"I wanted you to witness what true courage is, rather than having the impression that courage is a man with a pistol in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you start, yet you start anyway and finish it no matter what." After Mrs.'s death, Atticus tells this to Jem. He says courage is showing fear but going on anyhow and fighting anyway. This shows that courage is more than just having strength or willpower. It is also knowing what to do even if you don't feel like doing it. Remember that only certain people are allowed to see atticus fight. When he walks down the street, everyone looks at him because he looks so big and strong. But inside he is feeling scared and helpless. Only atticus knows how much pain he is in, since he has been shot twice. But still, he goes on fighting even though he knows he will probably die. This is proof that courage is more than just having strength - it is also knowing what to do even if you don't feel like doing it.