Monday, September 28, 2015
Chapters 10-11: Explain Atticus's definition of courage. Mitch
In the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The main characters father, Atticus describes "Courage" in a very unique way. According to (Lee 145) Atticus says to Jem, "I want you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand." What he meant by this is courage is not playing it safe; it is taking a risk to prove yourself and not have a fear of failure. In these two chapters Atticus did not stand up to a rabid dog. He was clearly scared of it. Instead of trying to lure it back to safety he took Mr.Tate's rifle and shot it. Also according to (Lee 145) again Atticus says "You rarely win but sometimes you do." What I personally think about this is that Atticus is saying you have a lot of courage to keep fighting even after a loss. You are trying to prove to yourself or to other people that you are not afraid to fail, and that you will keep trying.
Do you think this is what Atticus meant when he was speaking about courage? Do you think Atticus is the man people really say he is? Do you think he wants his children to be like himself, or better than himself?
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I think that Atticus totally meant what he said about courage. I say that because he is so strict to his kids about doing to right thing, and being the better person, that it would be impossible for him to not believe that himself. I think that Atticus wants his children to be better than himself because while we view Atticus as a great, and modest man, he views himself as a sinner, who shoots guns just for the fun of it.
ReplyDeleteAtticus is kind, goodhearted and fair to everyone. I think he understands that fear is not power, but power is the ability to trust yourself to do the right thing. He knows the kids greatly admired him for being able to shoot the mad dog in chapter 10, but that's not the kind of thing he wants them to look up to. He wants them to respect him for being kind to people and helping others. That's true courage - doing the right thing even when it's not the easiest thing. It still takes strength but a different kind and it goes far beyond a simple physical act. If you're going to be known for something, it's better to be known for being a good person which is what Atticus what his children to grow up knowing.
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