Heroes in "To Kill a Mockingbird"

To Kill a Mockingbird is written by Harper Lee. It is the story of a black man’s struggle for justice. Through her protagonists Atticus Finch and his daughter Scout and other characters such as Tom Robinson and Bob Ewell, the author reveals her themes concerning the evils of racism and the need in humans for moral integrity. Furthermore, heroism is found in this novel, i.e. characters who show both physical and moral courage in the face of great adversity. Three characters in particular are Atticus Finch, Mrs Dubose and Boo Radley. Firstly, Atticus Finch is a true hero in To Kill a Mockingbird. He is a respectable and honourable man. He is one of the only characters throughout the book who is consistent with his views on any controversy. He believes in equality, and is definitely not prejudice. He teaches his children to be honest, courageous and live with honour. For example, "Climb into someone’s skin and walk around in it,” is a lesson that he tries to live by and teach his children to live by. Or perhaps he is a hero because he is honest. He says, "Best way to clear the air is to have it all out in the open." Against all odds, he defends, Tom Robinson, a black man, despite what anyone including his own sister thinks or says about him. Not only is Atticus Finch a true example of a hero in To Kill a Mockingbird, but Mrs Dubose is also an unexpected hero. Another unlikely hero in this book is Mrs Dubose. Mrs Dubose is a strong, resilient woman who strongly overcame her morphine addiction. In the beginning of the book, she is perceived as an evil and prejudiced character that hates Jem and Scout. However, Atticus reminds them to see it from their point of view before judging her, which leads them to learn about her drug addiction. Mrs Dubose needs the children to help her get through it, yet she suffers in silence. Moreover, she is very ill and close to death. The real courage comes from the fact that although she knows she will die, she still tries to overcome her addiction, no matter how painful or difficult. Atticus’ description of a true hero is “when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what”. In the end, Mrs Dubose is able to die free from addiction. Having considered Mrs Dubose as a hero, it is also reasonable to look at Boo Radley as a hero as well. In the book To Kill a Mockingbird, Boo Radley is an obvious hero. Boo Radley had not been around the people of Maycomb for many years however, when Mr Ewell attacks Jem and Scout in the woods at night to take revenge on Atticus, it is Boo Radley that saves the children by stabbing him, and then carries an injured Jam home. Towards the novel’s climax, Sheriff Tate knowing that Boo Radley killed Mr Ewell, changed the FIR saying “‘Scout,' he said, 'Mr Ewell fell on his knife,’” because he did know want to condemn a man who had, in reality, done their community a great service. He refused “to kill a mockingbird.” One of the bravest things that Boo Radley does is touch Jem and allow Scout allow him to hold her arm as they walk home. Boo Radley is an evident hero in To Kill a Mockingbird. The novel, To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee, has many notable heroes such as Atticus Finch, Mrs Dubose and Boo Radley. All three characters show moral courage and physical courage in the face of great danger. In Atticus’ case, he shows moral courage throughout the book; in Mrs Dubose’s case, she shows physical and moral courage when overcoming her addiction; and Boo Radley shows physical courage when he rescues the children from Mr Ewell. Society needs a variety of heroes to inspire us with their courage. There are many heroes in To Kill a Mockingbird but the three that stand out are Atticus Finch, Mrs Dubose and Boo Radley.