Empathy In To Kill A Mockingbird

Harper Lee's novel "To Kill a Mockingbird", investigates the aspects of human nature and the importance of empathy. Throughout the novel, Lee displays empathy through her many characters and their thoughts. The ability of empathy that disempowers ignorance. Furthermore, empathy plays a major role in assisting Justice. Finally, justice is restored by the courage and wisdom that empathy provides. Overall, ‘To kill a Mockingbird’ illuminates how Lee demonstrated the importance of empathy to a large degree.

In "To Kill a Mockingbird" empathy is used to disempower ignorance. Lee showcases this by Atticus Finch embodying this idea, constantly encouraging his children to see the world from other people's perspectives and to treat everyone with kindness

Therefore, Atticus's words emphasise the importance of empathy in understanding others, and he continually reinforces this message throughout the novel. Additionally, despite being wrongly accused of a crime and facing prejudice and hatred from the townspeople, Tom maintains his humanity and shows kindness and compassion towards others. When Scout and Jem visit Tom's family after his death, they meet his wife and children, who are still grieving his loss. Scout notes that "Tom's death was a part of the family, and the children crept to their mother's arms" (Page 283). Thus, Tom disempowers ignorance through his empathy towards others, even in the face of hatred. Finally, Boo is viewed with suspicion and fear by many of the townspeople, who believe that he is a dangerous and unstable individual. However, Boo is a kind and gentle person who has been misunderstood and mistreated by others.

Lee displays this through the trial of Tom Robinson, and despite the overwhelming evidence in Tom's favour, he is still found guilty due to the racist beliefs and prejudices of the jury. However, Atticus's defence of Tom is rooted in his ability to empathise with Tom's experiences and to see the world from his perspective. He notes, "The witnesses for the state have presented themselves to you gentlemen, to this court, in the cynical confidence that their testimony would not be doubted, confident that you gentlemen would go along with them on the assumption – the evil assumption – that all Negroes lie, that all Negroes are basically immoral beings" (Page 205). Therefore, Atticus shows how empathy can be a powerful force for justice and equality. Additionally, in the aftermath of Tom Robinson's death, the tragedy of Tom's wrongful conviction and subsequent death, suggests that his legacy lives on through the compassion and empathy of those who knew him. Atticus notes, "I guess Tom was tired of white men's chances and preferred to take his own" (Page 315). Thus, Tom's actions were motivated by a desire for justice and equality, as well as a recognition of the importance of empathy and compassion. Finally, throughout the novel, Scout learns the importance of empathy and understanding, and how they can help to challenge injustice and promote equality. At the