When Jem questions whether Mrs. Dubose is a ladylike person, Atticus calls her as being "the bravest person (he) ever knew"(pg 149). He relates to her struggle fighting her illness and shows his admiration for her courage in doing so. He quotes, "I wanted you to see what real courage is ... it's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what"(pg 149). In this sense, his definition of courage is supporting what you believe in even when you know the odds are against you. His idea in mind is to teach Jem that courage isn't just facing death or plain fighting, but that it's when you experience the fear of failure and defeat yet you still go on.
In relation to Mrs. Dubose fighting her illness, Atticus could also be refering to the fight against racism. It is the fight to not give in to segregation but to rid yourself of that disease and support equality, even though segregation is already firmly planted. Examples of this are shown in the previous chapters; even though Atticus and his children are mocked for his role in defending a "nigger", Atticus continues to defend his client the best he can. He still supports his belief of equality, and pushes his children to do the same through acting with strong morals. How do you think Atticus's sense of courage relates to his morals?
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Atticus's sense of courage relates to his morals in the sense that impressing someone isn't the same as defending your own pride. When Jem thinks he's a gentleman because he throws a rock at a tin can, he does not understand that violence does not have anything to do with gentlemanliness. This is shown when he tears up Mrs. Dubose's garden, and Atticus explains to him why she unintentionally blurts out these rumors she hears.
ReplyDeleteAtticus's morals guide him in doing what is right, as he prepares to defend Tom Robinson. Atticus says, "This case, Tom Robinson's case, is something that goes to the essence of a man's conscience- Scout, I couldn't go to Church and worship God if I didn't try to help that man," (139). This fulfills his definition of courage, for he knows he will most likely lose the case, yet is enduring the negative remarks and consequences simply because he knows defending this man, Tom Robinson, is what's right. An emerging question is: based on Chapter 11, what is Mrs. Dubose's moral position (moral versus immoral) and how does it relate to this idea of courage?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Benal’s interpretation of Atticus, but I would also like to further expand on the quote that Nic pointed out concerning Atticus’ understanding of bravery. I believe that Atticus has a unique approach to Maycomb’s strict customs. I think that Atticus is different because he lives to meet his own personal standards instead of trying to mimic the example set by other Maycomb citizens. I respect Atticus because despite negative criticism and spiteful comments directed towards him, he has remarkable commitment and tenacity to meet his personal goals and embrace his own ethical standards. This is a variation from the typical Maycomb citizen who assimilates to the common culture and practices of the town. Atticus has the courage to disregard the controversy regarding his dramatic standpoints on disputed conflicts such as the trial of Tom Robinson. Atticus is an important image of someone who “loves everybody” despite superficial differences, a theme that I believe will be prevalent in the upcoming chapters of the book.
ReplyDeleteI think it is also interesting to note that Atticus acts as a crucial idol for Jem. As Jem matures and begins to grapple with the complicated tensions rising in the town, he attempts to follow Atticus’ positive attitude. Jem is clearly uncomfortable with this new passive approach to problem solving. I think Jem cannot overcome the notion that others are looking down upon him, whereas Atticus has developed an ability to ignore such disparaging comments. On page 142, Scout describes her relationship with Mrs. Dubose, saying: “We moved our chairs forward. This was the nearest I had ever been to her, and the thing I wanted most to do was move my chair back again”. I think that this line is symbolic of the children’s uneasiness confronting Mrs. Dubose as instructed by Atticus. Their interaction with Mrs. Dubose forces them to appreciate all people and refrain from responding to the demeaning comments. I believe that in the quote the symbol of Scout and Jem “moving their chairs back and away” represents their desire to return to childhood and abandon the burdensome conflicts among the Maycomb adult population. Instead, however, the children must confront these difficult issues and approach intimidating situations with an attitude like that of Atticus. Do you think that Scout and Jem will encounter difficulty in attempt to copy Atticus’ strong and accepting personality, or do you think that the Mrs. Dubose’ tragic passing has taught them to accept even the most hateful individuals?
Thank ya for helping me with my homework.
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