Examples Of Empathy In To Kill A Mockingbird

Growing up, many people struggle to learn the skill of demonstrating empathy for others. By definition, empathy means the ability to understand and share the feelings of one another. That is to say, empathy builds connections between people and makes society more prone to help each other. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee protagonist Atticus Finch demonstrates empathy towards Maycomb’s African Americans and less fortunate. As a matter of fact, Atticus’ empathetic skills taught his children Scout and Jem to demonstrate empathy towards others by setting inspiring examples of it for them.
To begin with, Atticus demonstrates empathy towards African Americans when he agrees to defend Tom Robinson, an African American, who is being falsely accused of raping and beating Mayella Ewell, a white woman. Atticus explains to Scout that everyone is equal despite their skin color and is the reason why he is defending Tom. Also, Atticus defends Tom because he is trying to fight for equality in his town Maycomb that is known for great discrimination. Atticus understands the fear and pain Tom Robinson and his family feel about the case, regardless if they are African American.
Furthermore, Tom
Bob Ewell, the father of Mayella, was furious at Atticus for defending Tom in the first place. However, Bob was frightened that the people of Maycomb would discover the truth that he beats Mayella. Therefore, Bob Ewell cursed at Atticus, threatened to kill him, and then spit in his face. Atticus explains to Scout and Jem that they must climb into his skin and understand his motives. Atticus demonstrates empathy towards Mayella when he says, “So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that's something I'll gladly take. He had to take it out on somebody, and I'd rather it be me than that household of children out there” (Page