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A short class with Sarah and her students. The other ways are under More.
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Today, we’re going to discuss how Atticus defines courage in the novel. Can someone tell me what the conventional understanding of courage is?
I think it’s about being brave and facing danger.
Good point! However, Atticus teaches us that courage is more about moral strength. He defines it as doing what is right, even when it’s difficult. Can anyone give me an example from the book?
When he defends Tom Robinson, even though people criticize him!
Exactly! That is a prime example of moral courage. Let’s remember this definition with the acronym P.A.C.E. - 'Principled Actions Create Empathy.' This can help you recall the essence of courage in the novel.
What does empathy have to do with courage?
Empathy enables us to understand other’s struggles and motivates us to act justly. This is crucial for having the courage to stand up for others.
So, Atticus is showing that being brave is also about being kind?
Exactly! Courage can also mean having the strength to be compassionate.
To recap, courage according to Atticus involves principled action that fosters empathy towards others.
Next, let’s talk about Mrs. Dubose and her struggle. Why do you think Atticus admires her?
Because she’s tough and doesn’t give up?
Exactly! Atticus respects her determination to overcome her morphine addiction, illustrating a personal battle. Who can explain what lessons Jem learns from her?
That fighting your own battles is what true courage is all about?
Yes! Atticus tells Jem that 'courage is not a man with a gun in his hand.' Instead, it’s about facing your own fears and struggles. Remember the acronym F.I.G.H.T - 'Facing Internal Grit Hardens Tenacity.' It's a way to cement that message of personal courage.
So, if someone is struggling with something personal, that’s a form of courage too?
Exactly! It’s important to recognize that everyone has their own battles. Let’s summarize this constantly recurring theme: true courage involves understanding and confronting our own challenges.
Now, let’s think about how we can apply Atticus’s teachings about courage in our lives. What are some situations where we might need to show courage?
Standing up for someone being bullied?
Absolutely! That reflects moral courage. It aligns with Atticus’s lesson perfectly. Can anyone relate to their own life where they had to show or witnessed courage?
I saw a friend help another who was being picked on. They stepped in and talked to the bully!
That’s an excellent example of courage in action. This shows how empathy drives us to act. Let’s summarize today’s lesson: courage can be seen in everyday actions, emphasizing both moral and personal struggles.
Courage is fine, it takes a strong heart, / To weather the storm, to play your part.
In a town called Maycomb, a gentle lawyer named Atticus stood tall against the waves of injustice, teaching his children that real bravery lies in standing for what is right, like a lighthouse guiding ships in a storm.
C.O.R.E. - 'Courage Overcomes Real Evil' to remember the fight against injustice.
F.I.G.H.T. - 'Facing Internal Grit Hardens Tenacity' to remember the concept of personal battles.
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Moral Courage
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Empathy
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Mrs. Dubose
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Atticus Finch
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The ability to confront fear, pain, or adversity with resolute determination, particularly in moral decisions.
Adhering to principles of right conduct; demonstrating honesty and strong moral principles.
The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, forming a basis for compassion.
The internal struggles or challenges an individual faces, often related to values, addiction, or fears.
This section explores the concept of courage as framed by Atticus Finch through his moral actions and the lessons imparted to Jem and Scout.
Courage in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is depicted as moral strength rather than physical bravery, as exemplified by Atticus Finch's defense of Tom Robinson and Mrs. Dubose's personal struggle with addiction. These narratives provide pivotal lessons about integrity, understanding, and the true essence of courage.
The theme of courage in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is complex and multifaceted, distinguished from mere physical bravery. Atticus Finch defines true courage as the moral resolve to do what is right, even in the face of social ostracism and personal loss. This concept is illustrated through two primary examples in the second half of the narrative: Atticus's defense of Tom Robinson and the struggle of Mrs. Dubose.
Atticus exemplifies moral courage when he defends Tom Robinson, a Black man wrongfully accused of raping a white woman, despite fervent opposition from the community. This act of standing up for what is just, regardless of the personal cost, teaches his children invaluable lessons about integrity and justice.
Similarly, Mrs. Dubose’s battle with morphine addiction exemplifies her courage. Despite being deemed racist and cantankerous, she fights to overcome her addiction before her death. Atticus uses this example to explain to Jem that true bravery is about fighting personal battles, standing firm to one’s convictions, regardless of the odds.
Through these narratives, the children learn that courage isn't just the absence of fear but the strength to confront it—on the battlefield of ethics and personal integrity.