In Chapter 11, the Finch's racist neighbor, Mrs. Dubose, is continually making rude comments directed towards Jem as he passes her house. Jem gets extremely upset about Mrs. Dubose's ignorant comments, and Atticus tries his best to settle him down. Atticus does not respond with hatred, and shows empathy for Mrs. Dubose by telling Jem,
"Easy does it, son...She's an old lady and she's ill. You just hold your head high and be a gentleman. Whatever she says to you, it's your job not to let her make you mad" (Lee 63).
In Chapter 16, Atticus shows empathy for Walter Cunningham following the incident that took place outside of Tom Robinson's cell. Instead of ridiculing Walter for being a violent racist, Atticus tells his children,
"Mr. Cunningham's basically a good man...he just has his blind spots along with the rest of us" (Lee 97).
Atticus is forgiving and displays his tolerance by blaming Walter's decision to harm Tom Robinson on mob mentality.
In Chapter 23, Atticus shows empathy for Bob Ewell after Bob spits in his face at the post office. Atticus does not criticize Bob for his rude, aggressive behavior and tells Jem,
"see if you can stand in Bob Ewell's shoes a minute. I destroyed his last shred of credibility at that trial, if he had any to begin with. The man had to have some kind of comeback, his kind always does. So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that's something I'll gladly take" (Lee 134).
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