Examples Of Compassion In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Compassion for mistakes Nearly everyone is worthy of compassion and sympathy, even if they make mistakes or have mal-intent . In the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, Mayella Ewell accuses Tom Robinson, a black man, of raping her. It is evident that she is lying to all of the faces in the court by her mannerisms and wordings. Due to Tom’s testimony we learn what actually happened, Mayella would often ask Tom to help her with something, but the last time she decided to make a move. Mayella pushed herself at Robinson but he did not reciprocate, so he ran off as far and fast as possible. Hearing this it is simple to mark Mayella as a horrible person worthy of nothing, but she truly is a sympathetic character. Mayella Ewell deserves compassion regardless …show more content…

While Mayella was being interviewed she thought Atticus was mocking her. A realization occurred and that realization was, “I wondered if anybody had ever called her “ma’am,” or “Miss Mayella” in her life; probably not, as she took offense to routine courtesy. What on earth was her life like?” (Lee 184). Mayella Seems to have never received proper respect in her life, She is offended by simple civility because she thinks she is being mocked. Mayella’s life is not filled with joy; she takes care of her family’s home, is never helped out by her siblings, and is abused by her father. Mayella has a lot to deal with thanks to her father and siblings, “others are choosing to acknowledge suffering (their own and others’) and wish to see the relief of suffering. This notion can get lost at times when doing these practices in solitude” (Jazaieri). Mayella does not have the atmosphere or ability to acknowledge her suffering; neither alone or with others. She does not have the ability to process or talk through her feelings, Mayella can not recognize that she is suffering as much as she is. The only way Mayella can process her feelings is to spin a web of lies to which unfortunately involves the prosecution of Tom Robinson. Her actions are unhealthy and inexcusable but they are the only way She can keep her suffering at

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