The unforgettable Anne Frank wrote long ago: "Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right path, but the final formation of a child's character no one rests in their hands” (Good Reading). In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the novel revolves around three children named Scout, Jem, and Dill. He follows them throughout their years of growing up and understanding the importance of lessons, advises Atticus, Scout and Jem's father. Additionally, Lee shows that the best lessons are often learned outside of the classroom. To begin, Jem and Scout determine that courage means doing what is right, even if it involves mortal risks. In chapter eleven, Jem Finch has ruined Mrs. Dubose's lovely camellia plots. Once Atticus hears about Jem's little act of rebellion, he gives Mrs. Dubose the opportunity to decide Jem's punishment. Specifically, she establishes that Jem will read to her every day after school. After Jem finishes his punishment, Atticus informs him of Mrs. Dubose's death. As a result, Atticus speaks of Mrs. Dubose's courage. Jem begins to ask his father why he thinks that about Mrs. Dubose. Atticus responds, “I wanted you to see what true courage is, instead of having the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you start, but you start anyway and you succeed no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do” (Lee 112). As a result, Atticus tries to show that heroism comes from those who do what their instincts tell them is right, because that is courage. Mrs. Dubose wanted to die as a pure woman instead of someone with an addiction, which she succeeded in doing. Another example of courage comes from when Atticus...... middle of paper...... him like a dog. This doesn't give them any rights and that's what Dill tries to explain to Scout. Finally, Dill and Scout had to go through an experience to start using empathy; otherwise, they would not be able to put themselves in another's shoes. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee reveals that the most important lessons are learned not in school, but outside of school. The courage that Jem and Scout learn helps them see ideas differently and pursue their dreams. The empathy that Scout and Dill learn helps them treat others the same way they want to be treated. Atticus taught these lessons to the children, in the hopes that they could also see these lessons through his eyes, and not just theirs. Hillary Clinton once said, “When I was little, my parents always told me that I should do what I thought was right and not listen to other people. It was difficult for me” (BrainyQuote).