Scout: Compassion

In the selection I read of the dramatic reading, Scout realizes how Mayella Ewell "must have been the loneliest person in the world." And, as Tom Robinson continues his testimony, Scout sees that he will be punished for nothing but showing kindness to Mayella. Scout becomes compassionate toward Tom, but at the same time takes some pity on Mayella Ewell. The hands represent the sympathy Scout feels for others, even if the rest of Maycomb is too prejudiced to have kind feelings.