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Examples Of Empathy Quotes In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Over the course of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, the three main characters (Scout, Jem, and Dill) learn important lessons like courage, justice, and forgiveness, from characters like Atticus, Heck Tate, and Mrs. Maudie. However, the most important lesson that the kids learn over the course of the book is that of empathy. Empathy is demonstrated as well as taught to our main characters through the trial of Tom Robinson. The conviction of Tom indirectly and directly leads both Scout and Jem to empathize with Boo Radley, as well as teach all three characters that empathy goes beyond race and class. Directly after the trial of Tom Robinson (and after Tom has been convicted of a crime he didn't commit) Jem starts to empathize with Boo …show more content…

In the middle of trial, Tom is called to the stand and is told to give his testimony. During his testimony, Tom is asked by Mr. Gilmer why he helped Mayella Ewell, which Tom responds with: "I felt right sorry for her, she seemed to try more'n the rest of 'em". (Lee 224) Within the country of Maycomb, there is a clear hierarchy to class and is based on both a man's race and economic status. The class system in Maycomb is designed so that the richest black man will always be considered lesser than the poorest f white men. Because of this class disparity, the idea of a black man taking pity on white women (no matter how poor) is unthinkable. It is clear to the reader that Tom Robinson feels empathetic to Mayella Ewell due to her economic status. The process of assigning Tom Robinson a lawyer also demonstrates how empathy goes past race. When first assigned to the case, Atticus tells his brother Jack: "John Taylor pointed at me and said, 'You're It.'"(Lee 100) Judge John Taylor is in charge of assigning the lawyers to the case, and is also a resident of Maycomb for many years. As a resident of Maycomb, he would most likely be aware of the class disparity in the county and would know that Tom Robinson's word will be held to a lesser regard than the poor white Ewell's. Due to this disparity is race and class, Judge Taylor decides to

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