To Kill a MockingbirdCharacter Analysis

Writing prompt: Atticus says that courage is “when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.” Write three paragraphs analyzing the character of Atticus, focusing on how his definition of courage is displayed through his actions and behavior.

What is the question?

Step One

Introduce your author and work.

Give two to three sentences of overview (as relevant to the thesis).

Remember--this is not a book report. You need to summarize.

Step Two

Transition to the point of you essay.

The last sentence of the introduction should be your thesis.

A thesis is like a roadmap for where your essay is going to go, but it is also an argument that you are trying to make.

In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, the narrator Scout depicts the character of Atticus as ____________________________. As the town struggles to deal with racism that is highlighted in the trial of Tom Robinson, an innocent man accused of a terrible crime, Atticus serves as a a man of courage and respect because he chooses to defend Tom Robinson.

When Atticus says courage is “when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what” (212), his qualities become apparent to the townspeople, his children, and the reader. An examination of Atticus’ actions and behavior reveals that he, by his own definition, is a man of courage.

Adding quotations

Place quotations in sentences of your own writing. (Don’t drop quotes)

Add commentary. For each quotation you use as support, you should have a sentence or two of commentary.

Cite the page number.