To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel by Harper Lee that is set in 1930’s Alabama where colour prejudice was predominant. The underlining themes encompass issues around maturity, human dignity and prejudgement, but most of all courage. The definition of Courage is mental or moral strength to venture, persevere and to withstand danger, fear or difficulty. Moral courage is most apparent in Atticus, Mrs Dubose, Boo Radley and Miss Maudie. Throughout the novel, the actions and feelings these characters exhibit show the true meaning of moral courage.

Miss Maudie succinctly defines the character of Atticus Finch when she calls him ‘civilised in his heart’. He stands for all that is best in Maycomb as a citizen, a father, a Christian and a southern gentleman. As a citizen Atticus is responsible and highly respected. He is elected unopposed to the state of legislature. Miss Maudie speaks for the community when she tells Aunt Alexandra. ‘Whether Maycomb knows it or not, we’re paying him the highest tribute we can pay a man. We trust him to do right’ His conduct and conversation throughout the book show that he is entirely free from the usual Maycomb faults of pride, raci

Atticus Finch is a studious man with a sense of morality that has no comparison with any other character in the novel. Atticus’ behaviour is governed by reason, morals and values. In the novel, Atticus takes on the case of a black man named Tom Robinson. When asked about the reason he takes on this case, Atticus simply replies, ‘But do you think I could face my children otherwise?’ This is truly an act of admirable courage because Atticus defies the prejudices of the Maycomb community and takes on the case. Atticus is harassed and tormented by the town for taking on the case, yet he would rather be taunted than to go against his morals. This is courageous of him because he performs this act and expects nothing in return. When Bob Ewell spits in Atticus’ face after accusing him of being a ‘nigger lover’ all Atticus’ reply is ‘I wish Bob Ewell wouldn’t chew tobacco’ Instead of sinking to Bob Ewell’s level, Atticus takes the harassment with his head held high. This ability to withstand harassment from Bob Ewell and Maycomb is courage.

When Atticus shoots Tim Johnson - a ‘mad dog’ with rabies he places his own life in danger in order to protect the lives of others. This event occurs at the perfect time in the novel, just as the children label Atticus as being ‘feeble: he was nearly fifty’ Shooting Tim Johnson proves to the children Atticus is anything but feeble, he is indeed courageous. As the reader can clearly see, Atticus epitomizes the definition of courage. Courage in Atticus’ opinion is not being able to fight with your fists but to fight with knowledge and dignity. Atticus tells the children, ‘I wanted you to see what real courage is instead of 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 you see it through no matter what’ Atticus acknowledges, that although he will never win the Tom Robinson case he will continue. This proves his moral courage. He is invariably kind and considerate to others and is Harper Lee’s ideal of a true gentleman and a true hero.

The man who is ostracised by Maycomb, the man who lives in mysterious seclusion is a man named Boo Radley. Though never stated, it is implied that Boo is a recluse because of his mean spirited brother, Nathan and his father, who believed he should be punished by living under house arrest for a crime he committed in his adolescence. Yet Boo truly does want to be part of the ‘outside world’, though he somewhat fears it. Boo proves to be courageous because he goes against the wishes of his farther and leaves various paraphernalia in the knothole of the big oak tree at night, so no one would see him. Rumours travel around town about Boo, such as ‘Boo drove the scissors into his parent’s leg, pulled them out, wiped them clean and resumed his activities’. Boo is able to

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