To kill a mockingbird demonstrates that courage can be seen in many different forms. Atticus, Mrs Dubose and Arthur Radley all show different varieties of courage, which are significant in the novel. Atticus shows courage by defending a Negro, when he knows that there is so much racism between the whites and black's. Mrs Dubose shows bravery and a great deal of determination by overcoming her morphine addiction. Arthur Radley shows his courage in overcoming his fear and putting his life and way of life to save Jem and Scout.
Atticus's courage comes from defending Tom Robinson, even when he knew he might be putting his or his family's life at risk. Atticus believed that Tom was innocent and fought for his freedom. He knew he wasn't going to win the case but he tried anyway, despite the fact that the majority of the town was against him. He wanted to show the white community its own moral degeneracy. Tom was an honest man who told the truth, but it was hard for our society to accept the innocence of the black man. There was so much racial prejudice that it even penetrated into the jury. Atticus reminded everyone that there were honest and dishonest black people just as there are honest and dishonest white people. Atticus said, " this is a truth that applies to the human race and to no particular race of men." He told the jury that in a court of law, "all men are created equal." Atticus shows his courage for standing up for what he believes is right, regardless of threats or criticism. .
Mrs Dubose showed her courage in overcoming her morphine addiction. Her heroic attempt to conquer her morphine addiction was quite amazing. She was on her death bead, and yet she chose to die with dignity. She showed strong self-esteem and wanted people to realise that she had enough strength in herself to overcome her addiction. Atticus wanted the children to understand that true courage had to do with the fight for one's personal goals, no matter what the odds were against achieving the goal.
