Throughout the novel, Harper Lee explores the theme of courage through Atticus's lessons and actions. In Chapter 11, Atticus makes Jem read to the racist Mrs. Dubose, who has a chronic illness, in order to help her conquer her morphine addiction. Following Mrs. Dubose's death, Atticus tells Jem that she was the bravest person he ever met. Atticus then explains her situation and shares his definition of "real courage." Atticus says,
"I wanted you to...
Throughout the novel, Harper Lee explores the theme of courage through Atticus's lessons and actions. In Chapter 11, Atticus makes Jem read to the racist Mrs. Dubose, who has a chronic illness, in order to help her conquer her morphine addiction. Following Mrs. Dubose's death, Atticus tells Jem that she was the bravest person he ever met. Atticus then explains her situation and shares his definition of "real courage." Atticus says,
"I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting 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. You rarely win, but sometimes you do" (Lee, 116).
Atticus proceeds to demonstrate "real courage" by defending Tom Robinson in front of an all white jury. Atticus realizes that he has no chance of winning the case but valiantly defends Tom because it is the right thing to do. Atticus not only risks his reputation but also his well-being by defending a black man in a prejudiced town. Scout and Jem learn from their father that courage is how a person behaves in the face of adversity.
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