How Does Lee Show Empathy In To Kill A Mockingbird

When you first walk into a room filled with people, what are your initial thoughts? Usually, it would be to judge someone. If you realize that your initial thoughts about someone was negative or mean, then the next step would be to put yourself in their shoes. Throughout Part 1 in To Kill A Mockingbird, this idea is shown in various scenarios, to prove that empathy is the solution to racism and prejudice.

One of the ways the author, Harper Lee, had shown that empathy was the solution to racism and prejudice, was Jem and Scout was prejudice towards Ms. Dubose because of the way she acted towards them, but later on they showed empathy for her and she was no longer judged by them. “..We would be raked by her wrathful gaze, subjected to ruthless interrogation regarding our behavior..”, which was the
The remarks about Atticus helping Toim Robinson were arising from all over Maycomb County. Family, adults and even children who repeat whatever their parents say talk about Atticus in a poor manner. For instance, in the process of Francis aggravating Scout, he explains to her that Aunt Alexandria had said that Atticus was, “ruinin’ the family”, because he’s turned into a “nigger-lover”, and therefore they’ll, “never be able to walk the streets of Maycomb County”. If the people of Maycomb County put themselves in Tom Robinson’s shoes and showed empathy towards him, then the community wouldn’t shame him as much as they do now. In addition, in this particular case, empathy for Tom Robinson wouldn’t only justify and clarify the prejudices people have towards him, it would also stop the rants against Atticus Finch, because since Tom Robinson is being represented in court by Atticus, he often gets kicked out of the