Examples Of Compassion In To Kill A Mockingbird

Throughout Harper Lee’s fantastic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, many characters show compassion towards Arthur Radley, but most do not. Set in the 1930s, the drastic social hierarchy is at its peak. Racism, inequality, and superstition occur throughout the book, but a select few begin to look past these simple minded thoughts. Compassion is not only the sympathy for others, but a care; perhaps a form of love. Scout, a young girl who has yet to experience the classes of society, and the ways of life in Maycomb, is one fine example of compassion in this piece of literature. On the other hand, Mr. Heck Tate, county sheriff, knows the law, understands the hierarchy, and still chooses to express such sympathy for others. Miss Maudie as well sees

Arthur Radley. Tate was county sheriff of Maycomb. Being very aware, as well as understanding of the law, Mr. Tate chose throughout the novel to put the law aside, taking action for what was right, not necessarily legal. Moreover, Bob Ewell, a cruel scum-bag was after Atticus Finch’s children, Jem, and Scout. Halloween night, the Finch kids were on their way home from the school pageant. Passing in front of the Radley Place a figure lurked in the shadows: Bob Ewell. Stepping when they stepped, stopping when they stopped, the shadow attacked. Arthur Radley could not bare to watch his children get hurt. He stabbed Bob Ewell, and left him by the Radley tree to die. Boo has been isolated his whole life, and Heck Tate knew it. After the crime had been committed, Atticus was certain that his own son, Jem had killed Ewell. Knowing the truth, Heck chose to twist it. Arthur Radley had murdered Mr. Ewell with his kitchen knife, but no one in Maycomb would know that story: the true story. Instead Heck Tate told Atticus, “Mr. Finch, Bob Ewell fell on his knife. He killed himself.”(Lee 366). Furthermore, this statement was a drastic bend of the truth. Tate knew Boo was outcast in society, and preferred to stay that way. Bringing Arthur into the light of the citizens would destroy him. Tossing him into the light would either bring Boo praise as a hero, or prosecution as a murderer. Heck did not deem this

Radley. Throughout the years, Boo was always there to assist, care for, and watch over the children. Yet he lurked in the shadows, keeping his distance, and remaining unseen. Draping a blanket over the freezing kids as they watched the blazing flames engulf Miss Maudie’s house, leaving tiny gifts in the Radley tree, stitching up Jem’s pants, and saving `them from the wrath of Bob Ewell, these were all generous actions Boo carried out for the Finch’s. Scout was beyond grateful, but felt guilty she had not given back to Mr. Radley. Moments after Heck Tate explained to Atticus the story he was prepared to tell Maycomb about Ewell’s death, Scout reached out for Boo’s arm. He was to escort her to his home. Never would she escort him home, he was the gentleman, and the people needed to know this. As Scout stood on the Radley porch, facing the street she had gazed at her whole life, she finally understood. So many events had occurred in plain view from Boo’s house. Thinking that she, and Jem had never given back, was a wrong assumption. From the comfort of his segregated home, Arthur lived through the children, continuing to only be there when they needed his aid. Jem, and Scout had given Arthur life, exciting moments to observe, and someone to care for. Scout realized this, and felt a sense of pride, as well as compassion. Scout had thought deeply about the events