To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee purpose for the novel to kill a Mockingbird was the theme of courage. He uses the characters Boo, Atticus and Scout to make his point clear. Boo who no one saw for over 25 years goes out of his way to save Jem and Scout form potential death, Atticus took on the case of Tom Robinson even though he knew it was an unwinnable case and Scout chose not to fight when Cecil Jacob as she knew that she would let Atticus down. This was the intend purpose from Lee as courage is not about winning or losing but doing what is right whatever the personal cost.

My first character is Boo Radley; He had not been seen by anyone in Macomb for 25 years. His courageous act came when Jem and Scout were attacked by Bob Ewell. Boo saw that they needed his help, he overcame his fear of the social prejudice to protect the children. The town had a preconceived idea of Boo “His eyes bug out and drools all the time”. People in Maycomb thought he was a monster” His hands are blood-stained from eating raw squirrels and cats”. Boo is not a main character in the novel but his impact was very important as had never spoken to Jem or Scout but was willing to risk his life to save them.

Atticus Finch was one of the most courageous men in Maycomb. Taking on the case of tom Robinson even when he knew that it was unwillable. It is ironic when Atticus shot the crazy dog in the head he was praised like a hero but taking on the case of Tom Robinson he was condemned. 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”. Atticus taught Jem and Scout that courage was “It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what”. The judge appointed Atticus to defend Tom Robinson as he would fight for Yom to the bitter end. Lee uses Atticus to show that bravery is not always physical but doing what you think is right.