How does Atticus define courage and how does it relate to Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird?

After destroying Mrs. Dubose's flowers in a fit of rage, Jem has to read to her as a punishment. Mrs. Dubose was addicted to the morphine she was put on to ease the pain of the fatal cancer she was infected with, and was determined to overcome the addiction before dying. Jem unknowingly assisted her in doing this. After she died, Atticus told the children of this, and informed Jem that even if he had not gotten into trouble he would have still required him to read to her so he could see what real courage was. He told Jem, "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." I hope this answers your question! :D Sincerely,

~!lilyputian!~