To Kill A Mockingbird Empathy Essay

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Pages: 4

The ability to place yourself in the role of other is a trait that so many lack, and this trait is called empathy. In Harper Lee’s film To Kill a Mockingbird, a town by the name of Maycomb is home to the Finches, as well as many other families who are struggling during the Great Depression. Although slavery is over, racism is still prominent in the United States, while compassion is scarce. As a consequence of the actions of Boo Radley and Atticus Finch, the moral of empathy is taught in the film. Scout is able to internalize empathy with help from Boo Radley. Specifically, when Scout figures out that Boo Radley was the one to carry Jem home after he was attacked by Bob Ewell, she uncovers his true character and sees that she horribly misjudged him. This experience in the movie not only teaches Scout empathy, but also the viewer. Boo is able to put past the endless tormenting from Jem and Scout to put himself in their shoes - two innocent children in danger. Scout’s empathy displays itself to the watcher when she takes Boo by the hand and brings him over to stroke Jem’s head. Scout learns to trust …show more content…
She emphasizes the importance of being able to place yourself in the position of others by distinguishing the difference between sympathy and empathy. Scout, Atticus’ daughter, as kind and innocent as she is, struggles with empathy throughout the movie. However, the behavior of others helps to open her eyes to see how her actions have been wrong, and eventually she is able to show empathy. The moral is repeated in scenes all throughout the movie, providing viewers with valuable instances in which benevolent actions have turned a negative situation into a positive one. Lee creates these moments of unmitigated compassion that are scattered throughout the film to express the importance of practicing empathy in one’s daily