To Kill A Mockingbird Empathy Essay

Scout demonstrates a lack of empathy by never comprehending the struggles others face. This is shown through the teacher’s misunderstandings of Walter’s situation, where as a result Scout beats him up. By never taking at hand Walters condition Scout is absent of empathy. Similarly Jem doesn’t always take into account others emotional trauma. Falsely advertising Boo Radley’s life story, Jem blatantly thinks he is a “monster” not trying to fathom the effects this might cause on Boo’s self-esteem. The motive behind Jem’s actions stems from an unknowing of empathy. Despite this Scout begins to comprehend the importance of empathy. When Atticus advises Scout “To fight with [her] head than [her] fist” she takes it into consideration, then later
uses it. Although Cecil speaks negatively of Atticus, Scout backs down when the opportunity to fight Cecil arises. Jem correspondingly to Scout gains an understanding of empathy. Atticus regards Jem’s lack of empathy as troublesome, resulting in him explaining to Jem that “you never understand a person until you climb into his skin” As a result Jem realizes that he should be empathetic towards innocents resulting him to end his childish behavior. Jem contains a lack of emotional courage, by having his opinion be based off of physical courage.
When Jem is dared to touch the Radley house it is coupled with him not thinking about the repercussions of cutting Ms. Dubose’s flowers by them both displaying physical courage. Jem is considered ignorant, by him not considering there to be an additional courage. Scout equally exhibits a physical courage through not understanding that words are more effective than brute force. Given that when coming upon Atticus in a compromising situation at the jail house “[she] kick[s] the man swiftly”, thinking that was the most plausible way to handle the situation. Perceiving fighting to be more effective than communication leaves Scout morally incapable. Jem takes into mind moral courage. As a result of Ms. Dubose halting her morphine addiction Jem takes care of her when she was experiencing immense pain. Significantly Jem learnt through Ms. Dubose the true meaning of courage while Atticus additionally explains that “[he] wanted [him] to see real courage.” Scout learns the effectiveness in rationally talking to someone rather than using violence to solve a problem. The physical courageous Scout displayed at the jail house, is followed with her subduing the mob with innocent small talk. By listening to Atticus’ lecture Scout shied away from fighting causing Scout to grasp the importance of emotional
courage.