Within the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, courage is represented in a number of ways from a range of characters. The novel follows families in the town of Maycomb and shows the different ways they stand up for or against racism. A court case with one of the white men in the town defending negro man ‘Tom Robinson’ challenges the values and attitudes of many of the people living in Maycomb. In the novel courage is presented as people not only being able to fight physically but to know when to stand up for what they believe in and break conformity in order to be true to yourself and your values. It shows that courage is not always who is willing to fight others but also knowing when to step back and use knowledge rather than fists.
In the novel courage is presented as knowing when to back down and use knowledge to solve your issues rather than physical fighting. Harper Lee used Atticus Finch many times throughout the novel to present this in his use of composure when confronted by others. This theme is presented by Atticus when he is telling his children to use their minds not their fists to stand up for their values. “You just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anyone says to you, don’t let ‘em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change…it’s a good one, even if it does resist learning.” Colloquial language is used in this quote through the words “don’t let ‘em get your goat.” Meaning not letting others make you angry or effect your emotions in a negative way. The idea of displaying courage backed up in a certain passage by using colloquial language and metaphor through Scout Finch. “I drew a bead on him, remembered what Atticus had said then dropped my fists and walked away, ‘Scout’s a coward!’ ringing in my ears. It was the first time I ever walked away from a fight.” (Page 83) This quote on page 83 uses colloquial language through the words “I drew a bead on him….then dropped my fists and walked away,” meaning to raise your fists to fight and change your mind, this shows that Scout shows courage in her decision to walk away from the fight to protect her family’s honour. Metaphor is also used in this quote through the use of “Scout’s a coward!’ ringing in my ears.” This compares the harsh words to the sound of chiming bells. This metaphor makes the words seem more harsh and repetitive as bells continue for a long time and can often be loud and distracting. Using this metaphor shows Scout’s courage and strength in walking away even when dealing with the hurtful words of the other children. Courage is presented in this passage by the use of metaphors and colloquial language.
Courage is when you push yourself at something even when all the odds are against you. -Atticus by standing up for Tom Robinson in the court- Mrs Dubose in her fight against her addiction…..“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.” Page 121. Atticus to Jem. Techniques- Colloquial Language
‘She was the bravest person I ever knew.’ – page 121 (about Mrs Dubose) Symbolism- Mrs Dubose has broken her addiction. Connotative Language- End of Jems naivety and beginning of him growing up
"Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try and win." (atticus)
In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Courage is presented within lots of different characters through the use of techniques such as Colloquial language, repetition, symbolism and many other techniques. The novel itself helps to convey Harper Lee’s own view on the nature of courage. That courage isn’t all about who can fight with their fists, but instead about the knowledge of when to step down and when to break conformity in order to protect their values and integrity. It shows that courage is knowing that your challenge is near impossible but still facing it and fighting for what you believe is right. There are many different ideas of what courage may be but the true nature of courage is not what society bases itself on.
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