In the classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, there are two families that are very different and are case of totally contrasting on the moral ladder of attainment. The Cunninghams and the Ewells have two very different and opposite standing. The Cunninghams are very highly regarded while the Ewells very much slighted. The Ewells are given the right to hunt out of season, so that the inhabitants of the small town of Maycomb would not have to tolerate their uninterrupted begging all the time. It is a story about growing up, dignified behavior and prejudice. It is a story about audacity and grit. Courage is mental or moral strength to venture, persist and confront hazard, alarm, or exigency. The topic of courage is incarnated in the characters of the novel. Courage is evident in Atticus, Boo, and Jem. From beginning to end in the novel, the actions and feelings these characters demonstrate exhibit the true meaning of courage.