Give an example of a time when Jem and Atticus both portrayed courage in To Kill a Mockingbird.

In Chapter 15, Atticus drives to the Maycomb County jailhouse to sit outside of Tom Robinson's cell as a precaution to prevent anyone from attempting to harm Tom the night before the trial. Jem decides to make sure that his father is okay and begins his search to find Atticus. Dill and Scout tag along and the three children end up finding Atticus sitting outside of the jailhouse, reading the paper. Suddenly, several cars arrive...

In Chapter 15, Atticus drives to the Maycomb County jailhouse to sit outside of Tom Robinson's cell as a precaution to prevent anyone from attempting to harm Tom the night before the trial. Jem decides to make sure that his father is okay and begins his search to find Atticus. Dill and Scout tag along and the three children end up finding Atticus sitting outside of the jailhouse, reading the paper. Suddenly, several cars arrive and a group of men get out and surround Atticus. The Old Sarum bunch tells Atticus to move out of their way because they plan on harming Tom Robinson. Atticus refuses to do so and stands his ground, even after they tell him that Sheriff Tate will not be able to come to his rescue. Scout, who is hiding behind Tyndal's Hardware store with Jem and Dill, decides to run out into the group of men to see her father. Jem soon follows Scout, and Atticus tells him to take Scout and Dill home. Jem does not listen to his father and Atticus repeats the directive. Jem puts his hands on his hips and openly defies Atticus by refusing to leave. One of the men in the Sarum bunch even grabs Jem by his collar and yanks him off the ground. Atticus continues to plead with Jem to leave, but Jem repeatedly says, "I ain't going" (Lee 204). Fortunately, Scout is able to get the attention of Walter Cunningham Sr., and Walter realizes the error in his behavior. Walter tells the men that it is time to go home, and no one is harmed.

Both Atticus and Jem display courage by standing up to the Old Sarum bunch and refusing to leave the jailhouse. Atticus remains calm and cool-headed during the intense situation, and Jem shows his loyalty to his father by not leaving the scene. Jem realized that Atticus was in a dangerous position and showed his support and courage by defiantly standing still. Atticus also could have easily left the jailhouse, but chose to selflessly protect Tom Robinson.