The Importance of Moral Education

The Importance of Moral Education was another theme used greatly by Harper Lee. There were a lot of lessons which Atticus and other characters taught to Jem and Scout about life, and oppurtunities, risks etc. They taught them life lessons based on what they knew.

"I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do," (Lee, 119). This relates to Moral education because Atticus was trying to teach Jem and Scout a lesson about what courage really means and what happens when you become courageous.


Another example of Moral Education is when Scout says to Mr. Dolphus Raymond, "Atticus says cheatin' a colored man is ten times worse than cheatin' a white man. Says it's the worst thing you can do," (Lee, 201). This is an example of moral education because Scout is explaining how her dad taught her about cheating other people. She knows its wrong to cheat anyone whether they are Black or White. However, she knew specifically not to cheat black people as they are already cheated enough. Both Scout and Jem are very good and well behaved individuals, usually well-respected by their peers and neighbourhood friends because of the morals and ethics which Atticus continues to influence them with.