The media teaches many things that interest us. In addition, it has taught us to stereotype people. As a result, most people have come to believe that bravery comes with physical power. However, To Kill a Mockingbird teaches the readers that it is, rather, what is inside of people that make them bold. That is, Harper Lee, the author, states that courage has nothing to do with muscles, and exemplifies this through Atticus, Scout and Jem. Thus, she comes to the conclusion the internal strength is as, if not more effective than physical strength.
To begin with, Atticus Finch, the children's father, is portrayed as a fearless being. Not only does Atticus defend Tom Robinson, the man who "took advantage" of Mayella Ewell, when there was extreme racism in Maycomb County, it is also amazing that he takes the insults directed towards him based on his race and tries to see it from the offender's view: "You must get in his skin and walk around (188)." Further, he greets Mrs. Dubose in a nice way after he finds out that she has said such terrible things about him as: "your father's no better than the niggers and trash he works for (102)!" Furthermore, the occurrence at the post office after the trial between Atticus and Bob Ewell gives the whole town something to gossip about:.
Atticus was leaving the post office when Mr. Ewell approached him, cursed him, spat on him, and threatened to kill him. Miss Stephanie (who, by the time she had told it twice was there and had seen it all --- passing by from the Jitney Jungle, she was) --- Miss Stephanie said Atticus didn't bat an eye, just took out his handkerchief and wiped his face and stood there and let Mr. Ewell call him names wild horses could not bring her to repeat. Mr. Ewell was a veteran of an obscure war; that plus Atticus's peaceful reaction probably prompted him to inquire, "Too proud to fight, you nigger-lovin' bastard?" Miss Stephanie said Atticus said, "No, too old," put his hands in his pockets and strolled on (217).
