the entire novel, Atticus proves himself to not just present himself as a patient, empathetic, and smart man, but to live it out in his every action.

Atticus is a fair man. That is made abundantly clear toward the end of chapter two. We learn Atticus aided Mr. Cunningham with legal affairs when he couldn’t pay right away. Atticus accepted Mr. Cunningham’s request and was patient.

Over the course of a year, Atticus got paid back. He had grace and patience with Mr. Cunningham and it paid off. Atticus indirectly taught Jem about patience through Mrs. Dubose.

The context behind this conversation is Jem discussing his punishment with Atticus after he had gone and destroyed her bushes. Jem said “Yes sir. She wants me to come every afternoon after school and Saturdays and read to her out loud for two hours. Atticus, do I have to?” Atticus replied “Certainly.” Jem complained, “But she wants me to do it for a month.”

Atticus responded, “Then you’ll do it for a month.” This was only one example of Atticus teaching Jem about patience. Even though it wasn’t a direct example, Jem was still taught a valuable lesson about patience thanks to Atticus.

Atticus shows and teaches empathy to both Scout and Jem. A great example is Mrs. Dubose. Atticus tells Jem several times that she’s an old lady and to be a gentleman. Perhaps the most famous quote in To Kill a Mockingbird is about empathy.

At the end of chapter 2, Atticus says to Scout, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”.

Atticus is easily the smartest man in the entire book. He’s smart enough to not fall astray due to prejudice. He makes a compelling case to show that Tom Robinson is innocent. He makes it known that it was physically impossible for Tom Robinson to have r*ped Mayella Ewell.

This quote that took place in the courtroom perfectly illustrated that. It is Atticus’ response to Bob Ewell’s false accusation. “Which, gentlemen, we know is in itself a lie as black as Tom Robinson’s skin, a lie I do not have to point out to you. You know the truth, and the truth is this: some Negroes lie, some Negroes are immoral, some Negro men are not to be trusted around women—black or white.

But this is a truth that applies to the human race and to no particular race of men. There is not a person in this courtroom who has never told a lie, who has never done an immoral thing, and there is no man living who has never looked upon a woman without desire.”.

The quote shows just how smart Atticus is. He has every single quality to be a great hero.

Atticus is easily the hero of To Kill a Mockingbird . He may not have accomplished the impossible and saved Tom from life in jail, but he did touch the lives of many people.

He taught his kids several important life lessons, about avoiding racial prejudice, learning to be patient, and practicing equality. Atticus is a courageous and kind man who teaches his lessons through example.

When saying that to Jem, and Scout he risked the chance of them not listening to him. Lastly, it is courageous of him standing up to the individuals at the jailhouse. Atticus risked the chance of the individuals getting him, and Tom, and killing, or hurting them physically.

Through all these examples, of courage, and risk we can see how extremely courageous Atticus was during this novel.

Related Posts

• To Kill A Mockingbird: Courage Through Perseverance
• To Kill A Mockingbird: Courage through Perseverance
• To Kill a Mockingbird: Atticus Finch Character Analysis
• Moral Courage in To Kill A Mockingbird

Author:  William Anderson (Schoolworkhelper Editorial Team)

Tutor and Freelance Writer. Science Teacher and Lover of Essays. Article last reviewed: 2022 | St. Rosemary Institution © 2010-2024 | Creative Commons 4.0

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101 To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Titles & Examples

If you struggle to find “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay topics on prejudice, race, the characters’ courage, or any other issue, look no further. Our team has prepared a list of titles and essay writing tips for this book.

🏆 Best To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topics & Examples

📌 most interesting to kill a mockingbird essay titles, 👍 good to kill a mockingbird research topics, ❓ to kill a mockingbird essay questions.

Before we will talk about the do’s and don’ts in essay writing, let’s clarify the types of essay.

When working on “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay thesis, you can focus on the facts of the book or concentrate on your attitude towards its key issues and characters. According to your approach, we can divide essays into two main areas:

• Objective essay: you set out your personal thoughts on a chosen issue and provide supporting arguments and evidence;
• Subjective essay: you express your point of view on a specific topic without claiming the truth and strengthening it with facts.

For example, when you choose a “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay topics on goodness, you will state that Atticus is a kind and fearless. No doubt that this character has a positive role.

On the other hand, when you describe Mayella, you will have to choose: will you condemn her or express pity.

As for the essay content, it can be divided into many subcategories:

• Philosophical essay
• Critical essay
• Literary analysis
• Historical essay, etc.

There are also a few key literary types:

• Feature article, etc.

Do’s & Don’ts When Writing To Kill a Mockingbird Essays

Now, it’s time to talk about what you should write and what to avoid in your paper. First of all, you have to remember that all “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay titles should reveal the essence of the issue.

Recommendations for essay writing:

• Do mark your essay subject at the beginning of the text. “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay hooks will help you to catch the reader’s attention. Don’t forget to emphasize the central issue in the conclusion.
• Do support the style of presentation by your emotions, vision, and opinion. Use the “question-answer” in paragraphs. Make the transitions between paragraphs harmonious and smooth.
• Do use quotes, historical facts, and observations to argue the thesis statement, solve the main issue, and describe the key subject of the paper.
• Do stick to the central thesis of your essay. Avoid deepen into philosophical reflections — tell about concrete facts and examples. Here’s an example: don’t include the facts from the author’s biography if you focus on the events of the book and factors that affect discrimination.
• Do proofread the paper. Read carefully your essay several times and think if your readers will understand your expressions.
• Do not use specific terminology in “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay. For example, when you write about discrimination, you don’t necessarily have to provide its dictionary definition or use complex law, historical and psychological literature, and samples. Just your own language. However, it doesn’t mean that your opinion should seem ungrounded.
• Do add your emotions to the paper. Let your readers feel that you believe in your ideas when defending the essay thesis.
• Don’t choose the header before you write an essay. First, you should write an essay, and only then compile the title of your paper.

Well, now you know about the essay types, what to do, and what to avoid in your essay. Of course, you may ask: “What to write in my own essay?”

The key to success is to start. Check “To Kill a Mockingbird” essay examples on our website to get inspiration. Even the topic seems to you too complicated, start your research, and then you will be able to express new and original thoughts.

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To Kill a Mockingbird - Courage Essay

“Courage is when you know you are licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.” (P.149) Courage, the spirit and soul of virtue, is one of the most significant themes in To kill a Mockingbird. Harper Lee uses many of the characters and circumstances in the book, as well as her own deed of writing this novel to demonstrate all facets of courage.

There is a physical courage which is demonstrated by several characters. Atticus Finch accepts the appointment to Tom Robinson’s case, and he knew he would certainly lose. During that particular period of time, defending a black man made Finch family become a target for Macomb ’s people. “The main one is, if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up 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. […] Scout, simply by the nature of the work, every lawyer gets at least one case in his lifetime that affects him personally. This one’s mine, I guess.” (P.101) The only reason Atticus takes this case is because he won’t do things that disobey his conscience. Townspeople turn their anger toward Atticus for defending Tom, but this doesn’t stop him.

During the court trial, any reasonable person could see that Ewells’ testimony was full of holes, and could realize Tom didn’t commit the crime. The racial prejudices in 1930s let most whites mentally judge this black man guilty. It takes courage for Atticus to do the right thing. Also, Atticus’s deed let Jem learned what the true courage is. At the beginning of the novel, Jem’s idea of bravery is just touching the Redley house, but as the story progresses, he shows his courage by facing the mob and refusing to obey Atticus for the first time in his life. “In the midst of this strange assembly, Atticus stood trying to make Jem mind him. ‘I ain’t going,’ was his steady answer.” (P.204) Another person who showed courage was Boo Radley. After all the years hiding in his house, Boo eventually came out and did the final act of courage in the book by saving Scout and Jem from Bob Ewell.

Alone with Atticus, Jem and Boo Radley, few female characters showed their courage in a different way. It’s not a physical kind of courage like facing down a mad dog. Harper Lee did a great job to show the mental courage by creating Mrs. Dubose’s character. This rude, prejudiced old lady, who is addicted to morphine, showed a great courage by succeeding in stop her morphine right before she died. Unlike Mrs. Dubose, Miss Maudie has her own inner strength. “Stephanie Crawford even told me once she woke up in the middle of the night and found him looking in the window at her.

I said what did you do, Stephanie, move over in the bed and make room for him? That shut her up a while.”(P.60) When Miss Stephanie tries to spread the tales, Miss Maudie rather uses her sharp tongue to fight Miss Stephanie back than just refuse to listen. Such courage is demonstrated by her words. “ Yes Ma’am. They’d burn right with me. They thought I spent too much time in God’s outdoors and not enough time inside the house reading the Bible.” (P.59) Miss Maudie has no fear of others’ gossip, she even talks about it just like a jock.

Furthermore, Harper Lee showed her own bravery by writing the novel. In 1940s, there is no single person, group, or institution put civil rights on the national agenda. Challenging racial prejudice in the United States was a daunting undertaking. Harper Lee manifested courage when she was in collage. She wrote short stories and other works about racial injustice, a rarely mentioned topic on such campuses at the time. Lee moved to New York City in 1950, and spent two and a half years writing To Kill a Mockingbird. In her creation process, Lee had become so frustrated for a while. She tossed the manuscript out the window into the snow, and her agent made her retrieve it. Finally, the book was published on July 11, 1960, but the editorial team said that Lee could probably sell only several thousand copies.

Moreover, In 1966, Lee wrote a letter in response to the attempts of a school board to ban To Kill a Mockingbird as “immoral literature”: “Recently I have received echoes down this way of the Hanover County School Board’s activities, and what I’ve heard makes me wonder if any of its members can read.[…] I feel, however, that the problem is one of illiteracy, not Marxism. Therefore I enclose a small contribution to the Beadle Bumble Fund that I hope will be used to enroll the Hanover County School Board in any first grade of its choice.”

Therefore, in To Kill a Mockingbird, courage is a prominent quality among the characters. Harper Lee used her own way to show the readers that courage is the strength in the face of pain, is the inner desire to do what is righteous.

Author: Erica Morris

• Essay Writing Guides

Evergreen To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topics for High-Flying Essays

To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the most taught and popular books in American literature. It contains the story of a young Scout Fitch, her brother Jem, and their dad Atticus. Reading this novel also exposes you to different academic assignments that require thorough analysis and interpretation. 

Producing excellent To Kill a Mockingbird essays requires a good foundation, which includes finding the most suitable To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics . This post shares the best sample topics for your writing. It also offers tips for selecting suitable TKAM essay topics . Keep reading to learn more.

Tips for Selecting Suitable To Kill a Mocking Bird essay topics

Choosing the right To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics is necessary for drafting papers that fetch good marks. Accurate selection also captures readers’ interest from the start. Below are tips for selecting titles for To Kill a Mockingbird essays .

• Brainstorm your To Kill a Mockingbird essay ideas to determine their suitability. 
• Choose topics that you can easily research without facing unnecessary difficulties defending your ideas.
• Your potential titles must interest readers.
• Select TKAM essay topics you are genuinely passionate about so you can easily research and write about them.
• If possible, let your trusted friends or classmates give their feedback on the prospective topics before choosing them.

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topics About Racism

Racism is one of the leading themes in this novel. Here are sample To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics for future consideration. 

• Describe the racist attitudes expressed by people in Maycomb County.
• Describe how racism impacts this novel’s characters.
• Discuss the trial of Tom Robinson and how it exposes racism.
• Explore Atticus Finch’s views on racism and how they change in the novel.
• Describe how racism impacts the relationships between the novel’s characters.
• What does the trial of Tom Robinson say about racism in the so-called “land of the free?”
• How does this novel expose the prejudices African Americans face across the United States today?

To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Titles About the Family

Family is a central theme in this novel. Here are great To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics for jumpstarting you.

• Discuss the various types of families represented in this novel.
• Explore how the family shaped the characters in this novel.
• Dissect Atticus Finch as a father figure in the novel.
• Discuss how Scout’s family affected her development.
• Explain how the absence of mother figures affects the characters in this thriller. 
• Explore how parents influence their children.
• Discuss the family and how Lee presents the American family model. 

Good Research Topics for To Kill A Mockingbird About Injustice

Injustice dots this novel’s landscape. Here are inspiring To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics on this theme.

• Discuss how injustice manifests through Tom Robinson’s trial. 
• Explore how injustice flows through the novel .
• Discuss how the characters in the book handle injustice.
• How does injustice affect human relationships in the novel?
• Discuss Atticus Finch’s perspectives on justice.
• Explore unjust persecution as a central theme in this novel.
• Explore the plight of stereotyped victims in the novel.

Top To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Questions

Asking and answering the right questions is critical to understanding this thrilling novel . It also helps generate suitable To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics . Below are the top questions to ask.

• How old is Atticus Finch?
• What does Mrs. Maudie’s Nut Grass epitomize in the thrilling novel? 
• Are femininity and the power of women still relevant in modern American society?
• How does this book represent fathers?
• What is the main theme in the novel?  
• How does this novel present racism in the 1930s?
• What are the most vital lessons people can learn from this book?
• Are the novel’s themes still relevant?
• Why is Atticus Finch a hero in this novel?
• What does this novel teach modern society about family life, values, and bonds?
• What would you describe as this novel’s climax?
• How does this book expose prejudice and hypocrisy?
• How does this American masterpiece benefit students?
• How can readers connect to the social setting in the thriller? 
• Who is the novel’s protagonist?

Closing Remarks

Succeeding in To Kill a Mockingbird theme essays requires a careful selection of suitable To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics . Therefore, we provided you with the best sample topic ideas to help you succeed in your future assignments. We also give tips to help you choose the right titles.

Do you still need further assistance with To Kill a Mockingbird essay topics or any other academic task? Go ahead and contact us for timely help.

'To Kill a Mockingbird': A timeless and memorable classic

Line- “Neighbours bring food with death and flowers with sickness and little things in between. Boo was our neighbour. He gave us two soap dolls, a broken watch and chain, a pair of good luck pennies, and our lives.” —To Kill a Mockingbird

Meaning behind these lines- These lines from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee convey the idea that neighbors are there to support and help each other through various moments in life, both good and bad. In this context, Boo Radley, a reclusive neighbor, plays a significant role in the lives of the children, Scout and Jem. Despite his initial mysterious and intimidating reputation, Boo shows kindness and generosity by leaving gifts for them. These gifts symbolize the unexpected acts of kindness and connections that can develop between people, even when they are initially seen as outsiders or different. It emphasizes the theme of empathy and the idea that people should not be judged solely based on appearances or rumors.

Main characters in this book- Scout Finch (Jean Louise Finch): The novel's narrator, Scout is a young girl who grows up in the racially segregated town of Maycomb, Alabama. She is curious, intelligent, and perceptive, and she is deeply affected by the events and people around her.

Atticus Finch: Scout and Jem's father, Atticus is a principled lawyer known for his moral integrity and commitment to justice. He is appointed to defend Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of raping a white woman.

Jem Finch (Jeremy Finch): Scout's older brother, Jem is a thoughtful and protective sibling. He undergoes significant growth and maturity throughout the novel, especially as he learns about the injustices and prejudices in society.

Boo Radley (Arthur Radley): Boo is a reclusive neighbor who becomes the subject of fascination and fear for Scout, Jem, and their friend Dill. He is a mysterious character whose actions play a crucial role in the story's development.

Calpurnia: The Finch family's African American housekeeper, Calpurnia serves as a maternal figure to Scout and Jem. She bridges the gap between the Finch family and the Black community in Maycomb.

Tom Robinson: Tom is a Black man accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white woman. He is at the center of the novel's main conflict, as Atticus defends him in court against a racially biased legal system.

Mayella Ewell: Mayella is a poor and troubled white woman who accuses Tom Robinson of rape. Her false allegations drive much of the novel's conflict.

Bob Ewell: Bob Ewell is Mayella's abusive and racist father. He is the antagonist of the story and plays a crucial role in the trial of Tom Robinson.

Miss Maudie Atkinson: Miss Maudie is a kind and wise neighbor of the Finch family. She provides guidance and support to Scout and Jem and offers a different perspective on life in Maycomb.

What makes it a memorable book-

Themes of Social Justice: The novel explores important themes such as racial injustice, moral growth, and empathy. It sheds light on the racial prejudices and discrimination prevalent in the American South during the 1930s, making it a powerful commentary on social issues.

Complex Characters: The characters in the story are multi-dimensional and undergo significant development throughout the narrative. The transformation of characters like Scout and Jem as they confront the harsh realities of their society adds depth to the story.

Narrative Perspective: The novel is narrated by Scout Finch, a young girl, which provides a unique and engaging perspective. Through her innocent eyes, readers gain insight into the adult world and its complexities.

Universal Themes: While the novel is set in a specific time and place, its themes are universal and timeless. It addresses issues such as prejudice, innocence, and the loss of innocence, which resonate with readers across different generations and cultures.

Impactful Message: "To Kill a Mockingbird" encourages readers to reflect on their own values and biases. It challenges them to consider the importance of empathy and standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.

Pulitzer Prize Winner: The novel received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1961, cementing its status as a significant work of American literature.

Disclaimer: The Times of India editorial team has taken inputs from AI for research purposes to create this article.

For more news like this visit TOI . Get all the Latest News , City News , India News , Business News , and Sports News . For Entertainment News , TV News , and Lifestyle Tips visit Etimes

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Atticus Finch — The Courage of Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird”

The Courage of Atticus Finch in "To Kill a Mockingbird"

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Published: Oct 22, 2018

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Lee, H. (1960). To Kill a Mockingbird. J. B. Lippincott & Co.

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