To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee was published in 1960. Throughout the novel, Harper Lee uses the character Scout to promote the invited reading that It's important to show empathy towards others, put yourself in their shoes and consider things from their perspective. Scout conveys this message through her development of empathy as she matures throughout the novel. Scout's first day of school shows her understanding of Walter Cunningham. Later in the novel, Scout begins to develop empathy towards Boo Radley. By the end of the novel, Scout fully develops empathy towards Boo Radley as she has matured. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay How To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout progresses become more empathetic. Scout is now old enough to attend school, and although her first day seems overwhelming and unfair, she develops empathy. On Scout's first day of school, Miss Caroline Fisher, Maycomb's new school teacher, offers Walter Cunningham money for food since she can see that he is malnourished. When Walter doesn't accept the money, Scout explains that "The Cunninghams never took anything they couldn't give back... They don't have much, but they're doing well." This shows that Scout is not prejudiced against the Cunninghams because they are poor and instead respects the Cunninghams for their values. Through Scout's actions, the audience can see Scout understand other people's empathy and problems to a great extent. From the main expression of To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout is depicted as a caring child but lacking in empathy. Originally when Scout and Jem come across Boo Radley, dark and, as described in the novel, like a monster who has been locked in his father's house for more than 15 years. Jem and Scout together attempt to trap Boo Radley into leaving his house. Later Jem and Scout realize that they have annoyed a man who needs to be ignored inside his house. For example, the moment Jem recognizes, he says, “Scout, I think I'm starting to understand something. I think I'm starting to understand why Boo Radley has been stuck in the house all this time. . . it's because he wants to stay inside." Scout's ability to understand this, especially given her unique perspective on Boo Radley, shows that she is developing empathy towards Boo Radley. Through her actions, you could portray Scout as simply someone who is curious about the world and starting to understand empathy. Scout's attitude towards Boo Radley matures as she becomes more empathetic. At the end of the book, while on the porch after Scout drops Boo Radley off at her house, she thinks of Boo and says to herself, "Atticus was right... you never really know a man until you walk in his shoes and walk." around them." Scout's ability to understand what advice Atticus had given her, she was able to understand and see things from a mockingbird's perspective and understand why it would be difficult for Boo. This metaphor shows that Scout is empathetic towards Boo Radley and his difficult life. As Scout grows, she begins to understand people better, effectively reminding readers that it's important to consider things from others' perspectives. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay essay view, throughout the hardships of her life in Maycomb County, Scout managed to change and mature as she aged and slowly generated empathy. At the beginning of the novel, Scout lacks empathy above all else.