Empathy means understanding what another person feels and being able to see the world from their perspective. In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Jem and Scout Finch learn to show empathy under their father's influence. Atticus Finch teaches Jem and Scout to empathize through his demonstrations, advice, and encouragement, so they can influence the future of Maycomb County and know the difference between right and wrong. Atticus demonstrates the virtue of empathy by fearlessly allowing Bob Ewell's anger to be taken upon himself, without any retaliation. Scout learns from her father's actions and now, when she gets the urge to start a fight at school, she will keep her fists down and make an effort to be understanding just like Atticus is towards Bob. In addition to the demonstration, Mr. Finch explains how he empathized by adding, “So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell from one more beating, that's something I'll gladly take” (292). Atticus knows that Mayella would have been Bob's punching bag if he hadn't been around, so he freely takes the blame....