Empathy in to Kill a Mockingbird

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"I think we all have empathy, we may not have enough courage to display it." This is a quote from American Author Maya Angelou. In the book "To Kill a Mockingbird," Harper Lee demonstrates how Scout learns to show empathy. She learns from Calpurnia, their maid, who is a mother figure to Scout. Her father Atticus, a lawyer in the town of Maycomb, is an example of courage and empathy to her. Jem, Scout's older brother, is also an example to her; he treats people with respect and empathy. Scout is taught to show empathy, from the main influences in her life, through the struggles and conflicts they face. Calpurnia teaches Scout how to empathize using examples of racism and classism. Calpurnia brought Scout and Jem to her black church "First Purchase." Scout whispered to Calpurnia "Cal," I whispered, "where are the hymn-books?" "We don't have any," she said." (Lee 120). This quote shows that Scout and Jem do not understand why the black church doesn't have any hymn books. Jem suggests that they should save the collection money for a year and buy the books. The kids feel bad and feel empathy for the black people, this is an example of the different levels of classism. Aunt Alexandra does not like the way Atticus talks around Calpurnia. Scout explains, "she waited until Calpurnia was in the kitchen, then she said, "Don't talk like that infront of them." (156). Atticus responds with, "Anything fit to say at the table's fit to say in front of Calpurnia. She knows what she means to this family." (157). This quote proves that Calpurnia is thought of as part of the family and even though she is discriminated for being black, the children are still taught to treat her with respect and have empathy towards her feelings. Scout makes fun of Walter Cunningham Jr. for putting syrup on his food. Calpurnia tells Scout, "There's somefolks who don't eat like us," she whispered
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