In "The Bookshop" by Penelope Fitzgerald, the theme of courage is explored through the protagonist's journey. The main character demonstrates her bravery not through traditional heroics but by her steadfast will to keep going in the face of challenges. This determination reflects a deeper struggle for survival in both her personal life and her efforts to establish a bookstore.

Fitzgerald emphasizes that true courage often lies in the commitment to endure difficult circumstances and not necessarily in grand gestures. The narrative showcases how everyday resilience can be just as impactful, highlighting the quiet strength that is sometimes overlooked in stories of struggle.