In Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”, empathy is at the heart of the story. It is represented in different events and characters. This literary piece is an effective example of demonstrating understanding towards others. Empathy can be seen in many different characters throughout the novel such as Scout, Atticus, and Tom Robinson. They gain wisdom and show sympathy to the people that deserve it.
Scout is one of the many characters that show empathy in the plot. Her wisdom of this specific trait is gained through her fathers’ influence throughout her childhood. When she and her brother were younger and were more curious, they were very interested in their mysterious neighbour Arthur Radley, known more for being called Boo. Boo is Maycomb’s
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Atticus is a single father and lawyer who is very open-minded and caring. He shows and teaches empathy in many different ways throughout the novel. One example of his extraordinary sympathy towards people is when he takes on the case of Tom Robinson. Tom being framed for rape causes Atticus to be frustrated with his society. If he wouldn’t take on the case he would disappoint the town, his children, and himself. “For a number of reasons,” said Atticus. “The main one is, if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this county in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again” (83). He empathizes with Mr. Robinson as he defends him against the hard case of rape for Mayella Ewell. He understands racial segregation and how it affects Tom, as well as, the black community itself. Another example of how Atticus empathizes with someone is with Mrs. Dubose. Mrs. Dubose is a very old, ill, lady that has been a morphine addict. She decides to step down from her medication and die sober from her addiction. “Easy does it, son,” Atticus would say. “She’s an old lady and she’s ill. You just hold your head high and be a gentleman. Whatever she says to you, it’s your job not to let her make you mad.” (111). Atticus does not only teach his children about stepping into others' shoes, but he tries his best to understand another person’s emotions. He understood why Mrs. Dubose was getting angry and he didn’t feel bothered by her negative comments because of it. He knew saying them would help her beat her craving for
What would the world look like without empathy? Empathy plays a big part in everything around us, and in everyday life you can see it. In literature, empathy can be developed in a character through the circumstances of the plot and guide a character’s development. In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, this is seen with the character of Scout. There are some interactions in the book that support this.
In To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses indirect characterization to show how Scout learns the lesson of empathy. In To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee the character Scout initially sees Boo Radly as a terrifying monster that causes trouble. But this was when Scout didn't understand the concept of empathy. This story takes place in a small old southern county called Maycomb. The main character whose nickname is Scout is explaining a rumor to a new friend Dill with her brother Jem about a monstrous being called Boo Radley.
He explains how it is not fair to Tom that just because he is black, he is unjustly accused of something. Atticus understands and tries to point out the fact that if it was a white man in Tom’s position, the jury would have a different opinion on the situation. Atticus displays a prime example of how someone should try to achieve social justice, even when the situation is unfair. Also, while saying his statements, Atticus exclaims how Tom felt sorry for a white woman, Mayella, and that he had been forced to put his own word against two white people. Here, Atticus reinforces the thought of how this jury is unfair to Tom.
Atticus quickly changed a bad situation into a good life lesson for Jem about courage. One time when walking back home with Jem and Scout Atticus says to Mrs. Dubose. “Good evening Mrs. Dubose you look like a picture this evening” (pg.100) He said this in front of them because he wanted to show them to be respectful to everyone no matter their situation. Like Atticus respects Mrs. Dubose despite her calling him a nigger
Empathy Empathy is shown in To Kill A Mockingbird by Atticus standing up for Tom Robinson, Jem realizing that Arthur Radley is not crazy; he is just antisocial, and Scout feeling remorse for tormenting Arthur throughout her childhood. Atticus shows empathy throughout the whole book, from promising Scout that they will read every night, to taking on Tom Robinson’s trial, it’s hard to find a more genuine character. While Atticus knew that the trial may not end well, he still believed he should stand up for what is right, regardless of anyone’s skin color. Atticus was willing to fight a large group of burly men to protect Tom Robinson, it could be that he thought about what he would want others to do if he were in that situation.
The concept of empathy is important to Scout’s and Jem’s and the County of Maycomb coming-of-age because they must learn that they cannot judge a person or fully understand one until they have showed some sort of empathy towards that person.
Scout is a 6 year old child that lives with his brother Jem and his father Atticus who is a lawyer in Maycomb. Scout develops as a character in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird when she learns to empathize with others by learning more about the Tom Robinson case, Mrs. Dubose conduction and talking to Miss Maudie to know her a bit better.
Miss Gates’s attitude towards Tom and the Black community is exactly why Atticus tried to open the town’s eyes to the reality of racism. She was so narrow-minded that she denied to recognize the other side of the controversy, let alone empathize with those who support it. The
Mr. Atticus Finch one of the main characters in the novel is one of the best examples of empathy, as it is thickly entwined
The character Atticus “In To Kill a Mockingbird” By Harper Lee is known for his unsee integrity and belief in the justice system. Atticus has to take on being a lawyer for Tom Robinson a black man who was accused of rape, Atticus is a reflection of a compassionate and committed Man. As the story unravels in “To kill a mockingbird,”. Attcuis has to face many challenges and obstacles as he defends tom Robinson, a black man wrongly accused of rape in a racist town named Maycomb despite the pressure from maycomb, Attcuis is still trying to defend Tom and is committed to justice and equality.
Nevertheless, as she blossomed and matured, she started seeing things from other’s perspectives. Eventually, standing on the Radley porch showed her a different side of Boo than she had previously known. In the beginning, Scout perceives Boo as a malicious mysterious man and cannot fathom why he stays in his house. In the end, after seeing how Maycomb treats innocent lives, Scout recognizes Boo as a hero and understands Boo’s actions. Scout empathizes with Boo after understanding his life from his perspective.
Through her novel, the characters Scout and Atticus symbolize the importance and impact of empathy, even when one’s actions seem undeserving of it. Atticus -- a lawyer, a father, but most importantly, a man of moral righteousness and empathy. While
Many people in this world cannot have empathy. Empathy is the ability to share and understand someone’s feelings. In the story "To Kill a Mockingbird,"presents the theme of empathy. Characters in this book show almost little to no empathy, as they are seen acting discriminatory, racist, and can make hostile comments. However, some characters in To Kill a Mockingbird many people in this world cannot have empathy.
He says” Mrs. dubose was a great lady … she said she was going to leave this world beholden to nothing and nobody … she was the bravest person i ever know” Atticus took the chance to see the bigger picture. Which shows us that people aren't what they they seem. And once we took the chance to see what was underneath we realised how complex and courageous mrs. dubose actually was.
In her novel, Lee illustrates that empathy and compassion allow for a deeper connection and builds a stronger bond between people. Atticus is a great example of a character who shows compassion to those around him, such as Tom Robinson. He takes on Tom’s court case and defends him from Bob and Mayella Ewell. Tom was accused of raping Mayella, and Atticus did the best he would ensure their best chance of winning.