Atticus Finch: The Definition of Courage

Atticus Finch: The Definition of Courage Atticus states that "courage is...when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what" (112). It takes a courageous man to face negative pressures of a society. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, a courageous father and lawyer, Atticus Finch, lives in Maycomb, Alabama during the great depression. Atticus demonstrates courage in multiple ways, some apparent and some subtle. Atticus first demonstrates courage by defending a black man, Tom Robinson. In Maycomb racism is presides over society. Many residents in Maycomb discriminate against African Americans. Despite this, Atticus Finch portrays his willingness to risk his social standing, professional reputation, and even his physical safety in order to bring justice for a young Negro man falsely accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell. Atticus courageously takes on this case telling Scout, "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" (75). Atticus means that if he didn’t defend Tom he would ruin his moral reputation and his counties. Also, Atticus teaches his children by setting an example for them and if he did not take on the Robinson case he would not have set a good example for Jem and Scout. Furthermore, Atticus defending Tom displays courage because he must go against his strongly prejudice family and friends. They lose respect for Atticus for defending a black man; accusing him of being a ‘nigger-lover.’ A classmate of Scout tells her, “‘my folks said you’re your daddy was a disgrace’” (76). Still, Atticus holds his head high despite the insults and states that "no matter how bitter things get, they are still friends and this is still home" (76). Showing that Atticus believes even though people may be mean to them now they must remember that they are still friends are still care for one another. Despite all the pressure, he portrays his determinedness to carry on his courage to bring justice for Tom. Atticus again displays courage by guarding Tom Robinson's jail cell. A mob of well know men confront Atticus coming to kill Tom Robinson, which shows their idea of justice. But, Atticus wants Tom to be judged in court fairly so Atticus puts himself in harm’s way demonstrating true courage. Atticus tells Jem that "He might have hurt me a little..." (157), but he knew that he could not leave Tom alone. Showing the sense of justice Atticus has is stronger than his fear for himself. Therefore, he sits with Tom, prepared to defend him from whoever wants to punish him for the crime he did not commit. Atticus shows another, perhaps less apparent courage by taking the time to teach his children. He wants them to enjoy life but at the same time learn useful things throughout their lives. Atticus finds it important that he explains and demonstrates courage to his children telling them, “hold your head high and keep those fists down…try fighting with your head for a change" (80). Further, Atticus wants them to understand that "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" (30). Meaning, he wants his children to take the time to consider how other people are thinking instead of only thinking about themselves. Atticus believes that his children should learn that the world portrays ugly things and that they not be kept from it. He teaches his children to respect themselves and others and to try their best to do what's right, what real courage entails. Throughout the novel, Atticus portrays the model of courage. He goes against the whole town to protect the innocent black man, he guards Tom’s cell against his friends, and he teaches his children about this world. Therefore, courage is when you know you're going to fail but you try anyway and you continue until you have finished no matter what. Courage is never giving up even when you feel beaten.