Courage and Cowardice
When I was seven years old my uncle Ricky died. I knew him for many years and when I got the news I was stuck with sorrow. I cried for a long time and was immensely depressed Ricky being the first relative I had known before they died. At his funeral my brother went up to talk about him, you could tell he was very sad, but he did not cry, his voice did not shake, and he was very firm. It took a lot of courage to not be too emotional; from that day forward I have learned to use courage in everyday situations. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee the three characters Atticus, Scout, and Maudie embody courage in many ways.
Atticus, Scout’s father is a Lawyer and takes on a task that no other man in that time would have accepted. He takes the case of Tom Robinson, a colored man accused of rape. Atticus is courageous by taking this case because in the timeframe the novel is set in was when racism was still prominent in the southern states. When Sout asks why Atticus simply says “Because if I didn't I couldn't hold up my head in town.” (Lee 75) This is heartening because it is very true, no lawyer in his right mind would take a case like Tom Robinson’s back then. By taking the case Atticus is risking his standing as a lawyer, and as a person in Maycomb. He holds to his standards, making him have more fortitude than any other character. People start saying things about Atticus like one child that calls him a “Nigger lover.” (Lee 83) Atticus shows both emotional courage and physical courage by not letting these harsh accusations get to him and keeping the case he is sure to lose. It took a lot of strength for Atticus to keep Tom Robinson’s case, even though he is threatened and looked down upon. Many people think Atticus is wrong about Tom Robinson and express their feelings not only at Atticus, but his family as well.
Due to Atticus’s decision to take Tom Robinson’s case many people say rude, derogative, and rude things to him and his family. Scout is particularly bothered by these people’s judgment aimed at her and her father. One day Scout is being teased by one boy named Cecil who says “Scout Finch’s daddy defended niggers.” (Lee 74) This bothers Scout deeply, she loves her father very much and seeing people treat him this way just because he is standing up for what he believes is the right thing to do. Scout illustrates mental and physical strength by not beating up the kid who was teasing her. This is extremely divergent than her normal attitude and she finds that not beating up Cecil made her feel more fulfilled than if she had. As she walks away Cecil calls after her “Scout’s a coward” (Lee 75) this affected her greatly but she stayed steadfast to her father’s convictions and stayed passive towards Cecil, not beating him up. Scout finds that by not beating up Cecil she feels better about people calling her names. At this moment Scout matures in more ways than one. Although scout demonstrates courage sometimes she even needs someone else to be brave for her.
When Miss Maudie’s house burns down she exemplifies mental and emotional valor. “Don’t worry yet Scout, it’s not time to worry.” (Lee 70) Maudie does this not only to herself, but for scout as well. This scene really shows how strong Scout’s and Maudie’s relationship is and her house burning down only strengthens that relationship. Scout was very worried for Maudie’s wellbeing until she says “Don’t worry about me, Jean Louise Finch.” (Lee 73)This portrays not only courage, but optimism as well. Maudie sees her house burning down as an opportunity to expand her garden, not a tragedy.
So, in all courage is not only important to yourself, but to others around you as well. When my brother was strong for me at my uncle’s funeral, not only did it help himself, but it made me feel better as well. Much like when Atticus makes tom feel safe by taking his case, or Miss Maudie comforting Scout, and even scout making herself feel confident knowing she did the right thing. Strength in one’s mind and body can make their like better; having confidence makes world leaders, revolutionaries, and ultimately creates a better world for all.