Martin Luther King is a courageous leader, for he fought against prejudice and discrimination amongst the black society through non-violent protests. The characters of To Kill a Mockingbird resemble, Martin Luther King’s courage, for they also believe in equality amongst different colors. Characters such as, Tom Robinson, a black man that fights for freedom against a white court system; Dolphus Raymond, a white man that prefers the company of black people; and Atticus Finch, a lawyer that defends a black man, are all seen as being courageous. The fight against discrimination and prejudice makes Tom Robinson, Dolphus Raymond, and Atticus Finch courageous men in the town of Maycomb. Despite the prejudice and discriminating society that these characters face, they all are courageous because they believe in the equal treatment of people.
In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird courage is shown through the character Tom Robinson. Tom Robinson is seen as being a courageous human being because he fights for his freedom against a white court system that has already decided the fate of Robinson before he has had his day in court. Facing allegations of raping Mayella Ewell, a white girl, Tom Robinson is defended by Atticus Finch, a white lawyer. Atticus claims that: “The only thing we’ve got is a black man’s word against the Ewells’. The evidence boils down to you did-I didn’t. The jury couldn’t possibly be expected to take Tom Robinson’s word against Ewells’ – are you acquainted with the Ewells?” (Pg. 96 P.6). Tom Robinson will find it hard to face the jury, for only the two stories from Mayella and Tom will be compared. Loosing the case shall result life in prison or death for Tom Robinson. Tom Robinson is seen as being honest by most of Maycomb, but due to prejudice and discrimination within the court, Tom Robinson looses the case and is sentenced to jail time.