Unanswered [6] | Urgent [0]
  

Home / Writing Feedback   % width Posts: 4


A four-paragraph essay about The True Meaning of Courage


karroll 1 / 2  
Nov 25, 2008   #1
This is my first time using essay forum.

My essay was designed to be a four paragraph essay. In the first paragraph I was supposed to relate to a time I needed to use courage and then introduce Atticus and Mrs. Dubose from To Kill a Mockingbird. In the two body paragraphs using the MLA format topic sentence, 1CD, 2CM, 2nd CD, 2CM, and a concluding sentence. I had to use quotes from the book to show how these two characters show courage. Could you please take a look at the first three paragraphs and let me know what you thing? I would really appreciate it. I am for some reason having a hard time with this essay. Thank You so much!

The True Meaning of Courage

Through my own experiences in life I have been able to define the true meaning of courage. Courage is to have the ability to know wright from wrong and stand up for what you believe in even in the face of great adversity. In my lifetime I have rarely been called upon to display courage, but I clearly remember one specific situation. I was fourteen years old and at one of my friends birthday parties. There were around seventy-five teenagers at the party, along with loud music and dancing. What I thought was going to be a great night, turned out to be the night my courage would be tested. As I was talking to some of my friends I noticed something was wrong with them. Shortly after, I noticed that their behavior was different, I realized that I was smelling the scent of marijuana. Before I knew it I was being offered some of their drugs. I thought about the consequences that were to come if I had said yes to their offer. I felt that if I had said yes, I would have let down so many people, but most importantly myself. Having courage gave me the will to say no to the drugs and walk away from the peer pressure. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, both Atticus Finch and Mrs. Dubose exemplify moral courage.

Throughout the novel Atticus was portrayed as a man of great courage and integrity. Atticus had to discuss concepts with his daughter Scout when they were at Finch Landing. Scout wanted to know why Atticus was going to defend Tom Robinson if he already knew he was going to be defeated. Atticus then explained to Scout that, " simply because [Atticus and Scout] were licked a hundred years before [Atticus and Scout] started is no reason for [Atticus and Scout] not to try to win" (76). Atticus was demonstrating his courage by proving that no matter how hard things get, you should never give up, and that you should always fight for what you believe in. Atticus is shown as being courageous by demonstrating perseverance and standing up for what is right. Another example of how Atticus is courageous is when at Finch Landing, he explains to Scout that this time he knew that he was " Fighting [his] friends, and no matter how bitter things get, they are still [his] friends and this is still [his] home"(76). Atticus' explanation to Scout was important because he had to reassure her that no matter the outcome of the trial they would still have their friends and there home. Even with all the pressure to quit the case, Atticus was determined to go up against all odds to ensure that justice would prevail. Atticus was a courageous, determined, and compassionate man.

Along with Atticus, Mrs. Dubose is another prime example of a courageous person. Mrs. Dubose demonstrated courage when she decided to give up her morphine addiction. Mrs. Dubose died a slow painful death and when she was on her death bed, Mrs. Dubose reminded Atticus carefully, " [Mrs. Dubose] was going to leave this world beholden to nothing and nobody" (111). In this situation most people would not have been able to tolerate the pain and would have given in to the morphine. Mrs. Dubose could have easily chosen to take the morphine and die with out so much agonizing pain, but she was too contrary. Her moral courage helped her to overcome her addiction. Mrs. Dubose was not only a courageous but also a selfless person. Jem had to learn this about her the hard way. Atticus questioned Jem, "Son didn't you know what her fits were"(111)? Mrs. Dubose chose not to tell anyone that she had been trying to give up the morphine. The withdraw made her have anger fits. She did not want to burden anyone with her problems. Mrs. Dubose let everyone believe that she was an angry, old, mean, terrible person.

Still need to finish conclusion....
OP karroll 1 / 2  
Nov 25, 2008   #2
" simply because [Atticus and Scout] were licked a hundred years before [Atticus and Scout] started is no reason for [Atticus and Scout] not to try to win" (76).

Needs to be written in third person is this done correctly
EF_Team5 - / 1,586  
Nov 25, 2008   #3
Good afternoon :)

In regards to mechanics and grammar, there are areas in this piece that need correction. First, it should be "right from wrong" not "wright from wrong." Second, avoid using "you" in formal academic writing; try using "me," "I," or "one" instead.

Instead of writing "Atticus and Scout" each time, you could use [we] or [us] after the first instance of [Atticus and Scout].

MLA citation for this "Son didn't you know what her fits were"(111)? Should be as follows:

"Son didn't you know what her fits were?" (111)

Keep up the good work; you've got a great start!

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com
OP karroll 1 / 2  
Nov 25, 2008   #4
Dear Gloria,

Thanks so much for your suggestions. They were helpful! :)


Home / Writing Feedback / A four-paragraph essay about The True Meaning of Courage
Writing
Editing Help?
Fill in one of the forms below to get professional help with your assignments:

Graduate Writing / Editing:
GraduateWriter form ◳

Best Essay Service:
CustomPapers form ◳

Excellence in Editing:
Rose Editing ◳

AI-Paper Rewriting:
Robot Rewrite ◳