To Kill A Mockingbird Atticus Compassion Analysis

In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the character Atticus possesses the most compassion out of the other characters. Atticus is a man of profession, however, his compassionate heart can not be overlooked. Atticus tells Jem to "Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." (Lee 81) to display his compassion for those who are innocent. Compassion is the concern for the suffering or misfortune of others. A scene in the novel states that Atticus has no choice in representing Tom in the trial. At first, the novel shows that Atticus has no decision in defending Tom, however, one may later discover that Atticus wants to defend Tom. Atticus is the character that possesses the most

Dubose. Atticus explains to them that sometimes in life one has to do things one may not enjoy in order to serve others. Atticus then connects Jem and Scout’s struggle with Mrs. Dubose to himself and the trial. Atticus says to Scout and Jem “ ‘Tom Robinson’s case, is something that goes to the essence of a man’s conscience- Scout, I couldn't go to church and worship God if I didn’t try to help that man’ ” (Lee 139). The moment is showing the moral justice behind Atticus's reasoning for defending Tom. Atticus shows how not only is he defending Tom because he knows he is innocent, but he is saying how the action would literally goes against his moral conscience. Atticus shows compassion because he is choosing to see equality in others and how Tom Robinson is no less of a man because of the color of his skin. In the moment, Atticus not only shows compassion towards Tom but also genuine respect.

Atticus displays compassion for others far more than any of the other characters in the novel. Atticus has so much compassion that in fact he is able to teach his own children how to love and respect others. Atticus shows his compassion when he is being called names during the trial, choosing to be kind to those who ridicule him, and to the innocent Tom Robinson. Without Atticus having his compassion, the other characters in the novel will never grow and learn to