As humans, every single individual has confronted fear at least once in their lifetime, however, people often misconceive courage as fearlessness rather than having the strength to overcome trepidation. Contrary to popular beliefs, courage is the ability to persevere in the face of adversity and triumphing despite being afraid.
Jean Louise “Scout” Finch is a 6 years old girl living in 1930’s Alabama. While learning to deal with prejudice and injustice of the small town Maycomb, she witnessed many examples of courage displayed in various forms through the lives of characters in Maycomb and changed her perspectives of “real” courage. In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the theme of courage is explored and it becomes clear that courage is not the absence of fear but rather the will to persevere in spite of it. The first character in this novel that represents courage is Atticus. Harper Lee depicts the concept of moral courage through Atticus Finch, the principled lawyer who stood up against the prejudiced society of Maycomb to defend a black man. Atticus takes on the Tom Robinson case based on his principals of right and wrong despite knowing that the battle is lost before it begins.
When Atticus was discussing the case with his brother Jack, he reveals that ” it couldn’t be worse… The jury couldn’t possibly be expected to take Tom Robinson’s word against the Ewells.
.. I’d hoped to get through life without a case of this kind, but John Taylor pointed at me and said, ‘you’re it.'”(100) Atticus acknowledges the racism and discrimination that is prevalent throughout Maycomb and admits his initial apprehension with defending a black man. He recognizes the impossibility of winning the case but he’s still willing to valiantly defend Tom in front of a prejudiced jury because it is the right thing to do. Even though Atticus has no chance of winning the case, he aims to defend Tom to the best of his ability giving up in the face of adversity despite the consequences
