Themes of Courage in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'

Questions and Answers

What does courage mean in the context of To Kill a Mockingbird?

Courage means fighting for what is right, no matter what the cost.

Provide an example of courage in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Mrs. Dubose fighting to get off her addiction before she dies and Atticus defending Tom in court.

What theme suggests that most people are likable once you get to know them?

Most people are likable once you get to know them.

What is an example that illustrates the theme of people being likable?

Mrs. Dubose isn't quite so bad; they read to her to be kind. Signup and view all the answers

What theme is shown by the black community's response to Tom Robinson's trial?

Sometimes courage is shown by not giving in to the temptation to fight. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean that 'it is a sin to kill a mockingbird'?

It relates to the theme of senseless killing and the innocence of characters like Tom Robinson. Signup and view all the answers

What does hypocrisy mean in the context of To Kill a Mockingbird?

Hypocrisy and prejudice are hard to detect in your own behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to understand a person, according to Atticus?

To stand in his or her shoes. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atticus believe about the treatment of others?

All people deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion. Signup and view all the answers

Despite great suffering, Mrs. Dubose breaks her morphine habit before she dies. What is the theme?

Courage Signup and view all the answers

Scout realizes how lucky she is after she hears Dill say that his mother and stepfather pay no attention to him. What is the theme?

Empathy Signup and view all the answers

Dill cries during Mr. Gilmer's cross-examination of Tom. What theme does this represent?

Innocence Signup and view all the answers

Jem and Scout are stunned to learn that their father is an expert shot. What theme does this reflect?

Unexpected abilities Signup and view all the answers

Dolphus Raymond pretends to be a drunk to avoid criticism of his lifestyle. What theme does this demonstrate?

Social expectations Signup and view all the answers

Scout's conversation with Walter Cunningham stops the lynch mob. What is the theme?

The power of innocence and understanding Signup and view all the answers

Atticus respects Mrs. Dubose though she violently criticizes him. What theme is represented here?

Respect for others despite differences Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Theme: Courage

Courage involves fighting for what is right, despite personal cost, exemplified by Mrs. Dubose and Atticus Finch.
Mrs. Dubose battles her morphine addiction as a final act of moral strength.
Atticus defends Tom Robinson, facing ridicule and risking his family's safety.

Theme: Likability

People are often more likable when their backgrounds are understood, as shown through Mrs. Dubose's character.
Atticus encourages empathy by asserting that kindness can change perceptions.

Theme: Nonviolence as Courage

The black community demonstrates immense courage by refraining from violence even after Tom Robinson's guilty verdict.
Their restraint reflects moral strength and a commitment to justice.

Theme: Innocence and Harm

The saying "it is a sin to kill a mockingbird" encapsulates the innocence of characters like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley.
The theme addresses the senseless nature of violence against the innocent.

Theme: Self-Reflection on Prejudice

Hypocrisy can often go unnoticed within one's own behavior, as seen in Scout's awkward lunch with Walter Cunningham.
The community wrongly labels Dolphus Raymond as a drunk, using it to rationalize their discrimination against his family.

Theme: Empathy and Understanding

Understanding others involves a willingness to see life from their perspectives, demonstrated through Scout’s interactions with Walter and her reflections on Mrs. Dubose.
Atticus embodies this theme by defending Tom Robinson and teaching his children about compassion.

Theme: Dignity and Compassion

All individuals deserve dignity and kindness, as illustrated by Atticus’s respect for Tom Robinson and his patient treatment of Mayella.
Atticus encourages Jem to atone for his wrongs by reading to Mrs. Dubose, reinforcing the theme of compassion.

Theme Recognition: Mrs. Dubose's Struggle

Mrs. Dubose's fight against her addiction before her death exemplifies the theme of courage in facing personal demons.

Theme Recognition: Scout's Realization

Scout feels gratitude after learning about Dill’s home life, highlighting themes of privilege and the innocence of childhood.

Theme Recognition: Emotional Impact of Injustice

Dill's tears during Tom's cross-examination reflect the theme of emotional responses to injustice and the impacts of racism.

Theme Recognition: Hidden Talents

Jem and Scout's surprise at Atticus's shooting skills underscores the theme of hidden depth and the complexity of parental figures.

Theme Recognition: Facade of Injustice

Dolphus Raymond’s pretense of drunkenness illustrates how people adopt facades to escape societal judgment and prejudice.

Theme Recognition: Impact of Innocence

Scout's conversation with the lynch mob serves as a powerful moment of innocence that de-escalates a potentially violent situation.

Theme Recognition: Respect amidst Conflict

Atticus maintains respect for Mrs. Dubose despite her harsh criticism, reinforcing the theme of dignity in the face of adversity.

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Description

Explore the pivotal themes of courage, likability, and nonviolence in Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. This quiz examines characters like Atticus Finch and Mrs. Dubose, their struggles, and the moral lessons conveyed through their actions. Reflect on the implications of innocence and the importance of self-reflection in the face of societal challenges.