Professional Courses
Industry-relevant training in Business, Technology, and Design to help professionals and graduates upskill for real-world careers.
Categories
Interactive Games
Fun, engaging games to boost memory, math fluency, typing speed, and English skills—perfect for learners of all ages.
Typing
Memory
Math
English Adventures
Knowledge
Enroll to start learning
You’ve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take mock test.
Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
Defining Courage
Unlock Audio Lesson
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson
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.
Mrs. Dubose as an Example of Courage
Unlock Audio Lesson
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson
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.
Courage in Action
Unlock Audio Lesson
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson
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.
Introduction & Overview
Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.
Quick Overview
Standard
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.
Detailed
Courage in To Kill a Mockingbird
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 Finch’s Moral Courage
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.
Mrs. Dubose’s Battle
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.
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
Atticus's Definition of Courage
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
Atticus defines true courage not as physical strength but moral integrity—shown through Mrs. Dubose’s struggle and his own stand for justice.
Detailed Explanation
In this chunk, Atticus Finch articulates his understanding of courage. He sets the foundation for the narrative's deeper exploration of what it means to be truly courageous. Atticus emphasizes that courage is not merely about physical bravery; it is about having the moral fortitude to do what is right, even when faced with overwhelming challenges or societal pressures. This view is illustrated by the character of Mrs. Dubose, who fights against her own addiction, demonstrating inner strength despite her frailty. Atticus's own commitment to defending Tom Robinson, knowing he faces public backlash, further exemplifies this point.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a scenario where a student stands up against bullying in school. Instead of physically fighting the bully, this student chooses to report the behavior to an authority figure, knowing it could lead to them being ostracized by peers. This decision reflects a moral courage similar to what Atticus describes, showing that true bravery often involves making difficult choices for the sake of justice and what is right.
Mrs. Dubose's Struggle as a Lesson
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
Atticus explains how Mrs. Dubose, despite her racist attitudes, exhibits great courage through her battle with morphine addiction, teaching Jem about the nature of bravery.
Detailed Explanation
In this section, Atticus recounts the story of Mrs. Dubose, an elderly neighbor who battles her morphine addiction. He reveals that, despite her harsh words and prejudices, her fight against addiction was a profound act of courage. She chose to confront her dependency head-on, determined to overcome it before her death. This teaches Jem that real bravery lies in facing one's personal battles, regardless of the outward appearances and prejudices one may hold. Atticus highlights that we must respect the internal struggles of others, even if they express their distress negatively.
Examples & Analogies
A good analogy can be drawn from someone battling a serious illness, such as cancer. Consider a person undergoing painful treatments; they may appear angry or bitter at times. However, their bravery comes from their willingness to face their illness each day, striving to overcome it. This situation mirrors Mrs. Dubose's fight, highlighting that true courage sometimes shows itself in the struggle against personal demons rather than in societal expectations of bravery.
Atticus's Stand for Justice
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
Atticus’s dedication to justice during the Tom Robinson trial showcases his moral courage and sets an example for his children.
Detailed Explanation
Atticus Finch takes on the challenging role of defending Tom Robinson, a Black man unjustly accused of raping a white woman. This act demonstrates Atticus’s commitment to justice, reinforcing his belief that everyone deserves fair treatment, regardless of their race. Atticus's decision to defend Tom, despite knowing that it will bring hostility and prejudice upon his family, exemplifies profound moral courage. He serves as a role model for Scout and Jem, teaching them that it is essential to stand up for what is right, even when faced with adversity.
Examples & Analogies
An analogy can be made to the sentiments of whistleblowers in society. For example, an employee may uncover unethical practices happening within their company. Choosing to report these practices can lead to backlash from their colleagues and employer, similar to the criticism Atticus faces. This real-life example echoes Atticus's courage, illustrating that standing for justice often requires personal sacrifice and resilience.
Definitions & Key Concepts
Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.
Key Concepts
-
Moral Courage: Doing what is right despite facing challenges.
-
Empathy: Understanding and sharing another's feelings to motivate action.
-
Personal Struggle: Overcoming personal challenges as a form of courage.
Examples & Real-Life Applications
See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.
Examples
-
Atticus Finch defending Tom Robinson despite community backlash.
-
Mrs. Dubose battling her morphine addiction to die free of it.
Memory Aids
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
🎵 Rhymes Time
-
Courage is fine, it takes a strong heart, / To weather the storm, to play your part.
📖 Fascinating Stories
-
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.
🧠 Other Memory Gems
-
C.O.R.E. - 'Courage Overcomes Real Evil' to remember the fight against injustice.
🎯 Super Acronyms
F.I.G.H.T. - 'Facing Internal Grit Hardens Tenacity' to remember the concept of personal battles.
Flash Cards
Review key concepts with flashcards.
Glossary of Terms
Review the Definitions for terms.
-
Term: Courage
Definition:
The ability to confront fear, pain, or adversity with resolute determination, particularly in moral decisions.
-
Term: Moral Integrity
Definition:
Adhering to principles of right conduct; demonstrating honesty and strong moral principles.
-
Term: Empathy
Definition:
The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, forming a basis for compassion.
-
Term: Personal Battle
Definition:
The internal struggles or challenges an individual faces, often related to values, addiction, or fears.