To Kill a Mocking Bird

In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, there are many main themes throughout the book. However, one may say that the most important one would have to be courage. The courage in this story is very powerful and as a result, makes one understand the true definition of the strong word. It teaches that anyone, no matter the age, race, or where they’re from, can perform different acts of courage. This story is one of a kind, and is one that many people will never forget because of the many morals it teaches and courage it displays.

“It was times like these when I thought my father, who hated guns and had never been to any wars, was the bravest man who ever lived.” (“Lee” 100)

This quote was said by Scout about her father, Atticus. Atticus Finch is a lawyer who resides in Maycomb County. His wife passed away when Jem was six years old and Scout was two, and has been raising them along with their maid, an African American woman named Calpurnia. He is an extremely good parent who is very understanding, he has taught Jem and Scout many important life lessons and morals, and always stands up for what he believes is right. Atticus is one of the only people in Maycomb who treats everyone equally, no matter the race. The main event that takes place in the novel is when Atticus agrees to defend a black man named Tom Robinson. This is one example of the courage that takes place in the book. By choosing to defend Tom, Atticus risks his reputation and exposes himself and his children to danger from the angered white community. However, he knows that Tom is a good honest man, and Atticus has enough courage to take on such a brave task:

“They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions... but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience.” (“Lee” 105)

Jean Louise Finch, known as Scout to most, and her brother Jem, are Atticus’s two loyal children. Scout is the younger of the two, but despite that she is young, she is a very intelligent girl who is always asking questions. Considered by many a Tomboy by the fact she is always out with her older brother Jem. Jem is four years older than Scout and therefore more mature, however there is something’s that he does not yet understand such as the evil and injustice he witnesses during the Tom Robinson trial. Jem shows a different type of courage then Atticus. He does not show it in a big way, but more of in smaller ways throughout the book. Ways such as always being there for Scout, always trying to protect her, and constantly trying his hardest to act like a gentleman for his father. Scout on the other hand, is more like Atticus in terms of courage. In one part of the book, Scout stops an angry mob one night from harming her