Theme Of Heroism In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Whether it’s a superhero, a world leader, or someone’s parents, everyone has a hero. However, because the definition is loosely defined according to each individual's beliefs and experiences, there are many people who may fit into the category of a hero. But what characteristics really make someone a “true” hero? In 1960, Harper Lee published To Kill a Mockingbird, a book which tackled racism along with several other very important issues such as growing up and the loss of innocence. Many times in her book, she gives examples of what a true hero is. Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee describes a true hero as standing up against injustices even if the majority disagrees, pushing through a losing battle, and finding the best in people. The first characteristic of a true hero, according to Harper Lee, is someone who stands up for personal beliefs and speaks out against injustices. She shows these distinct characteristics of a hero through Atticus. While talking about their father, Miss Maudie tells Jem and Scout “‘There are some men in this world who were born to do our unpleasant jobs for us. Your father’s one of them’” (Lee 288). Atticus is the only person in Maycomb who is willing to speak out against all of the racism. The citizens of Maycomb, on the contrary, are …show more content…
These important qualities are personified through characters like Atticus, Scout, and Mrs. Dubose. In today’s society, instead of their moral values, some people are defined as a hero for something like their athletic ability, or for how much money they have. Unlike the characters Harper Lee exhibits, some heroes can be ignorant, corrupt, or cruel. Through To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee demonstrates how a real hero should act, and who should be looked up to as an example of
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