The Courage of Atticus Finch

Atticus is brave to defend a black man in the face of criticism and threats of violence. He also is brave in the face of danger, both when he kills the rabid dog with a single shot and when facing the mob of men outside the jailhouse It takes courage for Atticus Finch to go against people's beliefs in order to do what he believes was morally right. The racist views of the town are against Atticus defending Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman, and Atticus is often discriminated against for not agreeing with them. His children, Scout and Jem, also feel the hatred of others against them because of what their father's beliefs are. "But Mrs. Dubose held us: "'Not only a Finch waiting tables, but one in the courthouse lawing for niggers' ... 'Your father's no better than the niggers and trash he works for.'" Although Atticus is criticized for what he decides is right, he bravely ignores the disapprobation. Atticus Finch is a courageous person because he does what he believes is right, and does not follow Maycombs racist way. Defending Tom Robinson, an African- American man accused of raping a white woman proves Atticus’ integrity. His children Scout and Jem feel the repercussions of their father’s actions in defending Tom Robinson, "But Mrs. Dubose held us: "'Not only a Finch waiting tables, but one in the courthouse lawing for niggers’ ... 'your father's no better than the niggers and trash he works for.'" Atticus stays strong and does what is truly right despite the publics’ beliefs. “Real courage" is when you fight for what is right regardless of whether you win or lose. Atticus Finch defines "real courage" and demonstrates it several times throughout the novel, in addition to the lessons that he teaches his children. The largest and most important example would be the Trial of Tom Robinson. When Atticus took the case, he went against Maycomb, a generally prejudiced town, in order to defend Tom. He understood that taking the case would make him