To kill a Mockingbird is largely related to courage, dealing with both the presence, as well as the lack of courage within the characters. In addition, the book dwells in the theme of tolerance, a common factor which always creates conflicting arguments. The novel shows the importance of tolerance and courage in everyday life, and how they can greatly affect the people around you. Courage, in some cases can be the fine line between life and death. .
The most obvious example of courage is conveyed through the novel's chief protagonist, Atticus Finch. He is brave in both a physical sense, and also strong in an ethical and emotional sense. Despite being nearly fifty years old ("Atticus was feeble .our father didn't do anything" [p.95]), Atticus shows he is still as courageous as any man. Firstly, he displays his boldness by facing Tim Johnson, a crazy dog on a wild rampage. Next, he confronts an entire "mob" of angry men intent of hurting him and the man he is protecting ("You know what we want .get aside from the door, Mr Finch" [p.157]). Finally, he stands up to Bob Ewell, a maniac with a bad reputation, who had vowed to kill him ("Too proud to fight, you nigger-lovin" bastard?" [p.223]). However, Atticus" strongest point does not lie in his body, but in his mind and his heart. He displays his true courage when he fights to save Tom Robinson, despite the whole town's prejudice against Negroes. Atticus helps Tom to stand up for what he believes, even with everyone bad-mouthing him ("Your father is no better than the Niggers and trash he works for!" [p.108]). This clearly shows his bold, fair and determined character, as well as his courageous nature. .
However, courage is also found in smaller, more discreet places, such as the "Nigger", Tom Robinson, the mysterious "Boo" Arthur Radley and also the bad-tempered Mrs Dubose. Though it may not seem from the outside, under Tom Robinson's muscular build, he is actually very kind at heart.
