Empathy, the ability to understand and share the thoughts and feelings of others, is an important part of our humanity. How do we 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.