In to Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee revealed that empathy is a learned trait, and it is hard to rid old ways. This is exhibited through 3 important characters in the novel; Atticus Finch, Bob Ewell, and Jean Louise Finch (Scout.) Atticus, Scout, and Bob Ewell are all very important examples of people who empathy has affected the most. Atticus shows how necessary of a skill empathy is in the book, and teaches it to the whole town; even his enemies. Scout originally did not have the skill to empathize, but thanks to Atticus, earns it.
Essay How Scout is influenced Throughout the Novel. Scout a young girl in the novel “To kill a Mockingbird,” has been influenced by many people. Scout is most influenced by Calpurnia. Calpurnia is the maid of the Finch house and a caring mother. She taught her life lessons that would help her change and mature.
Like Atticus says when he’s talking to Jem, “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.” Your opinion of Mrs. Dubose might change as you read on the book, because in the beginning she comes across as cranky, rude, and an unfriendly old lady that is always looking for peoples flaws and a fight to start. As you keep reading though, you learn about her morphine addiction and how she manages to overcome it before she dies. And that’s the reason on why Atticus doesn’t treat her as bad as she treats him. Atticus knows that even though her opinion was sometimes not wanted and not always nice to hear, it was what she thought and it was her opinion and she was just speaking her mind. And that’s why Atticus
Also in To Kill A Mockingbird Jem and Scout show courage by being adventures. In the text is “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 you see it through no matter what.” The meaning of this is that He is speaking to Jem and Scout after the death of Mrs. Dubose. The theme of courage continues throughout the text as individuals have their courage tested. The children see time and again small acts of “real courage” in the face of adversity.
In the beginning of the book, Atticus teaches Scout a valuable lesson, “If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb into his skin and walk around in it” (Lee, 30). From this, Scout learns that each person goes through their own battles no matter who they are. Scout’s Aunt Alexandra becomes an example of this class bias, as she assumes she is superior due to her wealth. When Scout asks Aunt Alexandra why she can’t play with Walter Cunningham, Aunt Alexandra replies “Because-he-is-trash, that’s why you can’t play with him.” (Lee, 225).
She understands how truly wrong embarrassment and shaming of others is. It is possible that Scout has matured and realized in truth what her place in the world around her is thanks to her father’s guidance. Scout’s understanding of life is unparalleled at such a young age, where she can distinguish between courage and cowardice
It is the responsibility of parents to teach their children the many valuable lessons that will help to guide them through their lives. This is demonstrated many times throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It is shown mostly by Atticus and Calpurnia, who are constantly giving Jem and Scout advice about what is right and what is not, in life. Scout especially, learns from Atticus not to judge people before she learns their story and also to respect people in her company, to not act like she’s better than others around her. All of these lessons help Scout’s development throughout the novel.
It is shown through more then one person and act. Courage is doing something you are afraid of, as Atticus teaches Scout and Jem, “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.” (112). This quote is in reference to Mrs. Dubose overcoming her addiction to morphine so she would die “beholden to nothing and nobody”. Atticus tells his children about Mrs. Dubose being “the bravest woman he has ever met”. She exemplifies moral courage, as she neglected her own personal suffering to follow her own
Scout was too young to really feel the despair Jem does, so she is not as affected. She continues to wonder about her mother, because she can see how much her brother misses her. The emotional courage Jem shows may inspire Scout by showing her that crying is not a bad thing. Papa in “Papa Who Wakes Up Crying in the Dark” and Jem in To Kill a Mockingbird both express emotional courage when they show their sadness at the loss of family. People shouldn’t be afraid to show emotion; It is what makes each of us unique, after all.
Courage is an attribute that few people possess, and most long to have. Courage is the ability to stand up for what is right in the face of adversity. Without men having courage, evil will always triumph. As Edmund Burke said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” Later, Einstein would repeat this in reference to Adolf Hitler. In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus portrayed his courage time and time again throughout the novel.