How Is Atticus Empathetic Character

Harper Lee emphasizes facets of Atticus’ character through Atticus’ dealings with Mrs. Dubose and with the conversation he has with Jem. When Jem came home after destroying the Camellia bushes Atticus comes to confront Jem of his actions. In this event, Atticus establishes himself as an understanding and empathetic person. In this event Atticus asks Jem what provoked him to behave in the manner that Jem did, Jem says “ she (Mrs.Dubose) said you lawed for negroes and trash.” Atticus replies by saying “ Son, I have no doubt that you’ve been annoyed by your contemporaries about me lawing for negroes, … but to do something like this to a sick old lady is inexcusable. I strongly advise you to go down and have a talk with Mrs. Dubose,” ( TKAM ch11 Pg 138).

When Jem returned from cleaning up Mrs. Dubose’s destroyed bushes, Atticus handled the situation in a responsible manner. “There was no point in saying you were sorry if you aren’t,” Atticus says. As can be seen, Atticus has clear morals and straightforward beliefs. This provides to the fact that he believes that everything you say you should mean. “Jem, she’s old and ill. You can’t hold her responsible for what she says and does,” Atticus states. This further lends to the fact that Atticus is kind and forgiving. By being civil towards Mrs. Dubose, even after she insulted him, he demonstrates the respectful and accepting part of his personality. “Of course, I’d rather she’d have said it to me than to either of you, but we can’t always have our ‘druthers,” Atticus says. Atticus portrayed his responsibility and protectiveness by saying that he would rather Mrs. Dubose had said the insults to him than to his