To Kill a Mockingbird

To begin with, Scout showed compassion for Boo Radley. In chapter 30 of To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout leads Boo Radley through the house and into the shadows on the porch. Over the course of the book, Scout realizes that Boo is not the monster she thought he was. Boo gave the children gifts, covered Scout with a blanket, and saved their lives. Scout sees that Boo has been misjudged. She understands that he is withdrawn and unused to socialization. By placing Boo in the shadows of the porch and away from the adults, she is showing that she understands his aversion to light and social interactions.

Atticus shows great compassion and tolerance when he stands up for the tom. He stands up and represents tom robinson because he believes that everyone should be treated equally in the court of law. He knows that because tom was a black person there would be a slim chance of winning. That fact never discouraged him though because he says that the main reason he is representing Tom is because, “if I didn't I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this county in the legislature.” He recited a speech, which clearly states that Tom Robinson is not guilty. In that speech he says, “our courts have their faults, as does any human institution, but in this courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are created equal.” He believed that prejudice and stereotyping is wrong.

Scout shows empathy for Jem by voluntarily accompanying him to read to Mrs Dubose when he is made to do so after destroying her flowers because she said horrible things about Atticus. For Scout, Mrs Dubose is a distressing object who then becomes the power over her afternoons forcing her and Jem to read to her. Scout decides to go with Jem a she knew he didn’t want to do it as Jem says, “Atticus, it’s all right on the sidewalk but inside it’s – it’s all dark and creepy. There’s shadows and things on the ceiling…” She goes with him even though she doesn’t like Mrs Dubose because she knows that Jem wouldn’t want to be alone reading to her and so Scout thinks it would be better if she goes along.

Later in the novel when both the children have matured since the beginning, Scout has found herself involved in the ladies meeting by Aunt Alexandra and realises what it is like to be a lady. After hearing the horrid announcement of Tom Robinson’s death, Scout sees how affected by the news