English

Mike Ferrufino 11/27/12
Mrs. Lein Critical Lens Essay

The quote “The bravest of individuals is the one who obeys his conscience” was once said by a man named J.F. Clark. Many situations will be faced by many people, but the bravest ones are the ones who listen to their conscience. It takes real courage to stand up for what’s right and no to support what is wrong. The novel To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, is great example to help prove this point. J.F. Clark’s idea can help be proven true after one examines two things. After reading To Kill a Mockingbird there are many characters that can help support his idea. Atticus and “Boo” Radley are the two characters that best support the quote presented. Throughout the novel, Atticus is faced with many situations where he obeys his conscience. By showing his courage and bravery, he accepts a case to defend a black man, Tom Robinson, of raping a white girl, Mayella Ewell. Although characterized as a great father and lawyer, Atticus is criticized and hated upon for being a “nigger-lover” for trying to defend a man much lower in society. Atticus knows the consequences, and the names that he will be called, but accepts the fact and does his best to win the case for an underprivileged man. Unfortunately Atticus fails to succeed in the case, but helped created a different view for people lower in society. Atticus comes across another situation where he must listen to what his conscience is telling him. One evening a mad dog was walking around in the streets of Maycomb, everyone was afraid and they needed one man to do the job of killing the dog. Atticus was known for his skills with a rifle and for having the nickname “One-Shot Finch”. All pressure and everyone watching did not affect Atticus, as he killed the mad dog with one shot. Atticus displayed that he isn’t scared and not even a mad dog will affect him. Finch’s Landing was a place of memories and tradition. When Atticus was younger his dad told him keep the tradition alive, by living and taking care of Finch’s Landing. Atticus followed his dream and did not let anyone stand in his way. He abandoned Finch’s Landing and became a lawyer. During these events of courage and bravery, Atticus made his mark in the town of Maycomb. In the novel, “Boo” Radley faces many conditions where he must make his own choices, and present his courage and bravery. Boo is characterized as someone who keeps to themself and doesn’t want to be noticed and confronted by others. Everyone always wondered why he doesn’t come out of his house. Boo doesn’t go outside of his house or do anything because of his moral values and religious restrictions. He faces many difficulties and knows many people talk about him. Jem and Scout go out of their way to even try and become friends with him. He ignores these rumors and leave clues to Jem and Scout as signs of respect. He leaves twine, some gum and a spelling bee medal in a tree. Boo’s greatest sign of bravery and courage was when he saved Jem and Scout. One night Jem and Scout were being chased by Bob Ewell and he had a knife. Then, Boo saved them by stabbing Bob with his own knife. Despite the moral values and religions restrictions of Boo, he stands up for the two people that were trying to become friends with him. When everyone found out that Bob was dead they knew it was Boo who killed him but, since he had so many rumors about him already they said that Bob tripped and stabbed himself with his own knife. “The bravest of individuals is the one who obeys his conscience” was once stated by J.F. Clark. One must choose what is right and not what is wrong. If the situation may have to do with being brave or showing courage, everyone should do the right thing. In To Kill a Mockinbird Atticus and “Boo” Radley show signs of courage throughout the novel. As one can see this novel portrays many aspects of courage and bravery.