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Empathy In To Kill A Mockingbird

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It is clear that the relationships young kids develop with those who are different from them can shape them into who they will become. In the novel To Kill a Mocking Bird, the author Harper Lee has two young siblings, Scout and Jem, form many meaningful relationships with people who are different from each other, These relationships are formed by Lee to teach how empathy can be learned through spending meaningful time with others who differ from us and who have a different perspective on life. Readers of this novel can see for themselves that Harper Lee believes empathy is a critical skill all children must start learning from a young age by those who may have a different perspective then they do.

Without question, the relationships young …show more content…

When reading and examining these relationships the readers can see Lee’s view on empathy and how it should be thought and learned. In To Kill a Mockingbird when Lee has Scout and Jem return to school, Scout is faced with her first challenge of empathy. One of the first encounters Scout has at school is one with Walter Cunningham Jr. Walter is a dirt poor boy who had caused Scout to get into trouble with her teacher, which causes Scout to start beating him up, when her brother Jem see’s this he apologizes on behalf of Scout and ask’s if Walter would join their family for dinner. After a reluctant yes from Walter they are eating at the Finch’s dinner table. Whilst converting with Atticus, Scouts Dad Walter …show more content…

The classroom classic To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee contains much mystery surrounding a character called Boo Radley. He is rarely seen as he chooses to live an isolated life style and not leave his house unless it is out of necessity. This necessity presents itself towards the end of the novel when Bob Ewell, an unfriendly townsman tries to attack and kill Jem and Scout late at night in the street outside the Radley household. Because of the lack of light Scout is confused by this attack and rescue mission. When Heck Tate, the town sheriff and Atticus question her on what exactly went down she recites it best she can and they figure out who it was that did the rescuing, Who was it?” “Why there he is, Mr. Tate, he can tell you his name.” As I said it, I half pointed to the man in the corner, but brought my arm down quickly lest Atticus reprimand me for pointing. It was impolite to point.” This quote is said after Mr. Tate ask’s Scout who it was that saved her and her brother. Although the relationship between Boo Radley and the kids does not have many words exchanged it is the most monumental for the growth of the children’s empathy, because he is the polar opposite of Scout and

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