How Does Atticus Show Empathy In To Kill A Mockingbird

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“Never underestimate the ripple effect of your words and actions” (Cruz 1) In the Novel To Kill a Mocking Bird, there are many incidents where Atticus’s word choices and actions affects those around him in positive ways. When Atticus takes on Tom Robinson’s case, tensions rise in the city of Maycomb. Atticus’s being optimistic and having a positive attitude regardless of the outcome helps change the perspective of how those around him view other things. The theme in To Kill a Mockingbird of empathy dispels ignorance is conveyed through the characterization of Atticus and the symbol of the mockingbird. The characterization of Atticus helps identify the theme of the story. Atticus is introduced as Scout and Jem's father. He teaches them important life lessons like empathy and equality. He encourages the kids to see things from other …show more content…

Tom's skin color. Atticus says, "There's nothing more sickening to me than a low-grade white man who'll take advantage of a Negro's ignorance." (Lee 296) By Atticus saying this it shows his strong value of equality and fairness. When he says "There's nothing more sickening to me" it shows his hatred towards discrimination and prejudice. This shows Atticus as being principled because although he knew going into the trial that he would not win because of Tom's skin color, he still saw it through because he sees no difference between the skin colors and believes everyone is equal. Atticus’s actions of sticking up for what is right helps convey the theme because although he didn’t win or get the results he wanted, he still showed empathy for those of color and by putting up a strong fight it shows him trying to gain empathy for Tom to disrupt the ignorance of the Caucasian people and what they see of the stereotypical idea of people of color. The symbol of the mockingbird helps further convey the theme empathy dispels ignorance in the novel To Kill a