Empathy is a wonderful character trait to hold. Often, it is mistaken for being synonymous with sympathy, but that is not the case. Being empathetic is to be understanding of those who are going through tough times and to be open to a new way of doing things. The belief system that goes a little something like this, “my way or the highway,” has no room for the acceptance of new ways and the ability to adapt. We are quick to judge and even quicker to ignore those who are different from us. For Scout and Jem in To Kill A Mockingbird, their father, Atticus, provides the moral framework for them in maneuvering life’s troublesome moments. Although Atticus’s response to Scout after coming home from a rough day at school was an indirect relationship to the end realization, it offers a life lesson we all should appreciate. Scout and Jem find themselves encountering a unique character in Boo Radley, and without giving too much away, the words of Atticus Finch come echoing full circle. Other than the fact Scout was a tomboy, I can identify with her character. She goes through a transformation, and through her narration of To Kill A Mockingbird, it is evident to note her changes. I would like to think that the even-keel Atticus and his timely words of wisdom were pivotal contributions to the growth of Scout. He created thought-provoking ideas to ponder and work through. Scout needed the challenge to discover her place in the world, and she needed to understand that not everything was as it seems. Rightfully so, Scout was cautiously skeptical of certain people in her life, but there needs to come to a point when we can set aside differences, get to know a person, and actually be nice without stipulations. Imagine that; what a novel concept: being nice. Once we cross that empathetic threshold, we must stay true to the advancement. We owe it to our own character, as well as the other person’s character, to be empathetic of the struggles we encounter in life, the hardships that fall upon us, and the unfortunate events we face. Sometimes, all it takes is a renewed vantage point. Stay Curious, Kayla ©Inquisitive Perspectives 2017
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