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  • Essay / The importance of empathy in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

    To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee was published in 1960. Throughout the novel, Harper Lee uses the character Scout to advance the guest reading that it is important to empathize with others, put yourself in their shoes and consider things from their point of view. Scout conveys this message through the development of her empathy as she matures throughout the novel. On Scout's first day of school, she shows understanding towards Walter Cunningham. Later in the novel, Scout begins to develop empathy towards Boo Radley. By the end of the novel, Scout fully develops her empathy towards Boo Radley as she has matured. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay As for Kill a Mockingbird, Scout's progress becomes more empathetic. Scout is now old enough to go to school and even though her first day seems overwhelming and unfair, she develops empathy. On Scout's first day of school, Miss Caroline Fisher, the new teacher at Maycomb School, offers Walter Cunningham money for food because she sees that he is malnourished. When Walter does not accept the money, Scout explains that "the Cunninghams never took anything they couldn't pay back... They don't have much, but they get along fine." . This shows that Scout is not prejudiced against the Cunninghams because they are poor and instead respects the Cunninghams for their values. Through Scout's actions, the audience can see Scout understand the empathy and problems of others to a large extent. According to the main phrase of To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout is described as a thoughtful but unempathetic child. Originally, when Scout and Jem come across Boo Radley, dark and described in the novel as a monster locked in his father's house for over 15 years. Jem and Scout together try to trick Boo Radley into leaving his house. Later, Jem and Scout realize that they have annoyed a man who should be ignored inside his house. For example, the moment Jem recognizes, he says, “Scout, I think I'm beginning to understand something. I think I'm starting to understand why Boo Radley has been cooped up in the house all this time. . . It’s because he wants to stay inside.” Scout's ability to understand this, especially given her unique perspective on Boo Radley, demonstrates that she is developing empathy towards Boo Radley. Through her actions, you could describe Scout as simply being curious about the world and beginning to understand empathy. Scout's attitude towards Boo Radley matures as she becomes more empathetic. At the end of the book, as she stands on the porch after Scout drops Boo Radley off at his house, she thinks of Boo and says to herself, "Atticus was right...you never really know a man until you put in his place and walk. around them.” Because of Scout's ability to understand Atticus' advice, she was able to understand and see things from a mockingbird's perspective and understand why it would have been difficult for Boo. This metaphor shows that Scout has empathy towards Boo Radley and his difficult life. As Scout grows, she begins to understand people better, effectively reminding readers that it is important to consider things from other people's perspectives. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay like As the essay shows, throughout her difficulties living in Maycomb County, Scout managed to change and.