Real Courage: To Kill A Mockingbird and Mississippi Burning Essay

[caffinatedloz]

If anyone has time to read this and give me any feedback, that would be great! It is a rough draft, and I'm sure that there's a lot that could be improved, but I would love some feedback. Also, I have written an introduction and conclusion, but I don't have copies of them as my teacher is hanging on to them.

THE TOPIC: In TKAMB, Atticus says, “Real courage is when toy know you’re licked before you begin, but begin anyway.”
Who demonstrates this kind of courage in TKAMB and MB and what impact does their courage have?

PARAGRAPH ONE:
The courage that Atticus and Agent Ward show is evident in how it impacts their character and their society. In TKAMB, Atticus is forced to take a stand or what he believes in, despite knowing how passionately his society disagrees. The courage he shows here leaves a mark on him as every lawyer gets at least one case that, “affects him personally,” that makes his question and challenge his society, and leaves him as a stronger man because of it. Lee’s inclusion of these words early in the novel leave the audience anticipating the way that Robinson’s story will touch and change Atticus. Atticus also explains to his children that real courage is, “when you know you’re licked before you begin, but begin anyway,” which highlights that Atticus sees perseverance and valor as a mark of courage. It illustrates that he wants to instil his drive for justice into his children. As the Robinson case concludes, the audience can come back to reflect on this quote and better understand the reasoning behind it. Even after Atticus delivers a fantastic closing, he still knows that this will not be enough to set Tom free. In spite of all the evidence in their favour, Robinson will be convicted. This is because no amount of logic will change the hearts and prejudices of the jury, something well understood by Atticus. In MB, systemic oppression and casual racism run rampant, with Agent Ward and his team desperately trying to limit the violent influence of the KKK. When Frank Bailey compares killing a black person to wringing a cat’s neck in the pub and says “there ain’t a court in Mississippi that’d convict me for it”, this highlights how racism has become such an accepted part of society and how even the justice system has been built to benefit the white sector of their community. The way in which this is noticed and deemed acceptable parallels the way the jury in Maycomb thinks, as emphasised by Atticus. Agent Ward’s entering such a systemically racist society and defying all rules in the pursuit of justice shows courage in the face of slim hope. When Ward arrives in Mississippi, he decides almost immediately to sit in the coloured section of the restaurant, despite being warned against it. This blatant ignorance of the rigid rules is done so that the FBI may obtain more information to assist in their investigation. Despite being fruitless at first, Ward’s action shows the African American community that he wants to work with them. Like Atticus, he knows that there is little reason to be optimistic, but chooses to be anyway, displaying the key mark of courage to himself and his society.

PARAGRAPH TWO:
The most significant impact that the courage of Atticus and Agent Ward demonstrate is the impression they make on the African American community. As they begin to change themselves and the systems of their communities, they now attempt to reach more people, the people most drastically affected by oppression in their society. The way that Atticus perseveres and uses “every tool available to free men” in pursuit of saving Robinson, allows Tom to stand in court with his head held high and maintain his dignity. It allows the African American community to begin to place a little faith into the process that has done nothing but harm them thus far. The idea of Atticus using every resource he could, emphasises the way he allowed himself to become personally attached to the case. This was seen by the black community who responded with gratitude as their hope for the future was reignited by this action. The impact that a single decision was able to have on such a large group reflects the strength it took Atticus to make it. Even after Tom’s guilty verdict, many of his friends and family bring food and gifts to the Finch household as they “appreciate what he did” because of what it means for them. In contrast, Agent Ward does not receive the same gratitude from the African American community, despite eventually being able to have a similar impact. The fear the KKK has instilled in the hearts of all Mississippians means that no one feels able to speak about the persecution they are subjected to without facing violent repercussions. Though he initially makes slow progress, Ward’s perseverance pays off when a young black child gives him key information by pointing him back to the Sherrif’s office. The courage shown by Ward for persisting in the face of opposition is rewarded by making a positive impact on the lives of all African Americans. Atticus also receives support from the black people in Maycomb, though he does not have to fight nearly as hard to win their trust. As someone who has already been in their society for a significant period of time, he is known by his character and is a trustworthy and fair figure who has a strong moral compass. Ward’s actions give the community newfound freedom, as seen in the rally where the leader calls for the black members of society to “be angry” as they march together in protest. Standing up for their rights and no longer allowing themselves to be silenced contrasts with the beginning scene of the film, where African Americans submit to using the subpar drink tap and allow themselves to be segregated in the restaurant. The submissive nature of African American people can also be seen in TKAMB, but not to the same extent as we are presented with Maycomb in the eyes of a white child. However, as Robinson challenges his oppression in a final daring act, all of Maycomb must sit and witness his fight for justice as he takes things into his own hands. Nevertheless, the courage demonstrated by Atticus and Ward gives power and hope to the African American communities of their towns.

PARAGRAPH THREE:
The effects of courage shown in the texts will be seen for generations to come as Atticus and Ward create a ripple in their community. The impact that Atticus makes on the future generation is most evident in the values he instils in his own children. Scout says that Atticus is, “the bravest man that ever lived,” which illustrates the reverence that she
After the trial, as Jem tries to process the fact that his society has sentenced an innocent man to death, he and Atticus discuss how on earth it happened, “you couldn’t, but they could and did,” showing the way that Jem as a teenager, already has a stronger sense of right and wrong than many of the adults of the jury. This is a very powerful note in the second half of the novel, as it gives the audience a sense that something as tragic as what has just happened will never be allowed to happen again. This hope is a theme that continues throughout the novel as we see Maycomb continue to process the way that the verdict has changed their society. In MB, the end note of the movie is very similar to that of TKAMB, a note of hope for the future. As the camera pans across a crowd of people, the long shot shows us the black community connecting with white individuals, particularly white children. The idea of people coming together gives the audience hope that there will be changes in Mississippi as people become more accepting of each other. The way that Jem questions his society gives the audience similar confidence. The deep and hard-hitting words “walk on by faith” perfectly embody what future generations will continue to do. They will strive for justice as they connect as “one type of folks,” because it is evident that they are not so different after all. Thanks to the actions of Atticus and Agent Ward, we can look forward to a greater future.