Bravery In To Kill A Mockingbird

Courage can be difficult for anyone to overcome. Without fear, bravery is impossible, because it is only fear itself that can allow for one to be courageous. Often, one will be too overwhelmed by the feeling of fear to even consider doing what is brave or noble, or in most cases, what is right. Thus, showing true valor is a difficult feat that few people can accomplish. In turn, the payoff can be great. But what is true courage, and how does it impact one’s life? In short, bravery is the mental strength that allows someone to do what is right, even if it is risky, frightening, or simply difficult to accomplish. Once again, although being courageous is an arduous feat, the benefits are great. In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, it is …show more content…
Scout demonstrates individuality through her bravery when she stands up for her father against cousin Francis at Christmas. For Scout, beating up her cousin takes courage. She knows she will get in deep trouble for doing so, but she does it anyways in defense of her father and because she trusts and agrees with his ideals. Of course, if Scout didn’t agree with Atticus’s beliefs, she wouldn’t risk getting in trouble to defend him so intensely. This act of courage separates Scout from the rest of Maycomb society, including her own cousin. Most people wouldn’t dare to risk their own social standing to stand up for someone who’s so heavily judged such as Atticus, especially in a town like Maycomb where reputation is everything, but Scout does it anyways. Not only does this prove she is unique, but it also proves that she’s a compassionate and defensive person who will put herself in danger for those she cares about. This is yet another distinctive trait that not many Maycomb citizens seem to have. Another character who demonstrates individuality and compassion through courage is Boo Radley. Arguably, Boo is one of the most unique characters in all …show more content…
Various characters clearly demonstrate their mental strength and resolve through their acts of courage. One of these characters is Boo Radley, whose strong will shines through when he consistently placed small items in the tree hole for Jem and Scout to find. For Boo Radley, to consistently go outside and place small objects in the tree is to risk being seen by others. Boo is incredibly introverted and shy, so this is no minor feat for him to accomplish. Not only once does he take the time to leave these trinkets for Jem and Scout to find, but he does it repeatedly. The fact that he doesn’t give up, at least not until the hole in the tree is sealed, shows Boo’s strong will and tenacity. He has an objective, which is to make the kids who antagonize him smile, and he doesn’t give up on that. Without his act of courage of stepping outside his home, this trait of strong will of his wouldn’t be made so clear. Moreover, Scout demonstrates her strong will in a different way. Again, when Scout courageously listens to her father’s advice and tries her hardest not to pick any fights, Scout’s tenacity shines through. Although she has a difficult time resisting her urge to solve conflict by a physical brawl, shown when she breaks her personal vow not get into fistfights by punching her cousin Francis, Scout’s overall dedication to her promise clearly illustrates her strong will. After all, Scout