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How Does Atticus Show Empathy In To Kill A Mockingbird

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"To Kill a Mockingbird" is a novel written by the American author Harper Lee. The Story took in the time of the Great Depression, the story follows young Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father, the morally upright lawyer Atticus Finch, throughout the story it revolves around Atticus defending a black man named Tom Robinson, who has been falsely accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Well. Despite compelling evidence in favor of Tom’s innocence, the racially biased jury finds Tom Robinson guilty. The character of Atticus Finch serves as a beacon of morality, a figure who not only upholds justice but also personifies it. Through his actions and words, Atticus demonstrates an unwavering commitment to fairness and empathy, ultimately …show more content…

This quote highlights Atticus' belief in the importance of individual moral judgment, even when it goes against societal norms. As well, Atticus teaches his children the value of empathy, advising them to "climb into someone's skin and walk around in it" (Lee 39). This metaphor serves as a powerful reminder that understanding others is essential in making fair and compassionate decisions. Atticus' character embodies the literary device of a moral compass, guiding other characters and readers alike in discerning right from wrong. His unwavering commitment to justice is evident when he asserts, "Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win" (Lee 101). This quote reflects his determination to fight for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Additionally, Atticus emphasizes the importance of integrity when he says, "Before I can live with other folks, I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience" (Lee 120). This quote not only reiterates his belief in individual morality but also emphasizes the importance of personal

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until you climb into his skin and walk around in it” (39). This quote is one of the most impactful ones throughout the story. Atticus displays that instead of automatically feeling rage towards the person, you should consider the other person’s point of view and understand their emotions. Atticus teaches another lesson about empathy, but this time, it was to Scout's brother, Jem. Mr. Finch was defending, Tom Robinson, the defendant, who was accused of raping a white woman by Bob Ewell and his daughter Mayella.

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901 Words | 4 Pages

Father, lawyer, and friend, the gentlemanly Atticus Finch hopes to shape the character of his children. The novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, is the story of the childhood of a young girl named Jean Louise “Scout” Finch. Throughout the book, Scout’s father, Atticus, tries his best to raise her and her brother, Jem, the right way as a single parent. To Kill a Mockingbird exemplifies the way the character of Atticus Finch either uses ritual or abandons it in order to develop certain character qualities within his children. He specifically focuses on the development of honesty, courage, and humility.

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As Atticus says, "I'm no idealist to believe firmly in the integrity of our courts and in the jury system - that is no ideal to me, it is a living,

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1114 Words | 5 Pages

In the book To Kill A Mockingbird there was a family in the book that called themselves the Finches. There were 3 people in the family. Scout was the daughter in the book, she is in first, second, and third grade. Jem was the son, through the book he went through fifth, sixth, and seventh grade. Atticus was the dad, he defended Tom Robinson in the trial.

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805 Words | 4 Pages

To Kill a Mockingbird is a story that is filled with an intense plot that keeps readers entertained. Harper Lee uses writing techniques to develop mystery, tension, and surprise throughout the story. In the novel, Tom Robinson, a Black man, is falsey accused of raping a white woman. Atticus decides to defend him in court and is faced with threats from the community. The novel follows the story of Atticus’ children, Jem and Scout, during the thrilling events.

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585 Words | 3 Pages

Atticus is saying you got to see what others see and be in their shoes in order to think if they are a bad person or not. This statement is a very intelligent statement from him because in today’s world, people only see the bad in others, they never try to understand people from their own perspective. Both of these quotes shows a very excellent example of how people should accept

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Using empathy from To Kill a Mockingbird in real-world scenarios, I remember an important moment when I was in elementary school, I remember a situation that happened during recess in second grade. This situation gave me important lessons in empathy and understanding others' perspectives. I was playing a game of cops and robbers with my friends, and then all of a sudden one of my friends tried to run away from his jail cell, he hit his head on the slide, which caused him to get hurt. Instead of owning up to the mistake, he said I hit him, which left me feeling angry and at a loss of class dojo points. Using Atticus' wisdom from "To Kill a Mockingbird," I tried to think of the situation from my friend's point of view.

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Nonetheless, people in the real world face prejudice from the society for many reasons: race, gender, social class, etc. Upstanders such as Atticus need to put aside their own feelings and stand up for what is right. Thus, the community will achieve an atmosphere of peace and develop everlasting friendships. It is important to stand up for the truth and justice because “it is a sin to kill a mockingbird” (Lee

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686 Words | 3 Pages

From the novel, Atticus states, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from

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By urging others to look beyond prejudice and embrace their moral obligations, Atticus demonstrates extraordinary courage. Furthermore, Atticus's unwavering trust in the court system further exemplifies his courage in the face of racism. Despite acknowledging its imperfections, he firmly states, "I'm no idealist to believe firmly in the integrity of our courts and in the jury system—that is no ideal to me, it is a living, working reality" (Pg 207). Atticus's faith in the court system serves as a testament to his courage.

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567 Words | 3 Pages

This also shows how strong of a moral character he has. Atticus always tried to follow the Golden Rule by treating everyone how they want to be treated. Atticus states, “If spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that's something I'll gladly take” (218). This shows how compassionate Atticus was to everyone he had met because he cared about them. The text also states, “ You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view” (39).

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1146 Words | 5 Pages

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee tells a story of racial prejudice during the Depression and how it is combated. The main development in the novel is that a Atticus, the father of Scout and Jem, has been appointed to defend Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a young white woman named Mayella. Many people in the town of Maycomb, particularly people involved with the case of Tom, have a negative attitude towards African Americans. Prejudice was a terrible issue in the South during the Depression, but Atticus Finch shows that racial injustice can be combated in two main ways, each having different levels of effectiveness.

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1630 Words | 7 Pages

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a historical fiction novel told in the eyes of a young girl named Scout  as her father, Atticus Finch , a lawyer in the 1950’s in  Alabama, is burdened with the task of defending a black man, Tom Robinson, of harming a white girl, Mayella Ewell. “Caged Bird”

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551 Words | 3 Pages

Here Atticus preaches understanding of everyone and everything around us, and only then will you be able to judge. Later on in the book Atticus tell his children what real courage is, and what we. Should always strive for. "I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It 's when you know you 're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what"(Lee, 128).

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994 Words | 4 Pages

This quote is really deep in thought and is hard to understand for a younger person like Atticus's

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