Original artwork, not a still
To Kill a Mockingbird ‧ 1960
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
This is empathy defined as a practical act, taught by a father to a cross schoolgirl over an argument about her teacher. Atticus makes understanding something you do, not something you feel, and the book then tests it on everyone from Boo Radley to Mayella Ewell. It is probably the line most often quoted from the novel in classrooms.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for To Kill a MockingbirdShow the scene
In Chapter 3, Scout's first day at school has gone badly. She has beaten up Walter Cunningham in the schoolyard, then watched her teacher, Miss Caroline, break down in tears when a classmate named Burris Ewell insulted her. Back home she tells Atticus she can't go back and begs to be excused. On the porch he gives her a lesson: you never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view and climb into his skin and walk around in it. He points out that Miss Caroline had no way of knowing she could not give something to a Cunningham.
Sources (2)
- LitCharts, To Kill a Mockingbird quotesChapter 3 quote on climbing into another person's skinReference checked
- LitCharts, Chapter 3 summarySummaryReference checked
Context reviewed
