An Essay Comparing The Subject Of Courage In

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An Essay Comparing The Subject Of COURAGE In

"To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee and

"The Colour Purple" by Alice Walker

The dictionary states that "Courage" is bravery/boldness or to nerve oneself to a venture. This idea is shown in both The Colour Purple and To Kill A Mockingbird in similar and in different ways.

The Colour Purple involves courage to stand up against certain people, rather than morals and ideas, which is the main issue in To Kill A Mockingbird. Celie is the central character who has the most examples of courage although there are other people. In To Kill A Mockingbird, every character has his/her own views on courage which are expressed widely throughout the book.

In To Kill A Mockingbird, Scout, who may be seen as the narrator, has her first chance to show her courage when she has to stand up to the new teacher and try to explain to her about the different pupils and what happens in the school. All the other children urge her to say something, as they are too afraid themselves.

In contrast, in The Colour Purple, there is no courage when Celie knows that her father has taken her child and killed it in the woods, yet she does nothing about it, as she is scared of him.

"He took it while I was sleeping. Kilt it out there in the woods."

Scout, always tries to understand other's views - which is why she goes to read to Mrs. Dubose with Jem and finally understands her. On the other hand, in The Colour Purple, Harpo (the oldest son), never tries to understand how much work Celie has and takes her for granted. It is only when Mr.___'s (his name is never mentioned) sister comer to visit, that Celie gains support, but even then, she loses. It took courage for Kate (the sister) to stand up to Mr.___ even though she came back shaking
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"She stay out on the porch talking a little while, then she come back in, shaking. Got to go, Celie, she say."

In To Kill A Mockingbird, it took Scout, a total tomboy, a lot of courage to turn down a fight because of her father's morals. Even though Scout came across as a coward, Atticus (her father) was very proud of her as this showed her courage.

In The Colour Purple, also in defence of a family member, Celie tells Nettie,

"...I'll take care of you- with God's help".

Nettie ...

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