Question

In 150-200 words, briefly compare and contrast one way in which the film and novel versions of To Kill a Mockingbird deal with the theme of empathy.

Answer 1

Empathy is one of the most important themes that the novel To Kill a Mockingbird develops. This is developed in both the movie and the book.

One example of empathy in the movie is the way Atticus defends Tom Robinson. We can see that he is very passionate about what he is doing, and he is genuinely troubled by the fact that Tom Robinson is being unfairly accused. He is empathetic because he is able to put himself in other people's shoes. This is where his sense of justice comes from, and the reason why he agrees to defend Tom Robinson.

One example of empathy in the book is the conflict that Jem has with the verdict. He has slowly transformed throughout the movie. He went from being a child to being closer to an adult. This means that he is beginning to see the world as what it is, a complex place where things are rarely fair. Jem, therefore, struggles with the fact that he is empathetic towards other people, but is also deeply angered when others do not demonstrate that same quality.

Answer 2

Answer: It is the same in both the film and novel. In to kill a Mockingbird, Atticus shows empathy more than others. He also teaches his children how to show empathy. He often tells Jem and Scout to  "Put yourself in their shoes". Tom Robinson also had empathy and it caused him to be accused of raping Mayella Ewell.