Empathy, the ability to understand and share the thoughts and feelings of others, is an important part of our humanity. How do w
e best express empathy? How does showing and accepting compassion help inform our understanding of the world? In this unit, we read an excerpt Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird. In the reading, Atticus Finch tells his daughter, Scout, "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."
You may pick a different book and a different quote, but you must receive approval from the teacher BEFORE submitting. You must provide a copy of the reading for the teacher to review. If picking another reading, remember that the objective of the assignment is to discuss empathy.
For this essay, you will craft a three-paragraph response (4-6 sentences per paragraph) to answer the following:
Please analyze the significance of this quote. What does this quote mean and why is it important?
How does this quote connect to your life? Provide at least 1 example.
Please also include a conclusion paragraph that restates main ideas and wraps up your reflection.
Essay Outline: Quote Analysis
Paragraph 1 Introduction
Introduce the story and the author
Identify the speaker of the quote and the setting.
Identify 2-3 specific reasons you think this quote is important to the story.
Paragraph 2: How does this quote connect to your life?
In 3-4 sentences, answer the following question: How does this quote connect to your life?
Provide at least 1 example of how this quote relates to you.
Paragraph 3: Conclusion
Write 2 sentences explaining why you think this quote is still relevant today.
In 1-2 more sentences, restate your main reasons you think this quote is important to the story.
