Growing up, children all over the world are taught many lessons by the people in their lives they look up to and trust the most. These lessons include methods of survival as well as ethics and morals. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch tries to teach his children many practical lessons during life despite his business as a lawyer. One of the most important lessons Atticus has for his children is displaying empathy, even if they are adversaries. Throughout the novel, empathy is displayed through both Atticus and his daughter Scout, who admires her father. Atticus displays empathy to many people in Maycomb despite society's view on how certain people should be treated. One of the groups of people he displays
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In the very beginning of the novel, Scout shows empathy for Walter Cunningham is embarrassed by Miss Caroline in front of the class. Scout states, “You’re shamin’ him, Miss Caroline. Walter hasn’t got a home to bring to you, and you can’t use any stovewood” (28). Scout tells this to Miss Caroline after her father informed her about the Cunninghams. Atticus had to explain to Scout about how the Cunninghams have little money, but they are still decent people. After this lesson, she understands that Walter can’t do anything about his family’s poverty. Also, she knows that she would be embarrassed if she was put in his position. The second person she shows empathy towards is Boo Radley. From the very beginning of the novel, Boo is the main subject of the town gossip because of all of the supposed actions he has committed. Even though Scout hears stories frequently about him, she still believes that he is a good person. Her suspicions are proved correct when she imagines things from his point of view. The text states, “Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you step in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the radley porch
In the very beginning of the novel, Scout shows empathy for Walter Cunningham is embarrassed by Miss Caroline in front of the class. Scout states, “You’re shamin’ him, Miss Caroline. Walter hasn’t got a home to bring to you, and you can’t use any stovewood” (28). Scout tells this to Miss Caroline after her father informed her about the Cunninghams. Atticus had to explain to Scout about how the Cunninghams have little money, but they are still decent people. After this lesson, she understands that Walter can’t do anything about his family’s poverty. Also, she knows that she would be embarrassed if she was put in his position. The second person she shows empathy towards is Boo Radley. From the very beginning of the novel, Boo is the main subject of the town gossip because of all of the supposed actions he has committed. Even though Scout hears stories frequently about him, she still believes that he is a good person. Her suspicions are proved correct when she imagines things from his point of view. The text states, “Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you step in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the radley porch